The Usborne Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

The Usborne Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt Synopsis

Ancient Egypt's history from its origins as a group of settlements along the banks of the Nile, its rise to one of the world's greatest civilisations to its decline at the hands of the Roman Empire. Illustrated with stunning photographs, artwork, diagrams and cutaways. Includes a comprehensive factfinder featuring a time chart, a list of who's who and details of recent archaeological finds. With internet links to recommended websites with further information, video clips and virtual tours.

Chapters in this book include:
- Discovering ancient Egypt
- Treasure trove
- Records and conservation
- Egyptology today
- Map of ancient Egypt

History
- Early Egypt
- The Old Kingdom
- Times of change
- The growth of empires
- The queen who became king
- Religious revolution
- The times of Tutankhamun
- Ramesses II
- The New Kingdom ends
- A melting pot
- The last kings
- The last queen

Royalty and Religion
- The role of king
- Government and power
- Fighting forces
- Trade and diplomacy
- The Egyptian religion
- More about myths
- Temple life
- Buildings fit for gods
- The great cult temples
- Religion in daily life
- Death and the afterlife
- Embalming and mummies
- Coffins and tombs
- The pyramids of Giza
- Buried in the rocks
- Mortuary temples
- A royal barque

Everyday Life
- Houses and homes
- Women and family life
- The farming life
- Skilled craftsmen
- Jobs for all
- The educated few
- Writing of the gods
- Feasting and fun
- All dressed up
- Travel and transport
- Medicine and magic
- Beauty care

Factfinder
- Time chart
- Kings and dynasties
- Who's who
- Gods and goddesses
- The history of Egyptology
- Egyptian collections