Description

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The final chapter in the definitive, three-volume history of the world's first known state

Archaeologist John Romer has spent a lifetime chronicling the history of Ancient Egypt, and here he tells the epic story of an era dominated by titans of the popular imagination: the radical iconoclast Akhenaten, the boy-king Tutankhamun and the all-conquering Ramesses II. But 'heroes' do not forge history by themselves. This was also a time of international trade, cultural exchange and sophisticated art, even in the face of violent change.

Alongside his visionary new history of this, the most famous period in the long history of Ancient Egypt, Romer turns a critical eye on Egyptology itself. Paying close attention to the evidence, he corrects prevailing narratives which cast the New Kingdom as an imperial state power in the European mould. Instead, he reveals - through broken artefacts in ruined workshops, or preserved letters between a tomb-builder and his son - a culture more beautiful and beguiling than we could have imagined.

Romer carefully reconstructs the real story of the New Kingdom as evidenced in the archaeological record, and the result - the final volume of a life-long project - secures his status as Ancient Egypt's finest chronicler.

About the Author

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John Romer has been working in Egypt since 1966 in key archaeological sites, including Karnak and Medinet Habu. He initiated conservation studies in the Valley of the Kings and led the Brooklyn Museum expedition to excavate the tomb of Ramesses XI. He has written and presented a number of television series, including Romer's Egypt, Ancient Lives, Testament and Byzantium. His major books include The Great Pyramid: Ancient Egypt Revisited and Valley of the Kings. He lives in Italy.

Praise For…

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Praise for the series:

"In this thoughtful and meticulous reconsideration of Egyptian ancient- and pre-history, Egyptologist Romer draws directly from archaeological and hieroglyphic evidence in an effort to cast aside Western preconceptions.  .. . An essential read for anyone interested in Egyptian history. Maps and photos." —Publishers Weekly on Vol 1

"Romer (A History of Ancient Egypt, Vol. 1) continues his magisterial re-examination of ancient Egypt. . . . This is an essential re-envisioning of ancient Egypt." —Publishers Weeklystarred review of Vol 2
 

"Fascinating reading with abundant illustrations. Romer’s long experience and practical, fresh outlook bring this civilization to life." —Kirkus Reviews on Vol. 1

"Another solid work of history from an author and historian who truly grasps the mysteries of ancient Egypt." —Kirkus Reviews on Vol. 2

"Scholarly yet accessible to the nonspecialist, this iconoclastic study will thoroughly engage all Egyptophiles, who will eagerly await the second volume." —Library Journalstarred review of Vol. 1

"This engaging recasting of ancient Egyptian civilization will provide an eye-opening text for both specialists and nonspecialists who will no doubt eagerly await the next installment of this iconoclastic study." —Library Journal on Vol. 2