CSI: Egypt

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Recommended age: 18+ years

Duration: Approximately 2 hours

The new millennium brought an influx of forensic tv dramas, and with them a surging interest in the investigation of archaeological human remains, but how much of what’s on our screens accurately reflects what happens in ‘the lab’? What are the ethics about the science, and how can we accurately and respectfully work to reconstruct the lives of ancient Egyptians when working with the bodies of mummified individuals?

You’re invited to join this myth-busting discussion with Professor Ronika Power, hosted by AJ Lamarque about excavating, analysing, curating, and caring for human remains from Ancient Egypt. With a complimentary beverage and a selection of Egyptian-inspired snacks - it’s canapes, conversation and… cadavers?

Following the chat, we’ll bypass the queue and you’ll be guided to Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs where you’ll receive our exclusive object spotlight tour presented by Egyptologist Dr Susan Kelly.

Your ticket includes:

• A drink on arrival and a chef’s selection of Egyptian-inspired canapés
• 45-minute talk + Q&A with a leading expert
• Ticket to Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs (valued at $52) and skip the queue for express entry
• Within the exhibition, enjoy an exclusive in-person spotlight tour by an expert as they share the stories behind their favourite objects
• Following your tour, enjoy access to Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs until the Museum closes at 9pm

Note: Ticket price does NOT include VR experience or exhibition audio guide.

Ronika Power is Professor of Bioarchaeology in the Department of History and Archaeology at Macquarie University, and the Director of the Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE). Ronika is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries London, the Royal Society of New South Wales, Academia Europaea, and one of the 30 inaugural Superstars of STEM for Science and Technology Australia.

In 2019, Ronika received the Max Crawford Medal from the Australian Academy of the Humanities; the Kwang-su Lim Early Career Award of the Union Académique Internationale, Brussels; and was named as a Tall Poppy of Science from the Australian Institute of Policy in Science. She obtained a BA Ancient History (Hons I) with the University Medal from Macquarie University; an MSc Human Osteology and Palaeopathology from the University of Bradford, UK; and a PhD in Egyptology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Philosophy from Macquarie University.

AJ Lamarque (Curator & Producer, Conference for SXSW Sydney) excels in storytelling across various platforms. His versatile writing skills extend from TV and Stand-Up Comedy to Articles and Playwriting, with notable contributions to Season 14 of Gruen and Season 2 of Question Everything on the ABC. A seasoned presenter, he's hosted talks and shows nationwide with a debut TV appearance on SBS later this year. With a background in Biomedical Science and Egyptology, combined with an award-winning comedy career, AJ brings a unique passion for blending science and entertainment.

Dr Susan Kelly is an Early Career Researcher–Egyptologist who is currently a Macquarie Honorary Research Fellow finalising her project to publish her thesis titled Lifting the Veil: Female Social Power in Early Egypt (c. 3080-2180 BCE). Her PhD advanced a theoretical study of ancient biographical inscriptions that offer new perspectives into women’s involvement, influence, and impact in the state’s socioeconomic structure in early Egypt. Her latest project is a digital re-examination of Meretneith’s serekhs employing the latest technology to answer an age-old debate about this ruling woman’s status in First Dynasty Egypt.

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