Egyptian self-definition in the New Kingdom and Coptic period
This thesis is an investigation into self-definition during two contrasting periods in Egypt's past. It consists of five chapters, plus a conclusion. Chapter I introduces the thesis, putting the topic into its historiographical background, and gives it a theoretical framework. The thesis then falls into two sections, which mirror each other, using the same types of source material. First, the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) is investigated, and then the Coptic period (fourth to ninth centuries CE). Chapter2 assesses New Kingdom textual sources, in particular letters. Statements of self made by different members of the literate society are examined. The inconsistencies within the source material are highlighted, as is a high degree of conformity. In Chapter 3, New Kingdom Memphis is investigated. The impact of official ideologies on the Memphite population is assessed, as witnessed by the temple complexes, a royal palace, the harbour areas, a residential location( Kom el Rabi'a) and the pyramid fields. In Chapter 4, it is seen that a variety of foci could be appealed to by a literate Egyptian seeking to define her/himself in Coptic Egypt. As in Chapter 2, letters are the focus of study, revealing a range of opinions.
Horbury, Mary Elizabeth
Egyptian self-definition in the New Kingdom and Coptic period. This thesis is an investigation into self-definition during two contrasting periods in Egypt's past. It consists of five chapters, plus a conclusion. Chapter I introduces the thesis, putting the topic into its historiographical background, and gives it a theoretical framework. The thesis then falls into two sections, which mirror each other, using the same types of source material. First, the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) is investigated, and then the Coptic period (fourth to ninth centuries CE). Chapter2 assesses New Kingdom textual sources, in particular letters. Statements of self made by different members of the literate society are examined. The inconsistencies within the source material are highlighted, as is a high degree of conformity. In Chapter 3, New Kingdom Memphis is investigated. The impact of official ideologies on the Memphite population is assessed, as witnessed by the temple complexes, a royal palace, the harbour areas, a residential location( Kom el Rabi'a) and the pyramid fields. In Chapter 4, it is seen that a variety of foci could be appealed to by a literate Egyptian seeking to define her/himself in Coptic Egypt. As in Chapter 2, letters are the focus of study, revealing a range of opinions.
egyptian self_definition new kingdom coptic period investigation self_definition contrasting period egypt past consists plus conclusion introduces put topic historiographical background give theoretical_framework fall_two section mirror use type source_material first new_kingdom bce investigate coptic period chapter assess new_kingdom textual_source particular letter statements self make_different member literate society examine inconsistency within source_material highlight high_degree conformity new_kingdom memphis investigate impact official ideology memphite population assess witness temple complex royal palace harbour area residential location pyramid field see variety focus could appeal literate egyptian seek_define her himself coptic egypt letter focus study reveal range opinion