Egyptian Religious Identities under Imperial Rule: Critical Reflections, lecture by Roger Bagnall (ISAW), British Museum, December 10, 2015, 5:30–7:00pm

In the modern world, religious affiliation is usually seen as a stable and essential part of personal identity.

The history of the ancient world is often written as if the same had been true in antiquity. But that is very doubtful – it is even contested if the ancients had a concept corresponding to our idea of ‘religion’.

In this lecture, Roger Bagnall, Professor of Ancient History and Director of the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University, looks at the emergence of religious identity in Egypt from Hellenistic times to the Arab conquest and its relationship to imperial rule.

Followed by a private viewing of the exhibition Egypt: Faith after the Pharaohs and a reception.

Tickets required.