Introduction 1

Part I: Introducing the Ancient Egyptians 7

Chapter 1: Getting Grounded: The Geography and History of Ancient Egypt 9

Chapter 2: Examining the Lives of the Everyday Egyptians 29

Part II: Stepping Back in Time 55

Chapter 3: Building a Civilisation with Military Might 57

Chapter 4: Building the Empire: The Glories of the New Kingdom 79

Chapter 5: Looking at the Power Behind the Throne: Royal Women 101

Chapter 6: Following the Decline and Fall of the Egyptian Civilisation 117

Part III: Living Life to the Full: Culture and Beliefs 139

Chapter 7: Enjoying Food and Entertainment 141

Chapter 8: Staying Healthy: Diseases and Medicine 157

Chapter 9: Worshipping like an Egyptian: Religion 171

Chapter 10: Exploring Funerary Beliefs and Mummification 189

Part IV: Interpreting Egyptian Art and Architecture 207

Chapter 11: Deciphering Egyptian Art and Hieroglyphs 209

Chapter 12: Touring the Temples 229

Chapter 13: Excavating the Tombs: Houses of Eternity 253

Chapter 14: Probing the Pyramids 271

Part V: The Part of Tens 285

Chapter 15: Top Ten Breakthroughs in Egyptology 287

Chapter 16: Ten Egyptians Worth Knowing 297

Chapter 17: Ten Ancient Egyptian Achievements 307

Chapter 18: Top Ten Places to Visit in Egypt 317

Chapter 19: Ten Key Egyptologists 327

Index 335

Unravel over 3,000 years of fascinating history

This lively guide walks you through the world of the ancient Egyptians and reveals intriguing insights into their history and culture along the way. Inside you'll find stories of kings and their harems, epic buildings, incredible art, fascinating funerary rites, and mysterious mummies – all helping you to make a connection with this ancient civilisation and the colourful individuals who created it. It's a journey you won't forget!

• Egyptian funerary rites and mummification

• How to decipher hieroglyphs

• The history behind the monuments and the personalities who built them

• Important religious and cultural beliefs

• Key Egyptologists and archaeological discoveries