Ask me about Egyptology!

I'm going to be starting an Egyptology degree in September. As it's a 'weird' subject, I usually get a lot of questions about it. Now I can answer them all in one place.

Here we go!

Are you doing Bachelor or Masters?

I'm going to be starting an Egyptology degree in September. As it's a 'weird' subject, I usually get a lot of questions about it. Now I can answer them all in one place.

Here we go!

A BA!

I'm going to be starting an Egyptology degree in September. As it's a 'weird' subject, I usually get a lot of questions about it. Now I can answer them all in one place.

Here we go!

Nice, what kind of things will you study about? And what are you most excited about to learn?

I'm going to be starting an Egyptology degree in September. As it's a 'weird' subject, I usually get a lot of questions about it. Now I can answer them all in one place.

Here we go!

I'm really excited to learn about the history of the New Kingdom (when Egypt reached its height as an international superpower), because I find that period fascinating. I'm also excited to learn about the evolution of the language, but also very nervous for that as well.

Hi,

Which part of Egyptology do you like the best?

What do you think about the supposed hidden chambers in Tutankhamun's tombs?

Also do you know any interesting documentaries? Egyptology documentaries are my favourite type.

Sorry for so many questions but the topic is just so interesting.

How much practical archaeology is there left to do in Egyptology? Is the subject mainly the academic study of relics that have already been uncovered or are there still many ongoing efforts to uncover new archaeological ifinds?

What do you think of the other civilisations around at the same time? (Hittites, Mittani, Assyria etc.)

Well, there are estimates that we've only discovered 10% of the relics in Egypt because of all of the sand, which wouldn't surprise me. I think at the moment it's mostly stuff we already have due to the political situation in Egypt, but there are still plenty of expeditions going on, even right now, although I think their finds might be staying in Egypt, although I'm not too sure about that.

If I'm being completely honest, I don't know too much about them, except for reading the Poem of Pentaur in translation, which is basically a poem about the Battle of Kadesh, in which Ramesses II is victorious over the Hittites and he mocks them for having three men to man their chariots instead of two etc. But I'm keen to learn more about Assyria, especially. Apparently they had glittery beards . . .

I love the Ramesside Period, particularly the reign of Ramesses II.

I think that there probably are chambers but they'll have a few artefacts or nothing in them. I highly doubt anything crazy will be in there. If it was me I'd be a typical early Egyptologist, say 'screw safety', and kick the wall down (just kidding).

You could watch 'Chasing Mummies' by Zahi Hawass. It's hilarious. He's like the Gordon Ramsay of Egyptology!

Egyptology, eh? You must be quite the wannabe historian. No offence. But anyway, is there any specific period in Egyptian history you will be studying? Any leaders you need to learn about? Any periods in time, perhaps the amount of dynasties there were?

Anyways, good luck with that degree.