Ancient Egypt: A History in Seven Treasures

by Bettany Hughes

Bestselling historian Bettany Hughes unearths the stories of a civilisation through seven of its most precious treasures, revealing the people, power and beliefs that shaped the Nile's enduring world. Her thrilling journey of discovery explores the secrets and splendour

- the Great Pyramid of Giza
- the Sphinx
- Cleopatra's secret island of Philae
- Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari
- Tutankhamen's tomb
- the underwater city at Alexandria
- the most beautiful mummy in the world.

Drawing on her own vivid first-hand encounters at each site, Hughes brings to life the splendour, drama and humanity of ancient Egypt as never before.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 15, 2026

About the author

Bettany Hughes is an English historian, author and broadcaster. Her speciality is classical history.

Bettany grew up in West London with her brother, the cricketer Simon Hughes. Her parents were in the theatre: she learnt early the importance and delight of sharing thoughts and ideas with a wider public. Bettany won a scholarship to read Ancient and Modern History at Oxford University and then continued her post-graduate research while travelling through the Balkans and Asia Minor. In recognition of her contribution to research, she has been awarded a Research Fellowship at King's London.

Bettany lectures throughout the world. She has been invited to universities in the US, Australia, Germany, Turkey and Holland to speak on subjects as diverse as Helen of Troy and the origins of female 'Sophia' to concepts of Time in the Islamic world. She considers her work in the lecture hall and seminar room amongst the most important, and rewarding she does.