There was almost no war during the 38-year reign (ca. 1390-1352 B.C.) of Amenhotep III. He commissioned hundreds of statues for Sakhmet, the fearsome, lion-hearted Egyptian goddess of plague and war, more than for himself or all the other deities combined. Was his reason to appease Sakhmet in her capacity as the plague goddess? This lecture pulls together historical, art historical, sociological, and literary evidence supporting the likelihood that this period was one fraught with terrible disease, very possibly bubonic plague.

About Programs at the Ancient Art Council

Programs are varied and include such activities as lectures by noted archaeologists, museum curators, and ancient art historians; exclusive tours of the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions; fund-raising events; and travel programs to ancient sites and other museums. Members also receive invitations from related organizations to attend lectures ad exhibition openings. Your annual membership dues and contributions will assist in furthering the Ancient Art collection at the Fine Arts Museums.

Dates

Plague in the Time of King Tut's Grandfather, Amenhotep III

Koret Auditorium, de Young

Arielle Kozloff

Free/AAC members; $5/general; $3/students