CLHUMHI130 - King Tut Revisited With the Houston Museum of Natural Science
A century after the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, a Houston Museum of Natural Science curator and archaeologist share the latest scholarship on King Tut and the field of archaeology. Learn why King Tut, a minor pharaoh who ruled for less than a decade, continues to captivate the world three thousand years later. Gain insight into the life and influence of King Tut and other pharaohs, everyday life in ancient Egypt and ancient beliefs about the afterlife. Explore the evolution of archaeological methods and how they have been revolutionized with contemporary technology such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and other tools. In addition, we consider the ethics of archaeological digs, including contemporary efforts to repatriate looted artifacts, and highlight the role Egyptians played in archaeological discoveries in their home country. Includes a private tour of “King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience.”
Note: Course includes field trip to the HMNS “King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience,” an immersive exhibit experience, containing replicas rather than original artifacts. The original treasures from Tut’s tomb are on display in Egypt in honor of this anniversary. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation for the course field trip. Course fee includes tour and parking at HMNS on May 4.
COURSE SCHEDULE
March 30. Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs, Gods and Ordinary People. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D., Houston Museum of Natural Science curator of anthropology
April 6. The Life and Times of King Tut. Michelle Marlar, Ph.D., Houston Museum of Natural Science director of Egyptian Archeological Missions
April 13. The Discovery and the Excavation of Tut’s Tomb. Michelle Marlar, Ph.D.
April 20. The Evolution of Archaeological Techniques. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D.
April 27. The Ethics of Archaeology. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D.
May 4. Exhibit Tour: Private tour of “King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience” at HMNS
Course Details
Lead Instructor
Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D., is curator of anthropology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where he specializes in human cultures. He oversees the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas and co-curates the Hall of Ancient Egypt. He took part in excavations of late Roman ruins in his native Belgium and of Maya ruins in Belize and Guatemala. Dr. Van Tuerenhout helped organize “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia,” in which the actual skeletal remains of an early hominid—known as Lucy—were displayed. He regularly serves as curator of traveling exhibitions such as “The Dead Sea Scrolls” (2004), “Mummy: The Inside Story” (2005) and “The Cave Paintings of Lascaux” (2014). Dr. Van Tuerenhout holds a master’s degree in ancient history and another in art history and archaeology from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, and a master’s degree and a doctorate in anthropology from Tulane University.
Michelle Marlar, Ph.D.- Bio coming soon.
On Campus
This course will be delivered on campus / in person. Parking and room information will be sent prior to the class start date. Last class will be a tour at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
“King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience” is an immersive exhibit experience, containing replicas rather than original artifacts. The original treasures from Tut’s tomb are on display in Egypt in honor of this anniversary. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation for the course field trip. Course fee includes tour and parking at HMNS on May 4.