Synopses & Reviews
The ancient site of Abydos lies between the towering cliffs of the Egyptian high desert and the lush green floodplain of the Nile. As both the burial place of the first kings of Egypt and a cult center for Osiris, god of the dead, this sacred area has long tantalized archaeologists with incredible finds.
With over forty years’ experience of excavation and research at Abydos, David O’Connor is in an unrivaled position to provide the most authoritative and up-to-date account of this unique Egyptian site. Here, for the first time, Professor O’Connor not only explains the complex history of Abydos but also vividly evokes the power that the sacred landscape held for contemporary Egyptians. This beautifully illustrated book will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of one of the greatest civilizations in world history.
Review
"…the appearance of an up-to-date book on the site is most welcome." Historian
Review
"In a masterly fashion… does justice to one of ancient Egypt’s most significant archeological sites. Highly recommended" Choice
Review
"A superbly organized and impressively illustrated history of this seminally important site…The culture, the history, and archeological discoveries superbly presented." Midwest Book Review
Synopsis
With over forty years experience of excavation and research at Abydos, David O Connor is in an unrivaled position to provide the most authoritative and up-to-date account of this unique Egyptian site. Here, for the first time, Professor O Connor not only explains the complex history of Abydos but also vividly evokes the power that the sacred landscape held for contemporary Egyptians. This beautifully illustrated book will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of one of the greatest civilizations in world history. "
Synopsis
This excellent book combines the high production values for which Thames and Hudson are famed with a text of real importance, the first overview of the remarkable site of Abydos in over thirty years. Abydos, in Upper Egypt, was a centre of royal power in the first and second dynasties, and it is there that the first pharaohs are buried, the tombs yielding much of our evidence for this early dynastic period. Excavations have also revealed a wealth of predynastic material, including royal graves. The site is also of considerable significance as a major centre of the cult of Osiris, reaching its heyday in the Middle and new Kingdoms. David O'Connor, who has been excavating at Abydos for 40 years is uniquely qualified to describe the extraordinary excavations and discoveries, analysing the role of Abydos as an important centre of power and religion during the entire period of ancient Egyptian civilization, and setting out the crucial evidence it provides for early state formation.
Synopsis
“O’Connor presents the rich fruits of his long labors in this volume certain to appeal to scholars and Egyptophiles alike.”—KMT
Synopsis
“O’Connor presents the rich fruits of his long labors in this volume certain to appeal to scholars and Egyptophiles alike.”—KMT
About the Author
David O'Connor is Professor of Ancient Egyptian Art, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.