Faculty First Year Seminars 197ANTH6 - The Pyramids of Egypt: Why and
Spring
2014
01
1.00
Michael Sugerman
M 1:25PM 2:15PM
UMass Amherst
59561
The pyramids of Egypt were not built in a vacuum: they emerged as symbols of power during a thousand years of cultural change that culminated in the creation of a unified state in Egypt. And the pyramids were not built to stand alone: they were parts of religious complexes built to worship the rulers buried within.
In this seminar we will explore early Egypt, and examine the social, political, and economic changes that are symbolized by the pyramids. We will study the technologies used to design and build such monumental structures.
We will study some of the methods archaeologists use to investigate ancient cultures, and consider the more recent roles Egyptian pyramids have played in Egypt, Europe, and the Americas. More broadly, we will look at public practices surrounding death and burial, and how they are created by - and reinforce cultural identities in - ancient and modern cultures.
In this seminar we will explore early Egypt, and examine the social, political, and economic changes that are symbolized by the pyramids. We will study the technologies used to design and build such monumental structures.
We will study some of the methods archaeologists use to investigate ancient cultures, and consider the more recent roles Egyptian pyramids have played in Egypt, Europe, and the Americas. More broadly, we will look at public practices surrounding death and burial, and how they are created by - and reinforce cultural identities in - ancient and modern cultures.
Freshmen Only