SASA Master Class: Herodotus in Egypt: a Greek in a Land of Wonders

Which land had 'the most wonders' and flying snakes? Were cats truly venerated as gods? And why were mummies invited to dinner? Greek historian Herodotus, 'The Father of History', visited Egypt and was equal parts amazed by its incredibly ancient history and imposing monuments, and puzzled by religious and social customs that seemed totally foreign to him. His description of Egypt, the earliest remaining text in a long tradition of travel accounts written by foreigners visiting the land of the Nile, is one of the most influential - and sometimes befuddling - literary sources of antiquity. This masterclass will guide participants through some of the best-known sections of Herodotus' description of Egypt: the description of the land, the 'upside-down' social customs, tyrannical pharaohs, and a lot of animal worship. Alongside reading the text in translation, we will also try and make sense of (or debunk) Herodotus' claims by looking at…