Product Description

Since the major archaeological excavations of the ninteenth century, we have been fascinated by the mummies of ancient Egypt. Written in an authoritative yet accessible tone, this essential resource provides an information-packed overview of royal mummies. The text describes the ancient Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife and how mummification ensured their bodies were preserved for eternity. Revealing the secrets of the embalming room, the meaning of the amulets found with mummies, and the ornate splendor of the mummies themselves, this volume explores all facets of a practice that lasted for more than 3,000 years, starting around 2,500 B.C. Spotlighting such renowned examples of well-preserved mummies as Tutankhamen, Seti I and Ramses the Great, 200 color photographs depict the ornate sarcophagi, hieroglyphics, and amulets that add to the mystique of the mummy. With a foreword by Zahi Hawass, widely recognized as the world’s foremost Egyptologist, and presented in a handsome slipcase, this volume is required reading for students of archaeology and anyone intrigued by the history of ancient Egypt.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #216228 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-07
• Released on: 2008-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

About the Author
Zahi Hawass is the General Secretary of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Director of the Excavation at the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and the Bahariya Oasis. He is the author of a number of volumes including Realm of the Pharaohs (White Star). With a specialization in both pathology and Egyptology and more than 20 years of successful excavations of Egyptian necropolises, Francis Janot is one of the leading authorities in archaeological research. Having conducted extensive research, he is a highly distinguished specialist on ancient Egyptian mortuary and embalming rituals. He has published several widely acclaimed books on the subject.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful and Enchanting large pictures.
Starting at the cover, the picture is so large and realistic that it frightens you. The photographs throughout the book are also large, beautiful, and realistic. It seems that you are looking at the mummies in person. Love it.

ROYAL CORPSES OF ANCIENT EGYPT
Uh talk about a "niche" book, this is a very obscure topic, but I must admit it's a fascinating book. The text is scholarly and extremely interesting, whether your really into this sort of thing or not. The images pop off the page in graphic detail...like some goulish horror film. I saw Ramses II mummy when the Ramses exhibit came to the DMA in Dallas in the early nineties..and honestly once you see one of these things your are sort of mesmerized. I remember how small he was and that he had a hook nose and red hair..i later learned that the hair turns red because of oxidation, Ramses im sure had black hair..but whatever..good book..intensely interesting on every level.