Ancient Egypt is Theme of Spring Term of The Masters Series

The fascinating and complex history of ancient Egypt has inspired artists and scientists for millennia.

The June term of The Masters Series, which embraces lifelong learning and is presented by the Pasadena Senior Center, will be virtual via Zoom for people 50 and older Tuesdays, June 8 to 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Dr. Timothy Doran, associate professor of ancient history at Cal State LA, will guide participants through a compelling examination of Egypt beginning in prehistoric times and continuing through the death of Cleopatra in 30 BC.

The cost for the seven-week term is only $50 for members of the center and $60 for nonmembers. Membership at the center and Pasadena residency are not required.

To register, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Masters Series Lifelong Learning or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers will receive an email link to access each event.

Doran, a scholar of Greco-Roman culture, teaches Greek, Roman, ancient near-eastern and Egyptian history with a focus on political, cultural and social topics. He also teaches big history – everything from the Big Bang Theory to theory on the ultimate fate of the universe, drawing on anthropology, history, political science, astronomy, geology and biology.

He is the author of "Perspectives in Ancient History: Spartan Oliganthropia" (Oliganthropia means shortage of males) and is working on his second book, "The Spartan Genos: Eugenics, Consanguinity and Hereditarianism in Ancient Sparta."

In addition to online classes and other activities, members and nonmembers are encouraged to visit the Pasadena Senior Center website regularly for COVID-19 updates for older adults and other timely information, a weekly blog, monthly magazine, ongoing activities throughout the year and more.

The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has served older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services and other critical services for older adults in need, as well as limited occupancy in the library, fitness center, computer lab and billiards room. Masks and social distancing are required. All who enter are subject to temperature screening, must sanitize their hands upon entry and answer a simple screening questionnaire. Rooms are sanitized after each use.