Lectures
Western Thebes in the Early Islamic Period: archaeology and coptic texts – Jennifer Cromwell
info@museitorino.it
011 44 06 903
From Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday 5th April 2022, at 6.00 pm, in collaboration with ACME (Amici e Collaboratori del Museo Egizio) we will host the lecture Western Thebes in the early islamic period: archaeology and coptic texts held by Jennifer Cromwell.
A Coptic ostracon from western Thebes in Turin’s collection contains a short text on its two sides. Despite how unassuming this object seems, the text itself is unique. It records the only datable mention of a solar eclipse from the entirety of Egyptian history before the Islamic period: “On the 14th day of Phamenoth of the fourth indiction year, the sun went dark at the fourth hour of the day – and in the year when Petros son of Palou was headman of the village Djeme.” Not only can this eclipse be dated, to 10 March 601, its date also makes this ostracon the earliest datable Coptic text from western Thebes. This talk will re-examine this ostracon, suggesting a new interpretation of its western Theban context, including the village that it mentions, Djeme (built in and around the mortuary temple of Rameses III, Medinet Habu), and its neighbouring monastic communities. In so doing, the talk will also present the rich evidence that survives from this region from the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of major political and social change.
Jennifer Cromwell is Senior Lecturer in Ancient History at MMU, which she joined in 2018. Her research interests lie in the social and economic history of Egypt, particularly during the 6th–8th centuries AD, and the study of Coptic documents. Her current project, Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging, addresses questions of belonging in contemporary society, and the forced migration of both people and historical artefacts.
The event will be held in English and will be introduced by Christian Greco, Director of Museo Egizio.
Free admission to the conference room subject to availability. Reservation recommended by writing an email to comunicazione@museoegizio.it.
It is mandatory to show the Super Green Pass and to wear an FFP2 mask.
The lecture will be broadcast via streaming on the Museum's Facebook page and Youtube channel
A Coptic ostracon from western Thebes in Turin’s collection contains a short text on its two sides. Despite how unassuming this object seems, the text itself is unique. It records the only datable mention of a solar eclipse from the entirety of Egyptian history before the Islamic period: “On the 14th day of Phamenoth of the fourth indiction year, the sun went dark at the fourth hour of the day – and in the year when Petros son of Palou was headman of the village Djeme.” Not only can this eclipse be dated, to 10 March 601, its date also makes this ostracon the earliest datable Coptic text from western Thebes. This talk will re-examine this ostracon, suggesting a new interpretation of its western Theban context, including the village that it mentions, Djeme (built in and around the mortuary temple of Rameses III, Medinet Habu), and its neighbouring monastic communities. In so doing, the talk will also present the rich evidence that survives from this region from the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of major political and social change.
Jennifer Cromwell is Senior Lecturer in Ancient History at MMU, which she joined in 2018. Her research interests lie in the social and economic history of Egypt, particularly during the 6th–8th centuries AD, and the study of Coptic documents. Her current project, Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging, addresses questions of belonging in contemporary society, and the forced migration of both people and historical artefacts.
The event will be held in English and will be introduced by Christian Greco, Director of Museo Egizio.
Free admission to the conference room subject to availability. Reservation recommended by writing an email to comunicazione@museoegizio.it.
It is mandatory to show the Super Green Pass and to wear an FFP2 mask.
The lecture will be broadcast via streaming on the Museum's Facebook page and Youtube channel
info@museitorino.it
011 44 06 903
From Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
