Free Hybrid Lecture
Uncovering Stars in an Egyptian Temple: The New Sky over Esna
Wednesday, September 18, 6:00–7:00 pm ET.
Christian Leitz, Director of the Department of Egyptology, Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Studies (AINES), University of Tübingen, Germany
The pronaos of Esna is one of the last examples of ancient Egyptian temple architecture. In 2018, the University of Tübingen, in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, launched a complete restoration of the soot-covered pronaos. Six years later, the colorful astronomical ceiling and columns have been cleaned, uncovering nearly 200 ink inscriptions previously undescribed.
This lecture will give an overview of the astronomical ceiling, including the path of the sun and moon, stars used for keeping time, known and unknown Egyptian constellations, and the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Free admission. Free event parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Presented by the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture.
Register here for in person attendance.
Register here for online attendance.
