Egypt and Nubia in Ancient Africa

OLLI at Duke

Wednesdays, Oct. 21 and Oct 28.
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
NCMA East Building, SECU Auditorium or online via Zoom

What did ancient Egypt and Nubia have in common, and what set them apart? Join OLLI at Duke and the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) to explore the fascinating relationship between two powerful civilizations that shared the northern Nile Valley of Africa. Rivals and trading partners, Egypt and Nubia competed for control of commercial networks and valuable resources, especially gold, while influencing one another’s cultures over centuries. Through a survey of their art and material culture, including close study of objects from the NCMA Egyptian Collection and works featured in the special exhibition Ancient Nubia: Excavating Treasures of the Nile from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (October 17, 2026 – January 10, 2027), we will examine how these interconnected societies shaped the history of the ancient world.

About the speaker 

Kris Door is a former professor of art history and long-standing partner to the NCMA as a public lecturer, docents’ trainer, and museum educator. Now retired, she shares her passion for art as an instructor with OLLI at Duke. 

Available options

There are two ways to join this lecture series. 

1. Attend the course as a nonmember. Those without membership are welcome to join this lecture series, but they cannot participate in a gallery tour. This lecture series is offered both in person and virtually.
   • Cost: $50
      
2. Become a member of OLLI at Duke, which includes invitations to social activities, access to 12 active special interest groups, domestic and international travel opportunities, local events, and unique workshops. As an OLLI member, you can opt to join the lectures on November and add-on the gallery tours.
   • Learn more about becoming a member. To check out as a member, choose the "Current OLLI Member" course option. A membership will automatically be added to your cart.
   • Costs: Membership - $60, course fees - $40 (lectures only) or $95 (lectures + gallery tours)

Registration opens August 26.