Monash hosts excavators of Alexandria

18 August 2004

Two French archeologists Dr Jean-Yves Empereur and Dr Marie-Dominique Nenna, well known for their recent underwater excavations in the harbour of Alexandria, will be the keynote speakers at two events this week, hosted by Monash University's Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History.

The Egyptian city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, was the greatest city in the eastern Mediterranean for centuries. Dr Empereur and Dr Nenna, the world's foremost authorities on ancient Alexandria, will present their findings from recent excavations on land and at sea. Discoveries included five shipwrecks and thousands of statues and architectural blocks that reveal the final resting place of the enormous Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The visiting academics will be joined by two of Monash's own academics, both of whom excavate in Egypt - Dr Colin Hope and Dr Gillian Bowen. Dr Hope will speak on Gladiators in Alexandria. Dr Bowen will speak on Jews in Alexandria.

Event one: Tonight, Wednesday 18 August, 8.00pm, a free public lecture by Dr Jean-Yves Empereur

Topic: Alexandria: Recent Discoveries Underwater in Alexandria.
Venue: Monash University, Clayton Campus, Lecture Theatre South 1, Building 64.

Event two: Saturday 21 August, 9.30am-5.00pm, one-day lecture series

Theme: Alexandria through the Ages.

Speakers:

• Dr Jean-Yves Empereur: Recent Excavations in Alexandria
• Dr Marie-Dominique Nenna: Alexandrian Art and Craftsmanship
• Dr Gillian Bowen: Jews in Alexandria
• Dr Colin Hope: Gladiators in Alexandria
• Dr G Gabra (former director of the Coptic Museum, Cairo): The Popes of Alexandria

Venue: Monash University, Clayton campus, Lecture Theatre E7, Building 72.
Cost: general public $55.00; Egyptology Society of Victoria members $45.00; students/pensioners $30.00.

For more information or to arrange interviews with any of the guest lecturers contact Dr Colin Hope, Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History, Monash University on 03 9905 3262 or Ms Michele Martin, Media Communications, Monash University on 03 9905 9315.