Arguably the most successful and most famous dynasty of ancient Egypt, the 19th Dynasty is dominated by the figure of Ramesses II. Yet his lengthy reign has its roots in a period of change and reconstruction that laid the necessary foundations for what is often regarded as the true golden era of Egypt. In this course we will look at the beginnings of that story, exploring the reigns and personalities of the first two 19th Dynasty pharaohs: Ramesses I and Seti I. We will look at their monuments, their tombs, the challenges they were confronted with, and the change they brought about, leading to a time of aggressive military policy and spectacular architecture.

5 weeks £120 
Weekly on Thursday