The religion of ancient Egypt seems mind-boggling: all those gods, all those temples; captivating but incomprehensible images and hieroglyphic inscriptions. We will look closely at religious belief and practice and see how it was a key feature of society and the economy and a major factor in the unity and stability of this civilisation. Deities, temples, afterlives, tombs, priests, kings, sacred animals, the festival calendar and many beautiful paintings and art objects - all these plus mummies! No background is required, although this course links to last year’s HIS 33, Ancient Egypt for beginners. Resources will include maps, a detailed chronology, texts and a further-reading list. To begin with, try Emily Teeter Religion and ritual in ancient Egypt, Donald B. Redford The ancient gods speak. A guide to Egyptian religion or (quickest) Stephen Quirke, and Jeffrey Spencer The British Museum book of ancient Egypt, religion chapter.