Ancient Egypt
An Introduction

A cornerstone introduction for the study of ancient Egypt, with an overview of geography, history, society, religion and culture.

Salima Ikram (Author)

9780521859073, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 December 2009

356 pages, 102 b/w illus. 48 colour illus.
26.1 x 18.6 x 2.2 cm, 0.994 kg

'How refreshing it is to find a new general introduction to ancient Egypt written by a well known and respected Egyptologist! … I am often asked for recommended reading for anyone new to ancient Egypt and, until the publication of this book at least, I have often struggled to make sensible suggestions, for rarely does one book fit the bill. This book is the answer to that quandary and I am sure that it will become the 'must-read' book for anyone beginning to study the subject, or who wants to find a really good overview in one volume.' Ancient Egypt

This book provides an introduction to one of the greatest civilizations of all time – ancient Egypt. Beginning with a geographical overview that explains the development of Egyptian belief systems as well as its subsequent political development, it examines methodology, the history of the discipline of Egyptology, religion, social organization, urban and rural life, and death. It also includes a section on how people of all ranks lived. Lavishly illustrated, with many unusual photographs of rarely seen sites that are seldom illustrated, this volume is suitable for use in introductory-level courses on ancient Egypt. It offers a variety of student-friendly features, including a glossary, a bibliography, and a list of sources for those who wish to further their interest in ancient Egypt.

1. The black and the red: geography and environment
2. Travellers, thieves, and scholars: the history of Egyptology and Egyptomania
3. Recreating Ancient Egypt: sources and methodologies
4. Shadows in the sand: Egypt's past
5. Maintaining Egypt: religion
6. Kings and commoners: Egyptian society and government
7. Town and country life
8. From sunrise to sunset: daily life of the Ancient Egyptians
9. The living and the dead: mummies, tombs, and mortuary.

Subject Areas: Egyptian archaeology / Egyptology [HDDG], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]