Secrets of Ancient Egypt’s Lost Turquoise Mines

Course description

Many have heard of King Solomon’s Mines, but few know of the turquoise mines of Serabit el-Khadim. High above the Sinai Desert in Egypt lie the ruins of a mysterious temple dating back to the 12th Dynasty. Using maps, photographs, and artifacts, we explore the connection between its rare gems, the landscape and the goddess Hathor. The site also exhibits evidence of an extensive ancient trading network, and a proto-sinaitic language with links to our modern alphabet. Most fascinating of all, Serabit el-Khadim may have been known to early Hebrew slaves, and offers tantalizing clues about the story of Moses and ideas about the Bible.