The Theban Necropolis contains hundreds of tombs belonging to elite individuals, dating from the end of the Old Kingdom through to the Ptolemaic Period, with the vast majority dating to the New Kingdom (c.1550-1077BC). These tombs are scattered across the landscape at the edge of the desert between the Valley of the Kings to the west, and the row of royal mortuary temples along the edge of the cultivation to the east. This lecture will focus on New Kingdom private tomb distribution and investigate this apparently random arrangement of tombs by focusing on factors which may have influenced tomb location. GPS surveying has enabled the spatial analysis of these tombs, demonstrating that specific areas of the necropolis were popular at different times and among particular groups of people. Clusters and patterns can be identified between tombs built during the same reign(s), as well as between tomb owners with similar titles and familial connections. The orientation of specific tombs towards Karnak temple, royal mortuary temples and festival processional routes, reveals their significance to certain individuals. This research provides a deeper understanding of the necropolis, and how private tombs linked to the wider sacred landscape of Thebes.
Dr Katherine Slinger was awarded her PhD in Egyptology from the University of Liverpool in 2020 in Egyptology for her research into the non-royal Theban Necropolis. She graduated with a first-class degree in Egyptology in 2014, and a Master's degree with Distinction in Egyptology in 2015, both from the University of Liverpool. She is also a qualified primary school teacher.
Kath works as a Lecturer in Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Manchester, where she teaches on the online Certificate, Diploma and MA courses in Egyptology and delivers the Short Courses in Egyptology. She has lectured in Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Sheffield and Durham University and worked as a hieroglyphs tutor in the Continuing Education Department at the University of Liverpool. Her thesis has recently been published as a monograph with Archaeopress.
We have an exciting and diverse series of lectures
covering a wide range of topics and these are listed below
We are having two evening Zoom on-line meeting in April & Sept
𓇼 𓇼 𓇼 𓇼 2025 𓇼 𓇼 𓇼 𓇼
January 13th , 2pm
Dr Joanne Backhouse (University of Liverpool)
Nefetari, For whom the sun shines: Queenship in Ramesside Egypt
February 10th, 2pm
Dr Jacky Finch (University of Manchester : Alumni)
‘Are you sitting comfortably?’
Ancient Egyptian medical matters
March 10th, 2pm
Dr Kath Slinger (University of Manchester)
Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis
Wednesday April 2nd Zoom 7pm
Dr Heidi Köpp-Junk
(Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental
Studies)
Water, dewatering systems, wells, baths and waterspouts – latest excavation results
from Athribis and Tuna el Gebel.
May 12th, 2pm
Dr Roger Forshaw (University of Manchester)
The Life and Times of Hesyre, the First Recorded Physician and Dental Surgeon in History
June 9th, 2pm
Colin Reader (Independent Researcher)
Tutankhamun: The Extraterrestrial Connection
July 14th, 2pm
Sarah Shepherd (Independent Researcher)
Tourism and Travel in the Great War
August 11th, 2pm
Dr Judith Corbelli (University of Liverpool: Alumni)
Cremation in Alexandria: Cinerary Urns of the Greco-Roman Period
Monday Sept 1st Zoom 7pm
Dr Peter Lacovara
(Director of the Ancient Egyptian Archaeology and Heritage Fund)
Deir el-Ballas and the Hyksos Expulsion
October 13th, 2pm
Dr Paula Tutty (Independent Researcher)
The Discovery of the Nag Hammadi Codices – Christianity’s Lost Legacy
November 10th , 2pm
Dr Campbell Price (University of Manchester)
Senenmut’s Unconventional Afterlife
December 8th, 2pm
Presidential lecture/AGM/Christmas buffet
Dr Ashley Cooke
BOOK SALES
At each Society meeting held in Mayer Hall a selection of Egyptology books is available for sale at very reasonable prices.