Wonders of Ancient Egypt

University of Pennsylvania via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wonders-ancient-egypt

Introduction

### Course Review: Wonders of Ancient Egypt If you've ever been fascinated by the grandiosity of colossal pyramids, the allure of golden treasures, or the mystique surrounding ancient hieroglyphs, then the **Wonders of Ancient Egypt** course on Coursera is tailor-made for you. This engaging course delves into the remarkable achievements and cultural practices of one of history's most enigmatic civilizations. #### Course Overview **Wonders of Ancient Egypt** presents a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian culture. The course aspires to ignite curiosity and provide insights into how Ancient Egypt influenced not only its contemporaries but also left a lasting legacy on subsequent cultures. From the golden reigns of powerful pharaohs to the intricacies of their religious beliefs, the course unravels the multifaceted society that constructed monumental temples and intricate tombs laden with symbolism. The curriculum promises an engaging exploration of the various elements that characterize ancient Egyptian life, including their art, language, religious practices, and archaeological discoveries. It draws connections between ancient narratives and the ongoing fascination they continue to inspire to this day. #### Syllabus Highlights The course is structured thoughtfully, covering a range of fundamental topics: 1. **Welcome to the Course**: An introduction to the wonders awaiting you through this exploration of Ancient Egypt. 2. **Principles of Egyptian Art**: Discover the symbolism, styles, and techniques that define ancient Egyptian art. This segment will help participants understand how art was interwoven with everyday life and spiritual beliefs. 3. **The Basics of the Language of Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs**: Get acquainted with the mysterious hieroglyphic writing system, which serves as a window into the cultural and historical narratives of Ancient Egypt. 4. **Egyptian Magic**: Delve into the intriguing world of Egyptian magic and how it played a crucial role in healing, protection, and rituals, providing insight into daily life and belief systems. 5. **Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and the Religion of the Aten**: Explore the radical religious transformation initiated by Akhenaten and its impact on Egyptian society, alongside the rise and significance of the young pharaoh, Tutankhamun. 6. **The Burial of Tutankhamun and the Search for his Tomb**: Engage with the gut-wrenching excitement of archaeology as the course leads you through Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, highlighting the significance of the artifacts found and their historical context. #### Personal Experience Having navigated through the **Wonders of Ancient Egypt**, I can attest to its engaging and informative style. The content is consistently enriched with dazzling visuals, enriching narrative, and scholarly insights, ensuring that even those with no prior knowledge of Egyptology can grasp complex ideas. The course is structured in a way that allows for self-paced learning, making it accessible to all. One of the standout features of this course is its incorporation of real-world archaeological discoveries, providing a significant bridge between history and modern study. The interactive elements, including forums and discussions, encourage a sense of community among learners, enriching the experience further. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Wonders of Ancient Egypt** course for anyone with an interest in history, archaeology, or even general cultural studies. It is particularly suited for students, educators, and enthusiasts alike who seek a deeper understanding of not just the artifacts but the immense cultural framework that supported one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Embarking on this course not only enriches your knowledge of Ancient Egypt but can also inspire you to explore more about other fascinating cultures around the world. Whether you're a casual learner or a serious student of history, this course is bound to satisfy your intellectual curiosity and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of ancient civilizations.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

Principles of Egyptian Art

The Basics of the Language of Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs

Egyptian Magic

Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and the Religion of the Aten

The Burial of Tutankhamun and the Search for his Tomb

Overview

Colossal pyramids, imposing temples, golden treasures, enigmatic hieroglyphs, powerful pharaohs, strange gods, and mysterious mummies are features of Ancient Egyptian culture that have fascinated people over the millennia. The Bible refers to its gods, rulers, and pyramids. Neighboring cultures in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean wrote about its god-like kings and its seemingly endless supply of gold. The Greeks and Romans describe aspects of Egypt's culture and history. As the 19th ce

Skills

Art History Art History Mythology

Reviews

I took these 2 courses after visiting the Penn Museum. It certainly makes me want to revisit that museum again and again! This is a great course to learn about Ancient Egypt.

Very interesting course with great on-line and book references, will be a great help and inspiration for one to visit museums containing Ancient Egyptian art and artifacts

Interesting to learn about. The only thing I didn't care for was how the quizzes looked on my computer, it was spaced all weird, and hard to tell where the question ended and where the choices began.

Excellent course even if the delivery is a bit dry. The content is top notch from an expert with plenty of visual aids. Time well spent if you like history and/or Ancient Egypt.

Very impressing, well-prepared, detailed course. I have learnt a lot and I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain insight about Ancient Egyption culture!