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The Definitive Visual History
Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History
Discover the intimate details of life under the pharaohs--and their extraordinary legacy--in this fascinating guide to Egypt's ancient civilization.
Encompassing 3,000 years and 31 Egyptian dynasties, from the time of Narmer to Cleopatra, this fresh appraisal of ancient treasures helps you navigate the political intrigues and cultural achievements of the Ancient Egyptians, from the Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza to the Great Library and Lighthouse of Alexandria.
You'll meet pharaohs such as King Tutankhamun--whose mummified remains and lavish grave goods reveal so much about the society and its beliefs--as well as influential women such as Hatshepsut and Nefertiti, and warriors including Alexander the Great. Lavish photographs reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of their scribes, artists, and metalworkers, and the tomb paintings and relief carvings that captured the everyday life of farmers, artisans, soldiers, and traders in exquisite detail. Exclusive CGI reconstructions use the latest scientific information to recreate the finest tombs, temples, and pyramids.
Beautifully illustrated, and unparalleled in scope, Ancient Egypt is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in ancient civilizations and Egyptology.
Encompassing 3,000 years and 31 Egyptian dynasties, from the time of Narmer to Cleopatra, this fresh appraisal of ancient treasures helps you navigate the political intrigues and cultural achievements of the Ancient Egyptians, from the Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza to the Great Library and Lighthouse of Alexandria.
You'll meet pharaohs such as King Tutankhamun--whose mummified remains and lavish grave goods reveal so much about the society and its beliefs--as well as influential women such as Hatshepsut and Nefertiti, and warriors including Alexander the Great. Lavish photographs reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of their scribes, artists, and metalworkers, and the tomb paintings and relief carvings that captured the everyday life of farmers, artisans, soldiers, and traders in exquisite detail. Exclusive CGI reconstructions use the latest scientific information to recreate the finest tombs, temples, and pyramids.
Beautifully illustrated, and unparalleled in scope, Ancient Egypt is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in ancient civilizations and Egyptology.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
155 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 9, 2022
This book was a pleasure. One of my favorite purchases of the year. It is, at once, a wonderful "coffee table" book that is filled with gorgeous illustrations and beautiful pictures. But, it is also a superb history book that gives a great survey of the entire history of Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt is a fascinating place. In modern times we tend to think of the Romans as "ancient" but don't seem to realize that there were peoples that the Romans considered "ancient". In fact many might be surprised to know that Cleopatra VII of 51 BCE(Cleopatra Philopator, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony's Cleopatra) is actually closer in time to our age (around 1,900 years) than she is to the founding Early Dynastic Period of Narmer which started around 3,000 BCE.
This book looks at Early Egypt 0f 4400-2688 BCE
The Old Kingdom 2686-2055 BCE
The Middle Kingdom 2055-1550 BCE
The Early New Kingdom 1550-1295 BCE
The Late New Kingdom 1295-1069 BCE
The Late Period 1069-332 BCE
The Greco-Roman Period 332-395 BCE
Each section is beautifully illustrated, the major rulers are discussed and there is a large section in each part about daily life, art, religion, food, etc. All of it is beautifully illustrated.
The book then ends with a simplified record of the entire period with summations of the various rulers and events in World History.
Then there is an excellent glossary of all Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Finally, a joy to people like myself who enjoy traveling around the world, there is a well illustrated section called "Sites" which covers all the still extant sites that can be visited and their location- very cool!
A sheer joy to read and a beautifully illustrated volume. Highly recommended.
Ancient Egypt is a fascinating place. In modern times we tend to think of the Romans as "ancient" but don't seem to realize that there were peoples that the Romans considered "ancient". In fact many might be surprised to know that Cleopatra VII of 51 BCE(Cleopatra Philopator, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony's Cleopatra) is actually closer in time to our age (around 1,900 years) than she is to the founding Early Dynastic Period of Narmer which started around 3,000 BCE.
This book looks at Early Egypt 0f 4400-2688 BCE
The Old Kingdom 2686-2055 BCE
The Middle Kingdom 2055-1550 BCE
The Early New Kingdom 1550-1295 BCE
The Late New Kingdom 1295-1069 BCE
The Late Period 1069-332 BCE
The Greco-Roman Period 332-395 BCE
Each section is beautifully illustrated, the major rulers are discussed and there is a large section in each part about daily life, art, religion, food, etc. All of it is beautifully illustrated.
The book then ends with a simplified record of the entire period with summations of the various rulers and events in World History.
Then there is an excellent glossary of all Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Finally, a joy to people like myself who enjoy traveling around the world, there is a well illustrated section called "Sites" which covers all the still extant sites that can be visited and their location- very cool!
A sheer joy to read and a beautifully illustrated volume. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2025
Справжній скарб для всіх, хто захоплюється історією Стародавнього Єгипту. Ця книга є блискучим прикладом того, якою має бути сучасна візуальна енциклопедія!
Кожна сторінка — це справжня насолода для очей. Високоякісні фотографії артефактів, детальні реконструкції, карти, схеми та ілюстрації створюють повноцінне занурення в світ фараонів та пірамід. Усі ці крупні плани ювелірних виробів, папірусів та настінних розписів — неймовірної краси і якості деталі. Інформація подана структуровано та доступно, від зародження єгипетської цивілізації до її занепаду. Автори не перевантажуючи читача надмірними деталями, але й не спрощуючи складні питання дають повноцінну і цікаву оповідь про добу фараонів.
Особливо хочу відзначити якість поліграфії — щільний папір, чіткий друк, продуманий дизайн сторінок. Це той випадок, коли фізична книга значно переважає цифрові аналоги.
Читаючи цю енциклопедію, особливо гостро відчуваєш, як катастрофічно не вистачає подібних високоякісних візуальних видань українською мовою.
Ця книга — must-have для домашньої бібліотеки кожного любителя історії. Вона однаково цікава і для швидкого перегляду, і для глибокого вивчення. Підійде зацікавленим дітям і підліткам які трохи рубають англійською.
Рекомендую !
January 21, 2022
I have to admit, I really do enjoy reading these visual histories from DK Publishing. This is the second one I've read and just like the previous one, it is lavishly illustrated with locales, artifacts, statues, buildings and ruins and all the items one might connect with a physical item associated with ancient Egypt.
Starting with the pre-dynastic inhabitants of the Nile region, it takes the reader through 3,000 years - dynasty by dynasty with people, society, religion, culture, food, agriculture, games and sports, and far more as it continues to age. How dynasties changed - how many have a few names known while others have nearly the entire timeline of their control filled with rulers and even household members and elite. Who conquered who and when and alliances. Detailed maps with major cities and settlements during each age. The gods and how they changed through the millennia as well as their increased popularity and its decline. Building floorplans from a pyramid to a worker's village. Trying to keep the Cleopatra's and Ptolemy's of the last dynasty clear suddenly becomes far more understandable as the the numbers switch back and forth as family in-fighting brings different members to the throne - and off - and back on - and assassinated and . . . .
For someone interested in ancient Egypt, this is a wonderful resource even if one just gets it for the pictures. Which an individual will never be able to get close enough to examine in detail at a museum. . . if the item is at a museum or not in restricted territory.
2022-019
Starting with the pre-dynastic inhabitants of the Nile region, it takes the reader through 3,000 years - dynasty by dynasty with people, society, religion, culture, food, agriculture, games and sports, and far more as it continues to age. How dynasties changed - how many have a few names known while others have nearly the entire timeline of their control filled with rulers and even household members and elite. Who conquered who and when and alliances. Detailed maps with major cities and settlements during each age. The gods and how they changed through the millennia as well as their increased popularity and its decline. Building floorplans from a pyramid to a worker's village. Trying to keep the Cleopatra's and Ptolemy's of the last dynasty clear suddenly becomes far more understandable as the the numbers switch back and forth as family in-fighting brings different members to the throne - and off - and back on - and assassinated and . . . .
For someone interested in ancient Egypt, this is a wonderful resource even if one just gets it for the pictures. Which an individual will never be able to get close enough to examine in detail at a museum. . . if the item is at a museum or not in restricted territory.
2022-019
October 12, 2024
Great introduction to Egyptian history! Good book to read if you are about to travel to Egypt.
November 21, 2023
A fantastic book I really enjoyed it it is great reading material and so detailed about life in ancient Egypt. I loved all the rich information and the story on the gods of Egypt and the pictures were so highly detailed I highly recommend this book it is very interesting.
December 3, 2021
The publishers are right to call it, in its subtitle, a definitive visual history. It is indeed a visual history in a large book, multimedia in the sense that it charts timelines, text, archaeological pictures, research. It’s lavishly illustrated, but the illustrations support the history, geography, society and other text. The pages also include timelines and maps, and the narratives themselves tend to be short, often one to two pages, so it’s not as dense as a book of this heft would suggest. And, it does a wonderful job of charting a long and eventful history.
It is not a travel guide – though it does mention the various archaeological sites – but an impressive review of 5000 years of history, from earliest times till the end of classic Egyptian civilization in the post-Alexandrian Roman era – 31 numbered dynasties even before we get to the Greco-Roman period. The appendices at the end break out the rulers, deities, sites, and cities of this multi-millennia civilization, and include a glossary as well.
It’s a beautiful book and a fully-understandable and accessible telling, and would be a marvelous gift to a friend, or to oneself. Highest recommendation.
(Read in 2021 print edition courtesy of Amazon Vine).
It is not a travel guide – though it does mention the various archaeological sites – but an impressive review of 5000 years of history, from earliest times till the end of classic Egyptian civilization in the post-Alexandrian Roman era – 31 numbered dynasties even before we get to the Greco-Roman period. The appendices at the end break out the rulers, deities, sites, and cities of this multi-millennia civilization, and include a glossary as well.
It’s a beautiful book and a fully-understandable and accessible telling, and would be a marvelous gift to a friend, or to oneself. Highest recommendation.
(Read in 2021 print edition courtesy of Amazon Vine).
December 23, 2021
This one was a new purchase at the local library, new enough that it still has new book smell.
What can I say. This book is gorgeous. It is pretty much what it says on the tin- a quick overview of Egyptian history covering the high points and supplementing the text with absolutely gorgeous full color photographs.
I am a very visual learner so seeing these images was incredibly helpful. Its one thing to say Karnak is huge, quite another to see the layout and realize it was pretty much its own mini city. You can tell me the pyramid of Amenemhat III was shoddily built, but when I spend 10 minutes looking at a picture of some rocks in the desert wondering where the pyramid is only to realize those rocks are the pyramid, I'm more likely to remember the fact.
And I am really walking away from this book with a deeper appreciation for those ancient craftsman and artisans who made all of those beautiful objects that were photographed in this book.
I really enjoyed this one, far more than I thought I would. This may end up in my personal collection.
Oh, and the Bust of Queen Tiy. It is the best.
What can I say. This book is gorgeous. It is pretty much what it says on the tin- a quick overview of Egyptian history covering the high points and supplementing the text with absolutely gorgeous full color photographs.
I am a very visual learner so seeing these images was incredibly helpful. Its one thing to say Karnak is huge, quite another to see the layout and realize it was pretty much its own mini city. You can tell me the pyramid of Amenemhat III was shoddily built, but when I spend 10 minutes looking at a picture of some rocks in the desert wondering where the pyramid is only to realize those rocks are the pyramid, I'm more likely to remember the fact.
And I am really walking away from this book with a deeper appreciation for those ancient craftsman and artisans who made all of those beautiful objects that were photographed in this book.
I really enjoyed this one, far more than I thought I would. This may end up in my personal collection.
Oh, and the Bust of Queen Tiy. It is the best.
January 9, 2022
A very good introductory text on the history of ancient Egypt. The title says it is a “visual history” and that is a good description of the book. Throughout it is richly illustrated with photos and many excellent artist’s reconstructions of monuments and temples which have long ago collapsed and sunk into the desert sands.
The chapters are short and perhaps incomplete but the text is well written and understandable. The author takes us through each era of Egyptian history explaining the different dynasties and many of the most important pharaohs. There are many insights on the religious beliefs of the culture and how they drove the huge construction projects of the kingdom. The author also attempts to explain the almost constant state of warfare that prevailed between Egypt and her neighbors.
The last few sections of the book form an excellent reference resource on the civilization. There is a summary of the eras, dynasties and pharaohs. Also, an alphabetical summary of many of the Egyptian gods. And if you are thinking of a trip to Egypt there is a nice summary of the best historical sites to look for.
The chapters are short and perhaps incomplete but the text is well written and understandable. The author takes us through each era of Egyptian history explaining the different dynasties and many of the most important pharaohs. There are many insights on the religious beliefs of the culture and how they drove the huge construction projects of the kingdom. The author also attempts to explain the almost constant state of warfare that prevailed between Egypt and her neighbors.
The last few sections of the book form an excellent reference resource on the civilization. There is a summary of the eras, dynasties and pharaohs. Also, an alphabetical summary of many of the Egyptian gods. And if you are thinking of a trip to Egypt there is a nice summary of the best historical sites to look for.
March 22, 2025
I know everything about Egypt now
May 22, 2022
An pretty thorough introduction into the 3,000 year span of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Don’t expect a ton of details on any specific topic—that’s not the purpose of this book. It’s meant to show you the sheer scale and breadth of the empire, it’s hundreds of rulers and dozens of gods, it’s countless ruins and priceless artifacts. The book is stunningly gorgeous (it’s what made me check it out from the library), and it’s enough to make anyone start wondering how different or expensive it would be to plan a tour of the sites of Nile and the multiple museums of Cairo (all of which are helpfully listed in the appendix). It was this sort of picture book that first caught my attention in grade school and awoke the history big in me, and this helped rekindle that interest.
July 5, 2024
First, the book is objectively gorgeous, with a cover presumably meant to evoke lapis lazuli. (That old adage about not judging a book by its cover is -- or ought to be -- ignored by wise publishers. A cover is the adornment of the ideas inside as much as clothing choices hint at the person who wears them.)
Second, that visual part is SO important. Ancient Egypt has the allure of mystery, so a "stuff your eyes with wonder" (hat tip to Bradbury) approach is perfect for the topic and audience. Additionally, all of the visuals help to make a LOT of information clearer and more memorable.
Third, do not think that this book is thin on information. True, it is not a dry, dusty, academic tome. But it *is* meant for adult readers. (A middle schooler, for example, might enjoy the pictures but would be hard pressed to really understand a lot of the information. The intended audience is presumed to have at least some grasp of history.)
I learned a lot reading this book, and the best part is that I got to learn by way of a guilty pleasure. As a kid, I was bummed when books stopped having gorgeous illustrations. (That didn't stop me -- I went on to earn a BA in English -- but gorgeous prose should absolutely be met by gorgeous images. That's my story, and I am sticking to it!)
Second, that visual part is SO important. Ancient Egypt has the allure of mystery, so a "stuff your eyes with wonder" (hat tip to Bradbury) approach is perfect for the topic and audience. Additionally, all of the visuals help to make a LOT of information clearer and more memorable.
Third, do not think that this book is thin on information. True, it is not a dry, dusty, academic tome. But it *is* meant for adult readers. (A middle schooler, for example, might enjoy the pictures but would be hard pressed to really understand a lot of the information. The intended audience is presumed to have at least some grasp of history.)
I learned a lot reading this book, and the best part is that I got to learn by way of a guilty pleasure. As a kid, I was bummed when books stopped having gorgeous illustrations. (That didn't stop me -- I went on to earn a BA in English -- but gorgeous prose should absolutely be met by gorgeous images. That's my story, and I am sticking to it!)
February 3, 2024
It's no exaggeration to say that the pyramids are full of mysteries and nothing has been solved yet. It is not clear who built the pyramids, why they were built, or how they were built.
Although it is an ancient structure built 4,700 years ago, it cannot be reproduced even with today's advanced technology.
The ancient Greeks said that the pyramids were built by slaves, which was later replaced by the story that they were built by builders and craftsmen.
Pyramids are made of stone, but first a huge stone must be cut to exact size. Then they have to transport it to the construction site. Next, the stones must be piled up.
And these stones are stacked at geometrically perfect angles, sizes, and balance. If the slaves had such skills, they would be called craftsmen.
In any case, their technical ability is inconceivable to humans.
Maybe it wasn't created by humans.
Various grave goods have been unearthed around the pyramid and they are thought to be daily necessities of ancient Egyptians.
However, will we ever find out who built the pyramids, why they were built, and how?
Although it is an ancient structure built 4,700 years ago, it cannot be reproduced even with today's advanced technology.
The ancient Greeks said that the pyramids were built by slaves, which was later replaced by the story that they were built by builders and craftsmen.
Pyramids are made of stone, but first a huge stone must be cut to exact size. Then they have to transport it to the construction site. Next, the stones must be piled up.
And these stones are stacked at geometrically perfect angles, sizes, and balance. If the slaves had such skills, they would be called craftsmen.
In any case, their technical ability is inconceivable to humans.
Maybe it wasn't created by humans.
Various grave goods have been unearthed around the pyramid and they are thought to be daily necessities of ancient Egyptians.
However, will we ever find out who built the pyramids, why they were built, and how?
December 5, 2023
People have found out that some of the facts are sloppy in this one
example [quote]
It listed one of the pyramids, the Pyramid of Djoser, as being 100 ft (60m) tall.
It also has those same dimensions stated on the caption of a picture of that pyramid.
Well, 100 feet is not 60 meters, and the images compared to other pyramids didn't seem to line up with 100 feet, so I checked into it to see which value was correct.
Turns out, neither is correct, but 60 meters is close...it's 62.5 meters tall, which is 205 feet.
.............
I guess according to the writers and fact checkers 205 feet and 100 feet are the same.
though i think measurements vary from 200 to 205 depending on where you measure it....
But, i did like page 714 which stated that bunnies were the size of the pale pink hippotomanus
Which both animals were sacrified to Sebec.
July 16, 2023
Gostei muito! É um livro que pode ser usado que nem aqueles de decoração na mesa de centro MAS tem conteúdo nele sim. Ele fala de forma geral sobre a história do Egito antigo, desde o início nas primeiras dinatias até a queda dele com a chegada do império romano. Todo o conteúdo é permeado de imagens de alta resolução de artefatos e de algumas reconstruções computadorizadas de como seriam determinados locais e monumentos. Importante dizer que o livro mostra de tudo, os principais faraós, forma de vestimenta, decoração das tumbas, relacionamento da população com animais (se apenas de forma religiosa ou se tinham animais de estimação). Enfim, achei bem completo pra o que se propôs a fazer.
February 24, 2024
(Version en español) Un libro ilustrado, con detalles e información relevante para introducirnos al Antiguo Egipto. La encuadernación es excepcional, y la calidad de las imágenes está a la altura de su precio.
El contenido está ordenado de forma cronológica, abarcando desde las primeras generaciones hasta la caída del imperio ptolemaico. Además de dar pinceladas sobre las figuras más relevantes de cada Dinastía, analiza algunos templos y edificaciones así como ritos y costumbres.
Recomendable para alguien que quiera empezar a entender esta apasionante civilización.
El contenido está ordenado de forma cronológica, abarcando desde las primeras generaciones hasta la caída del imperio ptolemaico. Además de dar pinceladas sobre las figuras más relevantes de cada Dinastía, analiza algunos templos y edificaciones así como ritos y costumbres.
Recomendable para alguien que quiera empezar a entender esta apasionante civilización.
September 18, 2025
When I was growing up, I was definitely a shark/ ancient Egypt girlie, fed by a steady diet of secondhand shop back issues of NatGeo and PBS. So, I absolutely loved reading through Ancient Egypt: A Definitive Visual History showing, yet again, that DK Publishing really brings the magic of learning out for kids and adults alone.
Fascinating, well-illustrated, covering a wide variety of interesting topics, and very useful for research, I learned lots of new things. While I got this from the library, I'm considering buying a copy, that’s how much I enjoyed it.
Fascinating, well-illustrated, covering a wide variety of interesting topics, and very useful for research, I learned lots of new things. While I got this from the library, I'm considering buying a copy, that’s how much I enjoyed it.
December 24, 2024
This beautiful book is a high-level yet comprehensive overview of ancient Egyptian history, culture, customs and religion. It is a highly accessible introduction for those who want to know more about this amazing civilization and makes a good companion to more detailed accounts, such as the Oxford history. But it's the imagery that truly makes it a standout and worth the price. It's like having a universal pass to all the major Egyptology collections and archaeological sites. The images really make the culture come to life. To boot, it is a very fine example of book publishing.
February 9, 2025
If you want to learn more about Ancient Egypt or are planning to go to Egypt one day to see the magnificent temples and pyramids, this book is a must read. I started reading it before going to Egypt to gain a deeper insight about the lifestyle, culture and history of the Ancient Egyptians. Thanks to this book, I learned a lot and was fascinated by the pictures of the artefacts, inscriptions and temples and didn't need a tour guide in Egypt :)
February 1, 2022
An excellently illustrated-photos/graphics-heavy of the history of ancient Egypt. I learned a bunch from this book about the different dynasties and reigns.
The format is a little smaller than a coffee table book. Another book I'm grateful for the library purchasing to share with the community - I would have never happened upon this book otherwise.
The format is a little smaller than a coffee table book. Another book I'm grateful for the library purchasing to share with the community - I would have never happened upon this book otherwise.
March 21, 2024
4 stars . . .
"Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History" offers a vivid exploration of Egyptian history with stunning visuals and engaging narratives. It's praised for its detailed content and high-quality publication, making it a must-have for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.
"Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History" offers a vivid exploration of Egyptian history with stunning visuals and engaging narratives. It's praised for its detailed content and high-quality publication, making it a must-have for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.
September 25, 2024
Este libro ha sido un regalo para acercarme a la cultura del antiguo Egipto ya que visitaré dichas tierras próximamente. Es una joya, no solo por su contenido didáctico y completo, que abarca 3000 años de historia sino por las ilustraciones y la propia estructura del libro. Lo he devorado, recomendable para aquellos que les guste la historia de este país con tan rica e inmensa trayectoria.
March 21, 2025
Un excelente resumen de la historia del Antiguo Egipto, visualmente hermoso y suficientemente detallado. El libro perfecto para los fanáticos de este periodo histórico (como yo), pero también para quienes recién se quieran empapar con todo lo relacionado a los faraones, pirámides, momias, jeroglíficos, dioses y demás.
November 9, 2022
Quite pleased with this big book. I’ve been trying to self-educate a bit on ancient Egypt, and I wanted a visual reference to accompany a separate textual history. This book has been great for the job, and even its concise text has provided helpful reinforcement. Solid recommendation.
August 31, 2024
Todas las partes de la historia de Egipto muy bien explicadas, con acompañamiento gráfico, y una progresión de hechos bien detallado
Un genial acercamiento a la civilización que, surgió, creció, se relacionó, y "desapareció" en las orillas del Gran Nilo
Un genial acercamiento a la civilización que, surgió, creció, se relacionó, y "desapareció" en las orillas del Gran Nilo
February 12, 2025
Es una completa guía a lo largo de los más de 3000 años en los que Egipto prosperó, creció y se enriqueció. Llegas a engancharte en varias partes de la lectura y en mi opinión es un libro entretenido e interesante.
May 8, 2025
This stunning visual history of Egypt spans over 3500 years of history, from the pre-Dynastic to the Ptolemaic and is oozing with beautiful pictures and great information. A wonderful read for anyone interested in a summary of the richness of this amazing culture.
December 15, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Great visuals, photos and information. Having visited Egypt myself, it took me back right into the heart of Egypt. Fascinating read. A fantastic coffee table book for all ages.
August 9, 2022
I borrowed this from my local library as a compliment to another scholarly work on ancient Egypt. I wanted to see images that the author described and it was perfect for that.
September 25, 2022
A 3.5
A beautiful picture book. Hard to wrap my head around the fact that ancient Egypt spanned 4000 years.
I wish it had more specifics on the sizes of many of the objects.
A beautiful picture book. Hard to wrap my head around the fact that ancient Egypt spanned 4000 years.
I wish it had more specifics on the sizes of many of the objects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews