Prehistory of Egypt

This module provides an in-depth exploration of Egypt's prehistoric past, from the earliest human presence in the region to the emergence of the Pharaonic state. It covers the cultural, environmental, and technological developments that shaped human societies in Egypt during the Paleolithic, Epipaleolithic, Neolithic, and Predynastic periods.

Students examine archaeological evidence from key regions, including the Nile Valley, Western Desert oases, and Red Sea coast, to understand human adaptation to shifting climatic conditions and evolving landscapes. Emphasis is placed on lithic industries, subsistence strategies, burial practices, settlement patterns, and symbolic expression such as rock art and ritual architecture.

The course critically engages with major archaeological sites such as Nazlet Khater, Merimde Beni Salama, el-Badari, Naqada, and Hierakonpolis, while addressing current debates around state formation, cultural interaction, and chronology. Students are also introduced to methodological approaches used in prehistoric archaeology, including typological analysis, radiocarbon dating, and environmental reconstruction.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Develop a chronological framework of Egyptian prehistory.
  2. Understand the cultural and technological development of prehistoric societies in Egypt.
  3. Analyze material culture (e.g., lithics, ceramics, burial assemblages) to interpret past human behavior.
  4. Evaluate key archaeological sites and their contributions to the understanding of Egypt’s prehistory.
  5. Explore theoretical and methodological issues in prehistoric research.

Assessment Methods:

  1. Written examinations
  2. Research assignments
  3. Site report analysis
  4. Seminar presentations

Teaching Methods:

  1. Lectures
  2. Case studies of major archaeological sites
  3. Discussions and critical readings
  4. Optional field visits or practical lab work (when available)
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