Contact Egyptology
Coordinator: Steven Gregory

The Egyptology Group meets at Harborne Baptist Church on the third Thursday of the month, to discuss many aspects of the history and culture of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Topics of interest include art, literature, daily life, warfare and conquest, religion and ideology: but we may consider any aspect of pharonic society as it developed over some four millennia..

The first meeting was held on 20th May 2025, when 20 u3a members were present. On average twelve members attend each meeting, not always the same individuals- with apologies being offered by others. This suggests that interest in the group is being sustained. The group is open to new members.

Providing a broad overview of the subject. PowerPoint presentations have been given on:

• topics pertinent to Egyptological inquiry
• a timeline for ancient Egyptian history
• pharaonic gods and goddesses
• ancient Egyptian temples
• The ideology of pharaonic kingship

Further presentations are prepared on the topics of “Death and the Afterlife” and “An Introduction to Reading Hieroglyphs” for delivery in the coming meetings. That said, the programme remains fairly flexible, and open to input from members regarding their own topics of interest as their subject knowledge develops.

To widen the interest in the subject further I have also been in contact with outside organisations. In communication with Dr Leire Olabarria, Associate Professor in Egyptology at the University of Birmingham. I have extended an invitation to her postgraduate students to present their research to the group, should they wish to. I have also been in touch with Dr Carl Graves, Director of the Egypt Exploration Society who has extended an invitation to group members to visit his London offices.

If you are interested in joining this group please contact the coordinator at the link above.