Saturday, Oct. 10
3:30 pm EST
In-person only at the Penn Museum, Anthro Classroom 345
FREE Lecture! No registration required

Speaker: Prof. Hazem Farrag, Assistant Professor of Egyptology – Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Title: When Hieroglyphs Came Alive: Sacred Writing in the Temples of Roman Egypt

Abstract:
How did hieroglyphic writing change in the temples of Roman Egypt? Why did temple walls become increasingly dense, visual, and symbolically rich? Focusing on temples such as Esna, Dendera, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, this lecture explores how sacred writing developed into one of the most creative and intellectually sophisticated expressions of late Egyptian religion. Through inscriptions, images, and temple examples, the talk examines how hieroglyphs acquired expanded visual and symbolic roles, and how priests and temple scholars reshaped sacred knowledge under Roman rule.

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Hazem Farrag is an Assistant Professor of Egyptology at Ain Shams University, Cairo. His research explores Ancient Egyptian language, literature, temple inscriptions, sacred semiotics, and visual dimensions of hieroglyphic communication. He is also interested in museum interpretation, heritage education, and digital approaches to presenting ancient Egyptian culture. He currently serves on the Board of AVICOM–ICOM.

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FREE Lecture!
Light refreshments served starting at 3pm.

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The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1948 by a consortium of educational and cultural institutions to support research on all aspects of Egyptian history and culture, foster broader knowledge among the general public, and strengthen American-Egyptian cultural ties. The ARCE Pennsylvania Chapter (ARCE-PA) is the local branch of the national institution. We host monthly events including scholarly lectures, Egyptian-themed workshops, social events, and guided tours of the Penn Museum’s Egyptian galleries. For more information or to learn about the perks of membership, please send an e-mail to info@arce-pa.org, or visit our website at www.arce-pa.org.