ONLINE LECTURES

Hi - this is Michael Birrell, the owner/manager of BC Archaeology Travel. I'm an Australian archaeologist and historian who has travelled widely in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. I completed my PhD in 1999 and have excavated at many sites in Egypt and Israel. I've been teaching courses and giving lectures on archaeology and history since 1992.

I am going to teach the following Zoom courses in 2025 and 2026 and I hope you might find them of interest. I'm going to teach on Wednesdays and in the 6-8 pm Sydney time slot. I will be recording the lectures, so if you can't actually attend certain lectures, I can always send you a link afterwards.

2025:

ANCIENT LYCIA - SOUTHERN TURKEY - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
These lectures explore the history and archaeology of Lycia, a region located on the southern shore of Turkey. Lycia preserves some splendid examples of ancient Greek and Roman cities, such as Xanthos, Myra and Patara, with a diverse range of buildings including theatres, temples, houses and churches.
Wed 18th June - Early days and the Classical world
Wed 25th June - Hellenistic period
Wed 2nd June - Roman Empire
Wed 9th July - Late Roman and Byzantine

THE MUGHULS - EMPIRE OF INDIA - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
The Mughal Dynasty ruled much of northern India from 1526 until it was formally dissolved by the British in 1857. We'll explore the reigns of the first six Emperors, examining their military and cultural achievements, with emphasis on their grand architectural accomplishments. In the last lecture we will briefly look at the decline of the empire after the death of Aurangzeb.
Wed 6th Aug - Babur and Humayun
Wed 13th Aug - Akbar
Wed 20th Aug - Jehangir and Shah Jahan
Wed 27th Aug - Aurangzeb and Mughal decline

2026:

TAMERLANE - CONQUEROR TO THE HORIZONS - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
In this course we will examine the rise of Tamerlane (who lived 1320-1405), also known as Timur, a Turco-Mongolian who ruthlessly conquered much of Central Asia. Establishing himself in Samarkand, he brought artisans from regions that he conquered to create some of the most superb Islamic buildings ever created. His descendants, the Timurids, ruled an empire in decline but one which has left a rich legacy.
Wed 11th March - Rise to Power
Wed 18th March - Early Conquests
Wed 25th March - Later Conquests
Wed 1st April - Death and Legacy

DEIR EL MEDINA - VILLAGE OF THE TOMB BUILDERS - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
The ancient Egyptian settlement known today as Deir el Medina is located in western Luxor. It housed about 70 families who worked on cutting and decorating the tombs of the Kings and Queens of the New Kingdom Pharaohs. It preserves a unique snapshot of life in a small town, giving a glimpse of religion, law, and daily life in ancient Egypt.
Wed 10th June - The Village
Wed 17th June - The inhabitants
Wed 24th June - Religion and Law
Wed 1st July - Death and burial

TROY - FROM MYTH TO REALITY - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
The settlement mound of Hissarlik was famously excavated by Heinrich Schleimann who cut a deep trench through the town to explore the history of the site and help identify it with Homer’s Troy from the Iliad. More recent excavations have discovered a rich array of artefacts from a much larger city than originally proposed.
Wed 5th Aug - Poem and Poet
Wed 12th Aug - Early Troy
Wed 19th Aug - Later Troy
Wed 26th Aug - Myth to reality?

HADRIAN'S TRAVELS - THE RESTLESS EMPEROR - 6 to 8pm - $110 for 4 lectures
Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire from AD 117 until 138. He spent much of his rule moving around the provinces, initiating civic projects and securing the frontier. This course examines the travels of Hadrian, exploring the cities he visited and the changes he made to the civic landscapes.
Wed 9th Sept - AD 117-8 Hadrian returns to Rome
Wed 16th Sept - AD 121-3 Hadrian in the west
Wed 23rd Sept - AD 123-7 Hadrian in the east
Wed 30th Sept - AD 128-34 Hadrian's last voyage

The lectures will be held online using ZOOM. Lectures will start at 6pm and finish around 8pm (AEDT and AEST - Sydney time), with a short break in the middle. The cost of each series (4 lectures) is A$110 - this includes A$10 GST. Ideally you would send me an email (to info@bcarchaeology.com.au) with your name, address, phone number, and email address, and statement of which series you are interested in.

Payment (with name clearly stated) can be made either by direct deposit into our account: B.C. Archaeology, Westpac BSB 032082, account number 285359 or by cheque sent to 'B.C. Archaeology', PO Box 1236, Mittagong, NSW, 2575 (please include your name, address, phone number and email address with the cheque). After payment, a receipt will be mailed out, with meeting ID and password emailed to participants one day before each class.

CONTACT ME:
Phone: (+61) 0405 492946
Email: info@bcarchaeology.com.au or mbirrell77@tpg.com.au