History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction

History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction

by David Lorton (Translator), ErikHornung (Author)

Synopsis

From our vantage point ancient Egyptian civilization, with its strictly hierarchic organization, can appear static through its three-thousand-year history. In his concise and authoritative introduction to that distant culture, a renowned Egyptologist reveals the turbulent events beneath the rigid facade. Erik Hornung begins his account by taking a brief look at the prehistoric era in Egypt. He then focuses on political events during the period beginning with the reign of Menes and closing with the conquest by Alexander the Great. Building on insights drawn from the civilization's surviving texts and monuments, he also describes significant cultural developments, such as changes in burial customs and the building of the Great Pyramids and Sun Temples.Originally published in German, this important and highly useful survey has been revised throughout for its publication in English. In addition, the English version features over fifty illustrations, an updated bibliography, a glossary, and a chronological table.

$55.20

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 185
Edition: Revised edition
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 31 May 1999

ISBN 10: 0801484758
ISBN 13: 9780801484759

Media Reviews
David Lorton's translation makes available in English a concise, thorough, and well-written introduction to Egyptian history by one of the world's leading Egyptologists. . . . Hornung's expertise in religion is reflected in the insightful treatment of religious developments and their relationship to Egyptian society, ethics, and politics. -Denise M. Doxey, Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Religious Studies Review, Vol. 27, No. 3, July 2001
Author Bio
Erik Hornung is Professor Emeritus of Egyptology at the University of Basel. Among his many books are Akhenaten and the Religion of Light and The Ancient Egyptian Books of the Afterlife, both translated by David Lorton and available from Cornell. David Lorton, an Egyptologist, is the translator of many books, including Erik Hornung's books The Secret Lore of Egypt and Akhenaten and the Religion of Light, both from Cornell.