Caribbean &
Mesoamerica 8
UK
5
Ancient Egypt
1.
Language of the Pharaohs: Discovery & Decipherment
Hieroglyphic script, the sacred language of Ancient Egypt’s pharaonic
period, remained an incomprehensible language for over 1,500 years until the
discovery of the Rosetta Stone enabled scholars to unlock the mysteries of
hieroglyphs and understand the texts. This lecture takes the audience on a
journey of discovery, examining the path to decipherment while they learn to
identify various symbols, numbers and words in this ancient script.
2.
Ancient Artefacts: 3,000 years of Egyptian Treasures
The Narma Palette and Meidum Geese from the Old Kingdom, the Senoswret III
pectoral from the Middle Kingdom, and the bust of Nefertiti and Nebamun
paintings from the New Kingdom give an indication of the wealth of Ancient
Egyptian riches. I will look in depth at some of most interesting treasures,
examine the techniques and materials used, who commissioned and owned them,
their purpose and hidden meaning.
3.
Understanding Ancient Egyptian Art: Wall Reliefs & Murals
Egypt has a wealth of artefacts dated to its ancient past that today can
be classified as art. This lecture examines one genre, the splendid wall
reliefs and paintings found in tombs, drawing on examples from the Old,
Middle and New Kingdom Periods. It identifies the techniques, materials and
different styles used by their accomplished artisans to achieve the
beautiful paintings and reliefs we can still see today, more than 3,000
years after the burial tombs were sealed.
4.
Pharaonic Art: Hidden Meanings Revealed
From pyramids and temples to jewellery and furniture, every item from
Ancient Egypt is steeped in religious symbolism and magical power. This
lecture reveals the meaningful messages behind the artistry, unravels the
religious symbolism inherent in their world and lays bare their greatest
hopes and fears
5.
Journey to the Afterlife
Every item of Ancient Egyptian art is highly symbolic of the religious
beliefs of this ancient culture, especially its belief in the Afterlife.
This lecture explores aspects of the deceased’s journey to a heavenly
paradise as depicted in the Book of the Dead, the methods used by the team
of embalmers to preserve their bodies for eternity, and their faith in
magical charms and rituals which ensured eternal life and happiness.
6.
Understanding Egyptian Pyramids
The pyramids are an iconic and mysterious symbol of Ancient Egypt and many
theories have been put forward regarding the origins of their design and
build; many people suggest they were built with slave labour and some claim
aliens were responsible. This lecture follows the development of the
pyramids from mastaba to the Great Pyramid at Giza and explains the
archaeological evidence for their existence as remarkable feats of
innovation, design, logistics, and administration.
7.
Wonderful Things! – The Treasures of Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun came to the throne as a young boy of eight years old and died
nine years later, too young to have achieved very much in his short life,
but now the most famous pharaoh, known for the incredible treasures which
were buried with him. This lecture introduces us to the ‘boy king’ and his
family and explores his small burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings,
including the latest evidence on what, and whom, lies behind his tomb walls.
Some of the many wonderful things found in his tomb will be examined in
detail, focussing on the materials used, their purpose and significant
religious symbolism and meaning.
8.
What killed Tutankhamun?
The young Pharaoh’s death has been a challenging enigma since his tomb was
first opened in 1922 by the British archaeologist, Howard Carter. There are
many theories relating to the cause of his death including murder, accident
and disease. This lecture examines each possible cause in detail and the
evidence for each theory, looking at Carter’s own diary entries,
photographs, and modern scientific analysis to unravel the strands of this
intriguing mystery.
9.
The Tomb Builders
This lecture takes you on a voyage of discovery about the crème de la
crème of the Ancient Egyptian workforce who created the Pharaohs’ tombs in
the Valley of the Kings. It looks at their homes, families and village life
in Deir el Medina as well as the skills, methods and materials they employed
to accomplish such commendable work. Examples of their interpretation of the
Afterlife in the tombs of the kings and their own burial places will
demonstrate their skill and artistry.
10.
Ancient Egyptian Magic & Medicine
The magicians were powerful, the doctors knowledgeable and the surgeons
were skilled, but could they help and heal the unfortunates they treated?
This lecture identifies what worked – and what didn’t!
11.
Influential Queens
Throughout the ancient history of Egypt, its queens made a difference to
the lives and fortunes of the country and its kings. For us, looking back
down the millennia, they remain quite mysterious figures, always walking in
the shadow of their husband, the pharaoh. This lecture identifies the women
who were a real influence on society, the real powers behind the throne, the
queen who was portrayed as a man, and the most beautiful and best loved of
all the queens. It also examines the turbulent life and loves of Cleopatra,
the last Queen of Egypt.
12.
Party Time!
Contrary to popular belief, the daily life of an Ancient Egyptian was not
preoccupied with arrangements for his death, burial and the Afterlife. Their
frequent celebrations were done in style with good food and drink, and they
were entertained by accomplished musicians and dancers. This lecture
features the secrets of a good time, Ancient Egyptian style, with details of
their festivals, clothes, jewellery, make-up, food and drink, in fact all
you need to know about how they ‘strut their stuff’.
13.
The Treasure of Tanis
In the ancient Egyptian city of Tanis in the Nile Delta, an entire complex
of royal tombs was discovered by Pierre Montet – three were still intact!
The treasures uncovered there are one of the greatest, and most beautiful,
archaeological discoveries of all time, rivalling even those of Tutankhamun.
This lecture covers the exciting discovery of the tombs of the pharaohs with
explanations and images of the gold and silver treasures, fine jewellery and
artefacts which were meant for the Afterlife.
Ancient Europe
1.
Crusaders: Following in Their Footsteps –Why did the Crusades start
and continue for three centuries? Who took part in the First Crusade and why
did they go? What did they achieve? In this talk I will answer those
questions and more!
2.
The Knights – This lecture covers the exploits of the
Hospitaller, Templar and Teutonic knights. Who were they? What did they do?
What became of them?
3.
La Reconquista (The Reconquest)– Spain was under Islamic rule for
hundreds of years until Christianity was finally re-established. Learn of
the involvement of the Crusaders and the final surrender at Grenada under
Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492.
4.
Jerusalem: Won and Lost Again – The Crusaders captured Jerusalem
only to lose it again to the Muslim leader Saladin, which sparked the Third
Crusade led by the English king, Richard the Lionheart. Learn what happened
and why and get to know a little about these two great military leaders.
5.
Mystical Signs & Systems of the Ancient World
Since the dawn of civilisation, ancient peoples have left clues to their
belief systems in all corners of the world in symbols, inscriptions,
monuments and artefacts from the Calendar Stone and the Spear of Destiny to
the Nasca lines. I will examine in detail the mysteries of these ancient
symbols of our ancestors and their desire to control the Universe.
6.
Magic & Medicine of Ancient Europe
The practices of magic and medicine throughout the ancient world were
intertwined and often difficult to distinguish. This lecture examines both
in the ancient cultures of Greece and Egypt to demonstrate the similarities
and differences, with details of spells and potions to kill or cure. The
magicians were powerful, the doctors knowledgeable and the surgeons were
skilled, but could they help and heal the unfortunates they treated? This
lecture identifies what worked – and what didn’t!
7.
Sun Deities of the World
For thousands of years, humans have attempted to explain the Sun in terms
of their own worldviews and have recognized its significance as prime
controller of all life on Earth. It was never just a planet that gave warmth
and light and topped up a tan! The Sun can be a god, a demon, an
all-powerful creator or a ruthless taker of life. This lecture takes you on
a world tour of our more fascinating sun god myths and legends and the best,
and the worst, practices of sun worship.
8.
Mediterranean Artefacts – 3,000 Years of Treasures. The bust of
Nefertiti from Ancient Egypt, the Gold Death Mask of Agamemnon and jewellery
of the Cretan Warrior give an indication of the wealth of riches from the
ancient lands surrounding the Mediterranean. They are a sample of the many
discoveries that have been displayed and admired by millions of visitors to
museums around the world. This lecture will look in depth at some of the
most interesting treasures, examine the techniques and materials used, who
commissioned and owned them, their purpose and hidden meaning.
Australia & South China Seas
1.
Understanding Aboriginal Culture.
The indigenous population of
Australia occupied the land for over 30,000 years in relative isolation.
Discover their ancient traditions and how they’ve adapted to modern times
since the arrival of Captain Cook,
2.
Traditional Magic & Medicine
I will compare the magical rituals,
spirituality and medicinal practices of the ancient peoples of Australia and
China – learn what works and what doesn’t!
3.
Tales from the South Seas For centuries, pirates have
terrorised the seas off the coasts of Australia, southern China and the
Philippines. Discover their stories of bloodthirsty bravery and how, in the
end, they are always defeated.
4.
Women in Piracy Women on board ship were regarded as bad luck, but
many female pirates were as notoriously vicious as the men and ruled the
waves. Hear of the challenging lives of the women left at home and ‘friends’
of pirates s well as the exploits of Ching Shih who started life in a
brothel and ended up commander of the Red Flag Fleet of pirate ships in the
South China seas
Caribbean & Mesoamerica
1.
Mesoamerican Pyramids
Colossal pyramids are scattered across Mesoamerica but are
they the same as those built by ancient Egyptians? I will take you on a tour
of several pyramid sites including Teotihuacan and Chichin Itza to compare
their function and design and identify the people who built them and the
artefacts they left behind.
2.
Bloodthirsty Gods of Mexico
Human hearts, blood and children’s tears were all necessary to
quench the hunger of the bloodthirsty gods of Mexico. If their needs were
not satisfied the consequences for the nation would be catastrophic.
Discover some of their ancient gods and learn about the religious rites
designed to appease them.
3.
Who were the Maya? For thousands
of years the Maya lived and thrived in Mesoamerica, developing an advanced
writing system and the most accurate calendar system in the world as well as
unique art and colossal architecture. In this talk I will introduce you to
their history, major power sites and influential rulers and we’ll discover
some surprising details of this advanced culture.
4.
The Golden Age of Piracy – Robbery on the High Seas! Eighty years of
piracy when no-one was safe from buccaneers, pirates and privateers – the
English, French and Dutch attacked Spanish colonies and shipping in the
Eastern Pacific, and Anglo-American privateers turned en-masse to piracy.
This talk charts the history of the ‘exciting’ golden age of robbery on the
high seas, especially in the Caribbean!
5.
Pirate – Hero or Villain? We all have an image of pirates from fictional
characters like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow– they’re
swashbuckling heroes with a twinkle in their eye! But the real pirates were
Calico Jack, Blackbeard, Henry Morgan and Admiral Sir John Hawkins among
many others. Find out who were heroes, who were regarded as thieving
scoundrels and how different their fortunes were!
6.
The Life of a Pirate What was life really like on a pirate ship? We’ll
uncover the reality of life on board and bury the myths.
7.
Women in Piracy Women on board ship were regarded as bad luck, so how
did a female pirate become a queen? Female pirates were as notorious as the
worst of the men and one in particular was extremely clever. I will reveal
the challenging lives of women pirates, the wives of pirates left at home
and ‘friends’ of pirates …one in every port!
8.
Pirate Treasure – X marks the spot! X marks the spot on treasure maps
where gold bullion and jewellery were buried in treasure chests by
swashbuckling pirates. But is that fact or intriguing fiction? I will
identify the treasure, who stole it and tell you what happened to their
ill-gotten goods
– there’s still some to be discovered!
UK
1.
Pirate Attack! The coastal towns
of the UK were hotbeds of piracy when raiding merchant ships was big
business and local citizens were at the mercy of slave traders who snatched
them from their homes, some never to be seen again. I will tell you tales of
the local infamous pirates and the chilling history of when Britons
were enslaved in their thousands.
2.
Sunken Treasure What treasures lie
beneath the waves as we sail around the English coast? Where did it come
from and where was it going? Discover what is still lying on the ocean bed,
who searches the seas to discover it and who has made their fortune by
finding sunken treasure.
3.
Wreckers and Smugglers Smuggling,
the corrupt underbelly of British history exposed to reveal that it was
everywhere and involved everyone, including the Smugglers Banker and the
infamous John Carter, nicknamed the King of Prussia. Learn too about the
rough and reckless exploits of the wreckers and the ships they ransacked –
did they really lure ships onto the rocks?
4.
Women in Piracy The most infamous
female pirates were born and bred in the UK and were as vicious and
dangerous as any of their male colleagues. Hear the stories of Grace, Anne
and Mary, the ‘lady’ of the manor who was a clever, greedy and ruthless
killer and the loyal women left at home.
5.
P&O (Preventives & Owlers)
Everyone was involved in smuggling during the 17th and 18th
centuries and the excise men used all their legal powers to stop them or
extract the duty owed to the Crown – but always one step behind, or like the
cavalry, they arrived too late. Hear about their exploits, their wins and
losses.