Miami Student

Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Campus

Archaeologist Lanny Bell will speak on ancient Egyptian royalty as part of a series sponsored by Oxford's chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America.

Renowned archaeologist Lanny Bell will be visiting Miami University to present "Mythology and Iconography of Divine Kingship in Ancient Egypt."

The lecture will take place at 7:30 March 13 in room 336 of the Shriver Center and is open to the public.

His lecture is part of an ongoing series sponsored by the Oxford Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). Bell will be giving the Martha Sharp Joukowsky Memorial Lecture, endowed in honor of Martha Sharp Joukowsky, past President of the AIA and professor of Old World Archaeology at Brown University.

According to Jim Hanges, president of Oxford's AIA and associate professor of comparative religion, Oxford typically brings in two or three lecturers per year who come to speak about their work or current projects.

According to Judith de Luce, chair of the classics department, Bell will be a fabulous presenter.

"He interweaves his extensive experiences in Egypt with his knowledge of the ancient world and people turn out in droves," she said.

Hanges has high hopes for the upcoming lecture.

"(I hope the lecture will) inspire more local folks to become members of the Archeological Institute of America," Hanges said. "By becoming a member you help support archeological education and activity around the world."

Hanges said he expects a mix of students, faculty, interested people and members of the community to attend the lecture.

"I hope it generates some interest and serves the university community," Hanges said. "There are several classes that have something to do with ancient Egypt, and I would hope to see some of those students come to the lecture. Everyone should recognize the importance of learning about our cultural past and how this informs our present."

According to AIA's biography on Bell, he has taught at the University of Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design and Columbia University.

He joined the Brown University faculty in 1997. Bell has also been very active in Egypt, conducting 17 seasons of fieldwork in Luxor since 1967, leading 26 archeological tours since 1973 and serving as field director of the Epigraphic Survey of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago from 1977 to 1989.

During his speech, Bell will discuss how Egyptians looked at their kings and pharaohs as divine beings.

Sophomore Katie Hartmann plans to attend the lecture.

"I have always been fascinated by Egyptian history, ever since my trip to Cairo," Hartman said. "I did not have the opportunity to see Mr. Bell the last time he came to campus, but I have heard great things about him and would not miss this lecture for anything."

This lecture will be Bell's third time speaking on campus.

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