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Facts On File Library Of World History
Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt
The Nile Valley civilization, which spanned a period from c. 5000 B.C. to the early centuries A.D., was one of the earliest created by humankind. This handy reference provides a comprehensive overview of more than five millennia of Egyptian history and archeology, from predynastic times to the Old and New Kingdoms to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Accessible, authoritative, and clearly organized, the Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt offers an engaging look at a culture whose art and architecture, religion, and medicine would come to form the basis of Western Civilization.
The thematically arranged chapters allow readers easy access to particular topics, including historical background, geography, government, religion, funerary customs, architecture, literature, the military, the economy, and everyday life. Drawing on written sources dating from c. 3100 B.C. and historical evidence including monuments, artifacts, inscriptions, and preserved human remains, Rosalie David covers everything from the Sun Cult and the pyramids to the arrival and spread of Christianity. The Handbook contains 112 maps, photographs, and original line drawings, a chronological table, an appendix listing museums with Egyptian collections, and extensive bibliographies included with each chapter.
Combining both archeological and historical sources, the Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt provides all the essential information required by anyone interested in Egyptian history, archaeology, religions, or culture.
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.
The thematically arranged chapters allow readers easy access to particular topics, including historical background, geography, government, religion, funerary customs, architecture, literature, the military, the economy, and everyday life. Drawing on written sources dating from c. 3100 B.C. and historical evidence including monuments, artifacts, inscriptions, and preserved human remains, Rosalie David covers everything from the Sun Cult and the pyramids to the arrival and spread of Christianity. The Handbook contains 112 maps, photographs, and original line drawings, a chronological table, an appendix listing museums with Egyptian collections, and extensive bibliographies included with each chapter.
Combining both archeological and historical sources, the Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt provides all the essential information required by anyone interested in Egyptian history, archaeology, religions, or culture.
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.
432 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
7 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Rosalie David
32 books19 followersFrom Ancient Egypt Magazine:
PROFESSOR ROSALIE DAVID OBE has achieved world renown for her pioneering work in investigating mummies using non-destructive techniques. She is Director of the KNH Centre for Biological and Forensic Studies in Egyptology at The University of Manchester. For over 25 years her Certificate Course in Egyptology has been consistently oversubscribed. The Distance Learning Course in Egyptology has proved equally popular.
Prof David was the former Keeper of Egyptology at the Manchester Museum, and is Director of the International Mummy Database and Director of the Schistosomiasis Investigation Project. Her research work into this disease, a scourge in the ancient as well as the modern world, was recognised recently with a prestigious award from the Anglo-French Medical Society. Prof David is the author of numerous books and articles on mummies and the religious practices of the ancient Egyptians, a presenter of TV and radio programmes, and an extremely popular lecturer all over the world.
Rosalie David was the first woman professor in Egyptology in Britain, and the first to receive an OBE in recognition of her services in Egyptology.
PROFESSOR ROSALIE DAVID OBE has achieved world renown for her pioneering work in investigating mummies using non-destructive techniques. She is Director of the KNH Centre for Biological and Forensic Studies in Egyptology at The University of Manchester. For over 25 years her Certificate Course in Egyptology has been consistently oversubscribed. The Distance Learning Course in Egyptology has proved equally popular.
Prof David was the former Keeper of Egyptology at the Manchester Museum, and is Director of the International Mummy Database and Director of the Schistosomiasis Investigation Project. Her research work into this disease, a scourge in the ancient as well as the modern world, was recognised recently with a prestigious award from the Anglo-French Medical Society. Prof David is the author of numerous books and articles on mummies and the religious practices of the ancient Egyptians, a presenter of TV and radio programmes, and an extremely popular lecturer all over the world.
Rosalie David was the first woman professor in Egyptology in Britain, and the first to receive an OBE in recognition of her services in Egyptology.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 28, 2018
3.5/5
I really liked the way that this book was both broad and thorough - David covers many aspects of the Ancient Egyptian civilization and delivers tons of details and a list of further reading for each. I do think that the writing could have a smoother flow to it. The chapters didn't seem to lead into one another very well, so maybe a different order would have worked better. But that's just me, and maybe reading it cover to cover isn't how she intended it to be used.
I really liked the way that this book was both broad and thorough - David covers many aspects of the Ancient Egyptian civilization and delivers tons of details and a list of further reading for each. I do think that the writing could have a smoother flow to it. The chapters didn't seem to lead into one another very well, so maybe a different order would have worked better. But that's just me, and maybe reading it cover to cover isn't how she intended it to be used.
January 2, 2019
Very good for info you weren't taught in school.
April 21, 2012
Written by an expert on the subject. Dr. Rosalie David provides a wealth of details about the history, culture, religion, society, and lives of ancient Egyptians. She goes far beyond the average book on the subject and presents a scientific approach that could be used in a college course on Egyptology. It presents a very large amount of information and some readers may consider it "dry" and not able to hold their interest. Suggested additional resources are listed.
June 22, 2009
A great companion to have around for some quick research or a longer read. the sections are well laid out, and I found the list of extra suggested reading at the end of every chapter very helpful. The renderings and photographs provided by the University of Manchester made me want to book a flight and wander the halls! Once again, a huge topic, but really enjoyable.
June 13, 2008
This book is a gem, as only in this oeuvre will you find diamond-in-the-ruff information that rarely rears its scholastic head anywhere else! I particularly love and recommend reading carefully the section on education--it is very comprehensive.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews