YOU published a letter recently on the subject of a school visit to the Liverpool Museum, specifically the Egyptian collections.

I realised then how little I knew about that ancient civilization, most of my knowledge being derived from The Old Testament rather than archaeological sources.

Familiar to anyone with a sound elementary education are the stories of Joseph as Governor of Egypt under the Pharoah, the sufferings of the Hebrews under the tyranny of the later Pharoahs, the leadership of Moses in their escape from Egypt across the Red Sea and the fate of their pursuers.

A dull teacher indeed who could not stir the interest of pupils with material such as this, readily available in the sacred texts of the three major monotheistic religions in this country.

But what of the religious beliefs of the Egyptians themselves, the role of the Pharoahs, the crops they grew and the animals they kept, their diet and medical knowledge and practice, the political and social structures of the country?

How could it be that with such resources to hand at a renowned Egyptology Department in the University as well as the Museum that I could reach retirement without having explored such a potentially interesting field?

I am resolved to get over to Liverpool to satisfy this interest that your published letter has prompted.

If I were to find that the galleries were occupied by noisy, under- prepared school children I would probably give up and try another day.

Patrick Dowling by email.