History 370.001
Spring 2008
Course Description
and Goals

Combining texts and archaeology, this course centers on the history and character of the ancient Egyptian imperial experience specifically during the New Kingdom (Dynasties 18-20), c. 1570-1070 BC. Topics include: the form and development of the empire, political organization, military issues (history, technology, etc.), the great battles (e.g., Megiddo, Kadesh, etc.), policies toward Nubia and Asia, rising economic wealth, social and intellectual advances, including: cosmopolitan life at home, growing cultural sophistication, influence of foreign ideas, religious issues and experimentation, King Akhenaten, the cult of the Aten and the Amarna experience; finally the retreat from empire, including the Sea People wars, the Philistine client states, and the ultimate rising threat from Nubia and Assyria.

Student presentations form an important part of the curriculum. Course credits can be applied toward Classics and Archaeology program requirements.