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Writings in Middle Egyptian, the classical phase of the ancient Egyptian language, are known from ca. 2100 BC to the Roman era. In this initial course, students learn the grammar of Middle Egyptian and how to read the hieroglyphic script, through short textbook exercises including excerpts from original texts. Students who complete this course will be able to read simple inscriptions on objects and monuments in Egypt and in collections around the world. They will be equipped to pursue detailed study of Egyptian texts through further courses in the language.

A continuation of HIERO 1450. For over two thousand years, from the Middle Kingdom (ca. 2100 BCE) into the Roman era, Egyptian monuments were inscribed with hieroglyphs of the Middle Egyptian writing system. Students will continue to learn the complete Middle Egyptian verbal system and continue to enrich their Egyptian vocabulary. We will also continue translating complete literary and religious texts, including the fantastic tale of a sailor's maritime misadventures and divine encounters (The Shipwrecked Sailor) and a hymn in honor of the sun god (The Litany of Re).

Ancient Egyptian civilization produced an extensive, diverse, and profound body of literature, including adventure stories, historical accounts, royal inscriptions, religious hymns, love poetry, satire, wisdom texts, biographies, and more. In this third of three courses in Middle Egyptian, students read a selection of primary texts in hieroglyphs as well as secondary literature pertaining to the original texts. These texts will be used as windows onto the ancient Egyptian world, providing important evidence on many different aspects of ancient society, history, politics, and religion. Primary texts will also be selected based on the research interests of enrolled students.

Topics vary by semester in relation to student needs.