Ancient Egypt

About this book

For over thirty centuries the magnificent tombs and temples of Egypt have inspired all who have seen them - Roman Emperors, Arab conquerors, Napoleon, and ordinary travelers alike. Standing over 140m high, the wondrous pyramids and monuments were built in harsh desert conditions with nothing but the crudest of tools. Ancient Egypt takes the modern-day visitor on a comprehensive expedition through this astonishing architectural legacy of Egyptian civilization. From the Old Kingdom to the 'Egyptianized' architecture of the Graeco-Roman era, this guide concentrates on sites accessible from the centres of Cairo, El-Minya, Luxor and Aswan. The principles of Egyptian architecture are clearly explained in the book's introduction, as are the religious, political, and economic conditions that influenced the architecture of the time. Interesting facts are also illustrated, such as the graphic link between the fortunes of Old Kingdom rulers and the rise and fall of the pyramid complexes. The chapters of Ancient Egypt are arranged geographically from north to south, with longer sections devoted to the major structures and additional descriptions given for fascinating but less famous sites. The reader is taken on a clear step-by-step tour of monuments such as Luxor, Karnak, Abydos, and Dendera with full explanations of the methods of construction and special attention paid to architectural elements, such as the symbolically rich reliefs, tomb paintings and statuary. The authoritative and lively text is accompanied by up-to-date photographs, maps, and site plans, making Ancient Egypt an indispensable guide to some of the world's most impressive architecture.