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ND native Egyptologist shares knowledge, experiences with Minot community

Eloise Ogden/MDN Mark Lehner, world-renowned Egyptologist who is formerly of Minot, gave a lecture on his work in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University on Thursday evening. Lehner graduated from Minot High School and attended MSU. He has been studying and conducting digs in Egypt for more than 45 years.

Mark Lehner, recognized as one of the world’s leading Egyptologists and Sphinx authorities, shared his expertise on the Giza Plateau with local students and community people in Minot this week.

A native of North Dakota, Lehner was born in Fargo, went to grade school in Jamestown and graduated from Minot High School in 1968. His education includes a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology from the American University in Cairo and a doctorate degree in Egyptology from Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

Lehner has been studying and conducting digs in Egypt for more than 45 years. His work includes mapping the Great Sphinx and discovering a major part of the Lost City of the Pyramids at Giza.

While in Minot this week he spoke to students at Minot Public Schools and presented a lecture at Minot State University.

Lehner is co-founder and president of Ancient Egypt Research Associates, Inc. (AERA). a nonprofit organization based in Boston. The organization conducts archaeological research and education programs in Egypt. AERA has, through its field school, trained many Egyptian archaeologists who work for the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Hundreds of people have been trained in archaeology through the field school, Lehner said. He said those being trained work alongside the professionals.

At the lecture Thursday night, Lehner said during the next season in 2020 work in Egypt will be conducted at an old soccer field.

The lecture was followed by a book signing of his new book, “Giza and the Pyramids: The Definitive History,” co-authored with Zahi Hawass. Lehner and Hawass are considered two of the world’s most famous and respected Egyptologists. In their book they give insights based on their more than four decades of excavating and studying at the site in Egypt.

Lehner was also scheduled to attend MSU’s annual Alumni Association Gala fundraising event. Lehner attended MSU.

For more information about Lehner’s organization, Ancient Egypt Research Associates, visit www.aeraweb.org.

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