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Harvard University

Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology

Harvard University via edX

Overview

Where is Giza? How were the Pyramids built? How did the cemeteries and hundreds of decorated tombs around them develop? What was Giza’s contribution to this first great age of ancient Egyptian civilization, the Old Kingdom?

The Giza Plateau and its cemeteries — including the majestic Pyramids and the Great Sphinx — are stirring examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and culture. They provide windows into ancient Egyptian society, but also contain mysteries waiting to be solved. The Egyptian Pyramids at Giza provide an opportunity to explore the history of archaeology and to learn about some of the modern methods shaping the discipline today.

This introductory course will explore the art, archaeology, and history surrounding the Giza Pyramids. We will learn about Egyptian pharaohs and high officials of the Pyramid Age, follow in the footsteps of the great 20th-century expeditions, and discover how cutting-edge digital tools like 3D-modeling are reshaping the discipline of Egyptology.

Join us on this online journey to ancient Egypt’s most famous archaeological site as we uncover the history and significance of Giza, and use new digital techniques to unravel the mysteries of its ancient tombs and temples.

Taught by

Peter Der Manuelian

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology

  • Martha Solomon
    Excellent course! I enjoyed the professor, Dr. Peter der Manuelian, for his knowledge, enthusiasm and humor. There were additional source readings from scholarly publications that I found especially enriching. I have an advanced degree in art history, but knew little about ancient Egypt--now I feel I know enough to enjoy future readings and exploration. This course provides real education.
  • Profile image for Stefania Natale
    Stefania Natale
    Very very interesting course. I am very happy that I did it. I have always wanted to take a course on Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology.
    I want to thank Professor Peter der Manuelian: he is truly excellent.

  • Anonymous
    This is one of my favourite MOOCs. There is a wealth of information provided in a clear manner. The use of technology to bring the art and architecture alive is outstanding as it allows you to visualise some of what has been lost. Highly recommend.
  • Anonymous
    I am a student of the higher education course in history, I am Brazilian and passionate about Egyptian history, I am in charge of its political and social organization and we must not forget its art and architecture, there are two periods left to complete my course in history. I hope one day to visit this brilliant Harvard University, and one day to visit magical places like Egypt and its pyramids.
  • Anonymous
    sou estudante do curso superior de história, sou brasileiro e um apaixonado em história egípcia, me facina sua organização política, social e não podemos esquecer de sua arte e arquitetura, faltam dois períodos para conclusão do meu curso em história. espero um dia conhecer essa brilhante Universidade Harvard, e um dia também conhecer lugares mágicos como egito e suas pirâmides.
  • Anonymous
    This was the best thing I've spent my time on in quarantine, Professor Manuelian was an extremely good teacher with a great sense of humour which made it very entertaining to learn with him.
  • Anonymous
    I am very happy to have completed this course. It was fasciniting. I have learned a lot and I enjoyed very much. I recommend this course if you want to know about Egyptian culture.

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