Summary
Praise for the previous edition:
"Recommended..."—Booklist
"...belongs on the shelves of the public and school library. The breadth and thoroughness of its coverage will serve the beginning student well, and there is nothing else known to this reviewer quite like it."—American Reference Books Annual
"Library media centers supporting upper level ancient history curriculum...will want to provide this source for their students."—The Book Report
Written by a noted Egyptologist, Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt, Revised Edition explores 5,000 years of this mysterious and fascinating civilization. Containing the most up-to-date information and organized thematically, it combines historical and archaeological information in a highly accessible format. This volume is the only book that explores all aspects of life in ancient Egypt, from predynastic times to the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.
In this new edition, the author discusses the latest findings in areas that are currently at the forefront of Egyptological research. A new chapter on Egyptology describes the history of the field, the results of the latest excavations, and the techniques involved in new scientific studies, such as DNA analysis and the tracing of disease patterns. This newly revised edition takes into account the discoveries of the last few years that have led Egyptologists to change their perspective on some aspects of life in ancient Egypt, including a reevaluation of the purpose and functions of the Egyptian temples, the role of the Great Royal Wife, and the possible date and nature of the Biblical Exodus.
Coverage includes:
- Egyptology, Archaeology, and Scientific Mummy Studies in Egypt
- Historical Background
- Geography of Ancient Egypt
- Society and Government
- Religion of the Living
- Funerary Beliefs and Customs
- Architecture and Building
- Written Evidence
- The Army and Navy
- Foreign Trade and Transport
- Economy and Industry
- Everyday Life.
Specifications
80 black-and-white photographs and illustrations. 9 maps. Index. Appendix. Bibliography. Timeline. A list of international museums with major Egyptian collections.
About the Author(s)
Rosalie David is professor of Egyptology at the University of Manchester, England, where she is also keeper of Egyptology at The Manchester Museum. She is the author of 23 books on Egypt-related subjects, including Facts On File's Discovering Ancient Egypt, as well as numerous articles. Since 1973 she has been director of the Manchester Egyptian Mummy Research Project—the subject of six books, six films, and five exhibitions—which has established a methodology for the study of Egyptian mummified remains, while adding to the knowledge of disease, living conditions, and religious beliefs in ancient Egypt. David is also the director of the Kahun Research Project, a multidisciplinary scientific study of objects recovered from a pyramid workmen’s town.