The Discovery of the Nag Hammadi Codices – Christianity’s Lost Legacy

Dr Paula Tutty 

Monday 13th October  2pm
 
In December 1945, a group of villagers found a large earthenware jar buried in the rubble close to the cliffs of the Jabal al-Ṭārif in Upper Egypt. The jar did not contain any conventional treasure but, instead, a collection of 12 codices, all written in Coptic, the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language. The texts these books contained were to revolutionise our understanding of Christianity and its early development.

This lecture will explore the controversies that continue to surround this unique find, from the circumstances of its discovery to the role it still plays in the modern world. Furthermore, it considers how materials found hidden within the covers of the books give a valuable insight into the lives of the original authors and readers.

Paula Tutty began her studies in Egyptology at the University of Liverpool where she gained her BA. Following an MA in Coptic Studies at Macquarie University in Sydney, she researched for her PhD on the lives of early monks at the University of Oslo. Paula has recently published a book on the letters found within the bindings of Nag Hammadi Codices and is actively involved in several international research programmes.


2025
Programme


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
Dr Jo Backhouse  (Chair  WAES) 
Heka: The Magical Arts of Ancient Egypt 

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.  

Archive of past Lectures Courses page