Egypt’s Golden Couple — Meet the Authors (In-Person)

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The gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun and the painted bust of Nefertiti are perhaps the most recognizable artifacts from all of ancient Egypt. But what can we actually know about these rulers who lived more than three thousand years ago?

In their latest book, Egypt’s Golden Couple: When Akhenaten and Nefertiti Were Gods on Earth, two Connecticut Egyptologists explore that question by delving into the lives and reigns of Tutankhamun’s parents — Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

The authors of the book, John and Colleen Darnell, are a husband and wife team who are both leading scholars in their field and social media stars with thousands of followers.

The couple has uniquely integrated scholarly work with a charismatic social media presence, bringing to vivid life both ancient Egypt and vintage style. Colleen’s Instagram pages, @vintage_egyptologist and @howtoreadhieroglyphs, feature many images of the couple’s interests that combine vintage attire, various ancient sites and information about ancient Egypt.

Although “King Tut” is a household name, his nine-year rule pales in comparison to the revolutionary reign of his parents. Akhenaten and Nefertiti became gods on earth by transforming Egyptian solar worship, innovating in art and urban design, and merging religion and politics in ways that had never been attempted.

The authors’ newest book, which Booklist dubbed a “lively and insightful portrait of the ultimate power couple,” combines fascinating scholarship, detective suspense, and adventurous thrills, taking readers on a journey through excavations, museums, hieroglyphic texts, and stunning artifacts. From clue to clue, the authors reconstruct an otherwise untold story of the magnificent reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

A book sale and signing will follow the program.

About the Authors

John and Colleen Darnell are a husband-and-wife Egyptologist team who have presented on the Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic, Science Channel, and Smithsonian, as well as appeared in National Geographic’s ‘Lost Treasures of Egypt.’

John is Professor of Egyptology in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Yale University. His archaeological expeditions in Egypt have been covered by The New York Times. In 2017, his Eastern Desert expedition discovered the earliest monumental hieroglyphic inscription and was named one of the Top 10 Discoveries of the Year by Archaeology.

Colleen has lectured around the world on topics related to her work in Egypt, and her interest in historic and vintage fashion.  She taught at Yale University as the Marilyn M. and William K. Simpson Assistant Professor of Egyptology from 2006 to 2010, and as Associate Professor until from 2010 to 2015.   Currently, she is Adjunct Professor of Art History at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT. In 2013, Colleen curated the ground-breaking exhibition at the Yale Peabody Museum entitled Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs.