Monica Bontty
Professor
School of Humanities
Walk 2-66
318-342-1542
Monica M Bontty, PhD Professor, History
Education
Ph D
1997, Ancient Egyptian Philology, History, Archaeology and Literature
UCLA
Ph D
1997, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
UCLA
Ph D
1997, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
UCLA
MA
1983, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
UCLA
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Monica Bontty is a distinguished professor of World and Ancient History, an Egyptologist, and a dedicated educator with more than twenty-six years of experience mentoring university students. She is especially recognized for her expertise in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilizations and for being the only Egyptologist at a public university in Louisiana.
Licensure & Certification
TLRC Certificate, TLRC. (November 30 2006 - Present)
Certificate in Conflict Management, State of Louisiana. (October 2006 - Present)
On-lin Instructor Development Training, UCLA Extension. (February 21 2004 - Present)
Drivers Safety Certificate, ULM. (September 2007 - September 2009)
Research Interests
Dr. Bontty’s teaching spans a wide range of ancient and medieval subjects, reflecting both depth and breadth in historical scholarship. Her course offerings include Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and Rome, Ancient Egyptian History, Biblical Archaeology, the Middle Ages, and World Civilization I. In addition to these core courses, she teaches specialized seminars focused on topics such as ancient Egyptian queens, Emperor Nero, Julius Caesar, and the ancient Nubian Kandakes. She also offers courses centered on Roman coins (numismatics), providing students with insight into economic, political, and cultural aspects of the ancient world.
Her classes are known for combining rigorous academic content with engaging storytelling. By weaving narrative with analysis, she helps students connect with ancient cultures in meaningful and lasting ways. This approach encourages students not only to learn historical facts but also to understand the human experiences behind them, fostering deeper engagement and critical thinking.
As an Egyptologist, Dr. Bontty brings specialized knowledge of ancient Egypt to her institution. Her expertise includes Egyptian history, queenship, and cross-cultural interactions with neighboring civilizations, particularly Nubia. This focus allows her to highlight the interconnectedness of ancient societies and to present Egypt not in isolation but as part of a broader regional and historical context.
In addition to her academic knowledge, Dr. Bontty has participated in archaeological excavations, giving her firsthand experience with the material culture of the ancient world. This fieldwork plays an important role in her teaching, as she is able to incorporate real-world archaeological perspectives into the classroom. By sharing insights from excavation sites, artifact analysis, and research practices, she provides students with a more tangible understanding of how historical knowledge is produced. Her ability to connect theory with practice enhances the learning experience and brings ancient history to life.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Dr. Bontty has mentored countless students, guiding them in both academic and professional development. She is highly regarded by her students for her accessibility, dedication, and genuine passion for ancient history. Her willingness to support students outside the classroom, whether through advising, research guidance, or career mentorship, has made a lasting impact on many individuals.
Students frequently note her ability to inspire curiosity and critical thinking. Through her teaching and mentorship, she encourages them to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new perspectives. Many of her former students credit her influence as a significant factor in shaping their academic interests and career paths, particularly those who continue in the fields of history, archaeology, and related disciplines.
Dr. Bontty also holds a unique position within Louisiana higher education as the only Egyptologist in a public university system in the state. This distinction underscores both her specialized training and her importance in expanding access to Egyptological studies in the region. Her presence ensures that students in Louisiana have the opportunity to engage with ancient Egyptian history and archaeology at a high academic level without needing to leave the state.
Through her teaching, mentorship, and archaeological experience, Dr. Monica Bontty has made a lasting contribution to the study of ancient civilizations. Her work helps ensure that subjects such as ancient Egypt, Rome, and the broader ancient world remain vibrant, relevant, and accessible to new generations of students. By fostering intellectual curiosity and providing meaningful educational experiences, she continues to shape the way students understand and appreciate the past.
Recent Publications
Bontty, M. M. (2020). M. M.Bontty, Ancient Rome: Facts and Fictions, ABC-CLIO. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC CLIO.
Bontty, M. M. (2020). Ancient Rome Facts and Fictions. Santa Barbara: ABC CLIO.
Bontty, M. M. (2020). M. M.Bontty, Ancient Rome: Facts and Fictions, ABC-CLIO, March, 2020. Santa Barbara: Bloomsbury.
Fancher, R. Review of The Arsenal of the Red Warriors: US Lend-Lease Aid and the Arctic Journeys that Saved Stalin’s Red Army in the Second World War by Reagan Fancher, M.A., Ph.D. Vernon Press.
Fancher, R. (2024). The Arsenal of the Red Warriors: US Lend-Lease Aid and the Arctic Journeys that Saved Stalin’s Red Army in the Second World War by Reagan Fancher, M.A., Ph.D. (pp. 1). Vernon Press.
Bontty, M. M. (2017). Review of Ancient Egypt by Van de Mieroop (pp. 1). MA: Wiley.
Bontty, M. M. Gender in Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bontty, M. M. Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt.
Bontty, M. M. (2006). Review of G. Martin, Stelae from Egypt and Nubia in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2005). Review of Geschichte der Antike. Ein Studienbuch. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2003). Review of L. Graumann, Die Krankengeschichten der Epidemienbuecher des Corpus Hippocaricum. Medizinhistorische Bedeutung un Moeglichkeit der retrospektiven Diagnose. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2002). Review of J. Assmann, The Search for God in Ancient Egypt. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2001). Review of A. McDowell, Village Life in Ancient Egypt (pp. online). Bryn Mawr: BrynMawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2001). Review of G. Robins, The Art of Ancient Egypt. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. (2001). Concerning hp (pp. 1-8). Toronto: JSSEA.
Bontty, M. M. (2001). Warm Greetings to Friedrich Junge (pp. 2010). Goettingen, Lower Saxony: Linguae Aegyptia.
Bontty, M. M. (2000). Review of J. Loescher, Topogrophie und Geschichte der Region Am Ersten Nilkatarakt in Grieschish-Roemischer Zeit (pp. bmcr-1@brynmawr.edu). Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. LACMA Catologue Description. Los Angeles: LACMA.
Bontty, M. M. (1999). Review of H. Buchberger, Sargtexten, AA 52 (pp. 177-178). Goettingen: LingAeg.
Bontty, M. M., Peust, C. (1996). P. Deir El Medinah VIII (pp. 65-68). New York: Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt.
Bontty, M. M. (1995). The Haunebu (pp. 45-58). Goettingen: Goettinger Miszellen.
Bontty, M. M. Review of E. Harrison, Archaeological Computing CD. Buffalo: Archaeology Review Database.
Bontty, M. M. (2012). Canadian Journal of History (pp. 395-396). Saskatchewan: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. (2011). Review of Fields of Conflict. Arlington, VA: OnPoint Army Historical Foundation.
Bontty, M. M. (2011). Introduction to Lamp Catalogue (pp. pages 1-6). Monroe, LA: Biedenharn Publications.
Bontty, M. M., Niemla, K. Oil lampsin Biedenharn Museum. Monroe: NA.
Bontty, M. M. Review of Nancy Evans, Civic Rites (pp. 3). Saskatchewan, British Columbia: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. I am the Light of the World: Lamps from the Biedenharn (pp. 20). Monroe, LA: Biedenharn Publications.
Bontty, M. M. Coptica Journal. Los Angeles, CA: Coptica.
Bontty, M. M. (2009). Review of Eckstein's book on Roman Imperialism. Saskatchewan: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. (2008). Ancient Greece in Film and Popular Culture. Nottingham: Scope: An online Journal of Film Studies.
Bontty, M. M. (2008). Review of Grace Under Fire. Arlington, VA: On-Point Magazine Army Historical Research.
Bontty, M. M., Takla, H. A Coptic Homily on the Archangel Michael. Los Angeles: Coptica.
Bontty, M. M. Review of H. Eiteljorg II, Archaeological Computing. Buffalo, NY: Anthropology Review Database.
Bontty, M. M. Review of J. Bingen, Hellenistic Egypt. Saskatschewan: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. Review of L. J. Zimmerman et all, Ethical Issues in Archaeology. New York: Southeastern Archaeology.
Bontty, M. M. (2007). Review of Gender, Domesticity and the Age of Augustus: Inventing Private Life. Saskatchewan: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. (2007). Review of Stelae from Egypt and Nubia in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M. Review of Gender in Augustan Age (pp. 79-81). Ontario, Canada: Canadian Journal of History.
Bontty, M. M. (2006). Review of Geschichte der Antike (pp. Online publication: 2006). Bryn Mawr: Bryn Mawr Classics Review.
Bontty, M. M., Takla, H. A Late Coptic Manuscript. Los Angeles, CA: Coptica.
Bontty, M. M., Takla, H. (2006). An unpublished Bohairic Fragment (pp. 93-107). Los Angeles: Coptica.
Awards & Honors
Dean's Research Grant.
September 2022 Monetary Award.
March 2010 Outstanding Performance in Service 2010.
October 2005 TLRC Academy for Teaching Excellence.
May 2005 Phi Alpha Theta.
September 1996 Graduate Division Fellowship..
December 1993 Friends of Archaeology Travel Grant.
September 1993 Goettinger Contact Fellowship.
September 1993 Departmental Fellowship.
September 1989 Graduate Advancement Opportunity Fellowship.
June 1981 Deutsche Akademische Austausdienst.
Courses Taught
ANTG 2001INTRODUCTION TO ARCHEOLOGY, 5 course(s)
ANTS 2007CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 4 course(s)
FRYS 1001Freshman Year Seminar, 1 course(s)
HIST 1010Honors History, 3 course(s)
HIST 1011WORLD CIVILIZATION I, 63 course(s)
HIST 1020HEALTHCARE & CIVILIZATION I, 4 course(s)
HIST 3009ISLAM, 4 course(s)
HIST 3012EASTERN CIVILIZATION, 2 course(s)
HIST 4065ANC EGYPTIAN RELIGIOUS TEXTS, 4 course(s)
HIST 4066ANC EGYPTIAN BIOG TEXTS, 2 course(s)
HIST 4070HISTORY OF BIBLICAL LANDS, 13 course(s)
HIST 4074HISTORY OF ANCIENT EGYPT, 8 course(s)
HIST 4075ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND GREECE, 7 course(s)
HIST 4076ANCIENT ROME, 9 course(s)
HIST 4077THE MIDDLE AGES, 5 course(s)
HIST 4091DIRECTED STUDY, 1 course(s)
HIST 4094European History, 1 course(s)
HIST 5024MAKERS OF EUROPE: ANCIENT, 6 course(s)
HIST 5025MAKERS OF EUROPE: MIDDLE AGES, 2 course(s)
HIST 5026Makers/Europe Ancient, 1 course(s)
HIST 5035Historiography, 1 course(s)
HIST 5055MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS, 9 course(s)
HIST 5091DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 4 course(s)
HIST 5099THESIS, 12 course(s)
HIST 5165ANC EGYPT RELIG TEXTS & BELIEF, 2 course(s)
HIST 5166ANC EGYPTIAN BIOGRAPH TEXTS, 1 course(s)
HIST 5170BIBLICAL LANDS, 4 course(s)
HIST 5174ANCIENT EGYPT, 1 course(s)
HIST 5175ANCIENT NEAR EAST & GREECE, 1 course(s)
HIST 5176ANCIENT ROME, 2 course(s)
HIST 5177THE MIDDLE AGES, 1 course(s)
HIST 5195TOPICS IN HISTORY, 1 course(s)
HONR 4010HONORS SEMINAR, 2 course(s)