Cleopatra’s Egypt

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Engage with scholarship (secondary literature) on Ptolemaic Egypt and Cleopatra VII, their history and interpretation
• Analyse relevant primary sources relating to Ptolemaic Egypt and the life and reception of Cleopatra VII, referring to their history, interpretation and representation
• Communicate accurately and clearly a range of knowledge and critical reflection
• Critically evaluate the different ways in which scholars have constructed Ptolemaic Egypt and Cleopatra VII

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the role of Cleopatra
• the history, society and culture of Ptolemaic Egypt
• the impact of Rome
• the different ways in which scholars interpret the interaction of Greek and Egyptian culture

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Locate and use effectively textual, visual, and material culture sources in the library and online
• Research and communicate your findings convincingly and concisely in written reports
• Use and develop your time management skills

This course studies the history, society and culture of Egypt from its conquest by Alexander the Great of Macedon (332 BC) to the death of Cleopatra VII (30 BC), last of the dynasty founded by Alexander’s general, Ptolemy son of Lagos. From the beginning of this period, thousands of immigrants came to Egypt from all over the Greek world to make their homes in cities and countryside of Egypt. What was the impact of the arrival of the Greeks, and their political dominance in Egypt for three hundred years? What influences and tensions accompanied the development of this new world? This course explores different aspects of relations between Greeks and Egyptians in this period, culminating in a detailed look at the evidence for the rule of Cleopatra, the only Ptolemaic ruler to have learned Egyptian. Topics for study are likely to include: - ancient and modern constructions of Ptolemaic Egypt; - the Ptolemies’ creation of a new style of monarchy, combining Greek ideals of kingship with the ancient tradition of the Pharaohs; - domestic and foreign policy; - law and administration; - life in the countryside; - Ptolemaic Alexandria: culture and commerce; - Memphis and the Egyptian temples; - ‘Isis is a Greek word’: Greek religion and Pharaonic tradition; - the Jews of Egypt; - Egyptian resistance to Greek rule; - the coming of Rome; - the rule of Cleopatra.

Teaching methods include - Lectures and tutor-led seminars - Training in the analysis of key primary sources and how to present an analysis in the context of a seminar - Essay tutorials Learning activities include - preparatory reading - Reading and evaluating the recommended reading for seminar discussion - Preparing and presenting responses to seminar topics as part of a group

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.