Dr Marta Kaczanowicz, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, visited us for a second time in July 2023 to continue her research project on ‘Royal women in Late Period Egypt (ca. 747–332 BCE)’. For a full list of scholars awarded places to carry out research this, please see here.

This was my second visit to London made possible thanks to the Robert Anderson Research Charitable Trust. Just like during the first one, I had an amazing time, both in terms of my research and the welcoming atmosphere of the Kensington house of the Trust.

At the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

My new research project, investigated during my stay in London, concentrates on the notion of Egyptian queenship and the history of royal women in the Late Period (ca. 747–332 BCE). These ladies, curiously absent from Egyptological scholarship, were often foreigners who became queens of a land miles away from their homelands. My idea was to investigate who they were and whether (and, if so, how) the perception of queenship changed under the last dynasties of pharaonic Egypt.

With the generous support of the Trust, I was able to conduct my research in one of the best Egyptological libraries in the world, that of the British Museum. I was also given an opportunity to study several Late Period objects from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, and I cannot stress enough how much I benefited from this visit and the assistance of the wonderful staff of the Museum. Discussions with other scholars helped me clarify many thoughts and ideas.

All in all, this was an incredibly busy and productive month that gave me plenty to think about. I am very grateful to the Robert Anderson Research Charitable Trust for making it possible. I would like to thank Chris Naunton, who, as before, was the kindest host, always ready to help and answer our (annoying) questions. I must admit that I am sad that this was my last stay with the Trust! This is a great opportunity, and I recommend it to any scholar who wishes to conduct their research in the libraries and museums of London.

Marta’s account of her first visit in 2019 is here.