Come along to hear Egyptologist and author Hugo Cook unwrap the marvel of hieroglyphs and show you just how brilliant these little artworks are, even if you can’t read them!

History’s Greatest Invention

Saturday 7 December, 2:30pm - 4pm

Did you know, the letters you’re reading right now descend from ancient Egyptian ? Do you know why in magical texts, animal signs are often drawn with knives sticking into them or with body parts missing? Do you know why hieroglyphs are so important to the whole world today? Listen in as Hugo convinces you why hieroglyphs are history’s greatest invention!

Text and Tales

Saturday 25 January, 2:30pm - 4pm

Did you know, we have more written texts from Ancient Egypt than from all of Medieval Europe combined – yet many people today think the Egyptians didn’t have much literature. From epic myths of dragon-plagued sea voyages, to touching mummy tales of love and loss, Hugo will guide you through the forgotten masterpieces he translated for his new book, Tales of Ancient Egypt. What better way to explore Ancient Egypt than through the touching tales that lie hidden behind the hieroglyphs?

Cracking the Code

Saturday 22 February, 2:30pm - 4pm

How do we know what hieroglyphs say, and how has it changed your very lives? Join Hugo and explore the incredible journey behind one of history’s greatest discoveries: cracking the hieroglyph code.

Useful Information

• These workshops are designed for children of primary school age, 5- 10 years old.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop - workshops are not drop-off and the accompanying adult must stay with their child.

• To avoid disappointment, please do not book tickets for children / siblings under 5 as they will not be able to participate. Additional family members accompanying younger siblings are welcome to enjoy our cafe and garden during the workshop.

• The workshops will take place in the Leighton House Learning Centre. Workshops include access to the historic house.

• Accompanying adults (1x per child) come for free and admission to the historic house is included in the ticket price.

• Workshops can be booked individually (you can attend just one, two or the three of them for triple fun!). Please note that each workshop needs to be booked separately and we don't offer bundle tickets when booking multiple workshops at once.

Meet Hugo Cook

Hugo Cook is an Egyptologist and author. He has degrees in Egyptology from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, a major new book with Macmillan Publishers, the largest online following of any UK-based Egyptologist, reading fluency in six ancient languages (which he teaches for the British Museum and others), and a strong history of work in education, publication, and British/Egyptian museums. His excitement, knowledge, and flair for the dramatic mean he’s known for infecting others with his love of antiquity.