Synopses & Reviews
A richly illustrated and complete account of the development and significance of the tomb in ancient Egypt.From the pyramids and royal burial ground in the Valley of the Kings to the tombs of queens such as Ramesses II's consort Nefertari and the far larger number of private tombs of nobles like Rekhmire and Ramose, The Tomb in Ancient Egypt is an unparalleled guide for Egyptophiles everywhere.
Besides the paintings, reliefs, and statues adorning their walls, many tombs show the breathtaking skill of ancient architects, and autobiographical texts found inside several tombs give rare insights into Egyptian life. We read of Harkhuf's African explorations, returning with the gift of a dancing dwarf to his boy-king, Pepy II, and we learn how General Amenemhab saved his king's life when the king was charged by an enraged elephant.
Written by two experts in the field and the authors of The Mummy in Ancient Egypt, this new book traces burial practices in Egypt over three millennia, from the dawn of Egyptian history to the Roman domination. It also illuminates the work of key scholars who excavated and catalogued their finds for posterity, and it includes a comprehensive list of the principal cemeteries, with glossary and maps for ease of reference. 350 illustrations, 40 in color.
Synopsis
Like all Thames and Hudson books this is a well illustrated and designed book, but this one really stands out for the comprehensiveness and detail of the text as well. The opening third of the book looks at Egyptian beliefs concerning burial, the social context of tomds, their construction and their decoration. The majority of the book is then dedicated to a chronological survey of Egyptian tombs, noting changes in design and function and relating them to their historical background, from simple early burials to the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and the simpler tombs of the Greco-Roman era. The book also reaches out beyond the obvious royal tombs to examine wider burial pratice, although the nature of the evidence means the focus is still very much on the aristocracy.
About the Author
Aidan Dodson is Research Fellow in Archaeology at the University of Bristol. Salima Ikram is Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo.