WAMCAES Double Lecture - Dr Marc Gabolde & Dr Luc Gabolde

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

Egyptian gilded gold ornament depicting a bird-like figure
Pectoral Carter 261 p 1 from Tutankhamun's tomb
Image courtesy of Araldo de Luca

Western Australian Museum and the Western Australian Museum Centre for Ancient Egyptian Studies (WAMCAES) present a double lecture event

The genesis of a temple, the birth of a god: The origins of Karnak and the rise of Amun

Dr Luc Gabolde
Senior Research Fellow, National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), Montpellier (France)
2.30pm, Saturday 3 August 2013
State Library Theatre, State Library of Western Australia (entrance via Francis St)

The origins of Karnak, the greatest temple in Egypt, has long been questioned by archaeologists: is it a prehistoric site, an Old kingdom sanctuary or a Middle Kingdom creation?

Taking into account the geomorphological data and some previously ignored prehistoric material, a new vision of the development of Karnak can be proposed. The origins of it's god, Amun, was previously obscure and new research ideas may enlighten us to the dawn of this great dynastic deity. Are the mentions of Amun in the pyramid texts relevant? What was the impact of historical events on the rise of Amun’s theology as the god of Karnak, and what importance can be placed on this development of influences that draw on the solar deity, Ra-Atum or that of the ‘fecundity god’ Min?

Join Dr Luc Gabolde as he discusses a tentatively complete review of the archaeological data and recent research, combined with a new approach to the geomorphological history of the site which has offered the basis for a new hypothesis as to the historical settlement of Karnak.

Cost: Free event
Bookings: Essential by using the link below or calling 1300 134 081

Book The genesis of a temple, the birth of a god

The Amarna period: Akhenaten, Nefertiti and successors … new data and new conclusions

Dr Marc Gabolde
Lecturer, University Paul Valéry - Montpellier III
4.00pm, Saturday 3 August 2013
State Library Theatre, State Library of Western Australia (entrance via Francis St)

Who was who at Amarna? Who was buried where and when in the Royal Necropolis? Who was Tutankhamun? This talk offers an overview of the Amarna period  focusing on the political events at the end of Akhenaten's reign and succession, drawing on recent archaeological work in the Royal Necropolis and some new details on Tutankhamun's reign and DNA data.

The Amarna Period is surely one of the most fascinating periods of ancient Egypt with the first historical monotheism, ‘the most beautiful lady’ of antiquity and the most fabulous archaeological treasure ever found. However, this time period is confusing from the historical point of view with obscure personalia and unclear familial relationship. Reappraising some well-known sources and finding new ones has allowed researchers to suggest new identities and to solve some embarrassing problems regarding the succession of Akhenaten. The archaeological work in the royal wady at Amarna has contributed interesting evidence which helps to answer the still intriguing question: who was buried where and when at Amarna? Taking a fresh look at some poorly known objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb - such as the king's fan and reed cane - has provided striking new information on his life. Tutankhamun’s broad collar, the first object placed on the breast of his mummy, sheds new light on his fate and explains the mysteriously missing ribs and sternum of the most famous of pharaohs. New work in recent DNA analysis of the royal mummies provides unexpected genealogical links which allow   new genealogical tree for the royal family to be proposed.

Join Dr Marc Gabolde as he describes the new insights and understanding of the Amarna Period emerging through field research undertaken in the Royal Necropolis and other related archaeological enquiry.

Cost: Free event
Bookings: Essential by using the link below or calling 1300 134 081

Book TThe Amarna period: Akhenaten, Nefertiti and successors

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If you'd like to see both of these WAMCAES lecture's use the link below, or call 1300 134 081

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