Ancient Egyptian religion and mythology Books

Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. The Myths of Ancient Egypt are tied intimately to the presence and natural rhythms of the Nile. With their complex and evolving mythology, the Egyptians explained the effects of famine, harvest, floods and death by creating a pantheon of gods that still holds our fascination today. This new book presents classic egyptological works, with a new introduction, and brings the stories of the ancients to life, from the birth of creation by Ra, the sun god, to the murder of Osiris, and the revenge of Horus. We gain glimpses of the underworld and the afterlife, as the rulers of Egypt claimed lineage from the Gods both worshipped and fashioned by the people of Egypt, at a time when humankind had begun to shape the world around it, Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction, authors, myths and tales without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new introduction and a Glossary of Terms.

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Book SynopsisA guide to Egyptian mythology that explores how the ancient Nile-dwellers explained the world around them. It delves into the origins of life, the creation and evolution of the world, and the reigns of the gods on earth, before introducing us to the manifestations of Egypts deities in the natural environment.Trade Review'The myths are presented here in a down-to-earth manner, consistent with the spirit of the texts, exposing the gamut of human emotion from the rage of the solar deity to the lamentations of the widowed Isis' - History Today'Provides an excellent introduction to the myths of ancient Egypt and is to be recommended to anyone who is trying to get their head around the subject' - Egyptian Archaeology'With academic authority and enjoyable style, assisted by numerous, well-chosen illustrations of gods and goddesses, Shaw’s book is a lively introduction to its subject' - Current World ArchaeologyTable of ContentsPreface • Intro • Part I: 1 Disorder and Creation; 2 The Reigns of Kings Re, Shu, and Geb; 3 The Reign of King Osiris; 4 The Reign of King Seth and the Triumph of Horus) • Part II: 5 The Mythic Environment; 6 Dealing with the Invisible in Daily Life; 7 The Trials of the Duat (A Guide); 8 Your Judgement and Life as an Akh) • Epilogue

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Book SynopsisWild, dark and divine... The first of its kind, Goddess with a Thousand Faces blends historical research with mythological retelling, taking an inspirational, enlightening and fiercely feminist deep dive into ancient goddesses to explore the modern concept of femininity.This is a historical journey like no other - unlike every other book on the subject, Goddess with a Thousand Faces transcends geographical boundaries and breaks down cultural barriers. From Rangda in Bali, to Freyja in Iceland and more recognisable faces such as the Greek goddess Artemis, it is a work of true inclusion - readers are invited to consider these dazzling goddesses as part of a cultural cannon of human femininity; regardless of race, sex, or gender.Goddess with a Thousand Faces asks us to interrogate our past through a fresh new lens. We''re challenged to comprehend our relationship with the feminine within us, question the legacy of goddesses, and whether we mi

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Book SynopsisEnter a world of ancient secrets, old money, new ambitions and the discovery of priceless treasure in this revelatory new biography.Between November 1922 and spring 1923, a door to the ancient Egyptian world was opened. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun would be the most astonishing archaeological find of the century, revealing not only the boy pharaoh's preserved remains, but thousands of finely crafted objects, from the iconic gold mask and coffins to a dagger made from meteorite, chalices, beautiful furniture and even 3000-year-old food and wine. The world's understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation was immeasurably enhanced, and the quantity and richness of the objects in the tomb is still being studied today. Two men were ultimately responsible for the discovery: Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter. It was Lord Carnarvon who held the concession to excavate and whose passion and ability to finance the project allowed the eventual discovery to take place.The Earl and the PhTrade Review Early praise for the The Earl and the Pharaoh ‘The story of their quest for the tomb of an obscure pharaoh is familiar but still exciting, and the countess tells it well, conjuring up the fights, the frustrations, the times when Carnarvon came close to cutting his losses and giving up, and the moment in November 1922 when Carter held his candle up to a hole in the wall of Tutankhamun’s tomb and in answer to Carnarvon’s question, “Can you see anything?” answered, “Yes, wonderful things”… Carnarvon’s life makes a good story, with plenty of Downton-esque period details’ Daily Telegraph Praise for the Countess of Carnarvon’s previous works 'Bright, breezy and unpretentious'Guardian ‘If you can’t wait for the new season of Downton Abbey … this one’s for you … A revealing portrait of the changing times’New York Post ‘[A] fascinating insight into how the seriously rich once lived’Newsweek Daily Beast ‘Lady Carnarvon's narrative is a vivid time-stamp of a tempestuous period in history, aptly incorporating its political situation and social structure, to satisfy history buffs’Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThis luxurious hardback edition presents the classic ancient text, The Egyptian Book of the Dead, featuring gold gilded page edges and patterned endpapers.Mysterious, powerful and moving, The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an ancient collection of spells, prayers and incantations designed to guide the departed through the perils of the underworld. Written as part of funeral rites to ensure eternal life, these scrolls were often left in the sarcophagus of the deceased and now offer fascinating insight into Egyptian culture. This striking gift edition includes the classic hieroglyphic text has been translated by acclaimed Egyptologist E.A Wallis Budge, and includes spells addressed to ferryman, gods and kings to aid Ani on his way to the afterlife. Featuring gold cover embossing, gilded page edges, ivory paper, and patterned endpapers, it makes a wonderful collectible for any enthusiast.ABOUT THE SERIES

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Book SynopsisArchaeologist and historian, Joyce Tyldesley has written many successful books about ancient Egypt, including acclaimed biographies of Rameses the Great and Cleopatra (a Radio 4 Book of the Week), and Egypt: How a Lost Civilization was Rediscovered, which accompanied a major BBC television series. She teaches Egyptology at Manchester University and is an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool University. She lives in Bolton, Lancashire.Trade ReviewTyldesley, by painstakingly analysing the myths and therefore the beliefs, of the ancient population, endeavours to get under the skin of Egyptian life ... befuddling myth-stories are clarified -- Bettany Hughes * The Times *Required reading for Egypt's imaginative tour guides * The Sunday Times *her great strength is her story-telling * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisOsiris, Horus, Isis, Thoth, Anubis - the many strange and compelling figures of the Egyptian gods and goddesses seem to possess endless fascination. The renowned Egyptologist Erik Hornung here studies the ancient Egyptians' conceptions of god, basing his account on a thorough reappraisal of the primary sources. His book, now available in...Trade ReviewAfter surveying the approaches to Egyptian religion from antiquity through twentieth-century scholarship, Hornung... considers aspects of divinity, the iconography and characteristics of the gods, and the relationship between gods and believers.... A masterly, scrupulously documented work that combines close attention to textual and artifactual evidence with penetrating theological insights. * Library Journal *An excellent historical overview of the gods... It is a recommended necessary reading for those studing Ancient Egyptian religion. * Frankie's Reviews in Egyptology *Hornung asks usually neglected questions concerning what the Egyptians themselves thought about their gods, thus meeting these people on their own terms. Along the way he carefully examines evidence that has been marshaled in favor of monotheism or monotheistic tendencies within what appears to be a vast Egyptian pantheon. Adding to the pleasure and usefulness of this work is the fine translation by John Baines.... Containing a full index, a glossary of gods, and appropriate illustrations, this is a significant volume. * Choice *It is not often that an introduction to the thorny topic of ancient Egyptian religion can be recommended unreservedly.... Over the past thirty-five years the acceptable introductions to Egyptian religion can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and all are from the pens of scholars trained in a Germanic tradition! The present work by Erik Hornung maintains this excellent, though rare, standard. * American Historical Review *

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Book SynopsisThe mythologies of the world are collective cultural dreams, and as such should be analyzed first from cultural perspectives. How do myths of the ancient Egyptians or Greeks, for instance, reflect the realities of the Egyptian and Greek cultures? When compared, however, mythologies reveal certain universal themes or motifs that point to larger trans-cultural issues such as the place of the human species in creation or the nature of deity as a concept. World Mythology: A Very Short Introduction is organized around the universal motifs. Creation, the Flood, the Hero Quest, the Trickster/Culture Hero, the Pantheons, the High God, the Great Goddess. Veteran mythology scholar David Leeming examines examples of each motif from a variety of cultures--Greek, Egyptian, Norse, American Indian, African, Polynesian, Jewish, Christian, Hindu--treating them as reflections of the cultures that dreamed them. He compares and analyzes them, exposing their universal significance and creating a world mythology.Trade ReviewDavid Leeming distils world mythology into some of its most essential forms — deity, creation, flood, trickster, and hero — and he offers illuminating examples of each one. His clear, concise summaries and interpretations will surely serve as springboards for further research. This volume makes an inspiring introduction for newcomers to the field, and a handy reference guide for anyone already working with myth. * Joanna Gardner, Co-founder, Fates and Graces Mythologium *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Definitions 1 Deity 2 Creation 3 The flood 4 The trickster 5 The hero Conclusion References Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThe Great Sphinx of Giza, painted friezes in pyramid chambers, and symbolic paintings of the eye of Horus are familiar and breathtaking works of art. Yet behind them lies a deep cosmological tapestry in which the origins of the Earth and riches brought by the Nile flood are explained through deities. As pharaohs, kingdoms and dynasties rise and fall, so the roles of gods, goddesses and myths change, making Ancient Egypt’s mythology a fascinating journey that reflects shifting power, fortune and influence in the lives of Egyptians. Ancient Egyptian Myths takes a broad approach to the cosmology of Ancient Egypt, describing the function of myth to both the powerful and the powerless. It includes internal and external political and economic influences on the status of deities and their myths. The book examines iconography and texts that transported Egyptians from practical stories explaining the world around them to the mystery and magic that led them into the realm of the dead. It explains the roles of priests and the exclusiveness of temples. Finally, it reveals influences of Egypt’s myths on belief systems and the arts that continue to this day. Illustrated throughout with artworks and photographs, Ancient Egyptian Myths is an engaging and highly informative exploration of a rich mythology that still fascinates today.Table of ContentsIntroduction The sources of Egyptian mythology over kingdoms and dynasties, from oral traditions in the Old Kingdom, through carved Coffin Texts and papyrus leaves of the Book of the Dead to the writings of Plutarch, and how they compare with those from other ancient civilisations, such as Mesopotamia. Explaining the purpose of texts: to guide, through spells attached to deities and the myths embodied in them, through death and into the afterlife. Unfolding the democratization of this process, which in the early Old Kingdom was the prerogative of the upper classes. 1. Creation myths and cosmology Explaining how, from the cosmic egg to the moulding of earth from a mud island rising out of a great sea, Ancient Egyptian creation myths explained how order was established out of chaos, the heavens linked with earth, and life with death and rebirth. Creator gods initially remained local to independent centres: Memphis, Heliopolis and Hermopolis until one, Atum, rose among them. Describing power struggles, the expansion of Egypt and the ensuing ascendancy of other creator gods such a Ptah and Amun, recounting the myths surrounding them. 2 Life, death and rebirth The myths and characteristics of the most powerful deities, especially Ancient Egypt’s lifegivers, explaining the mythology that explained the annual Nile flood, the ensuing fertile soil, and the sun, which together fed and clothed the population and gave surplus for trade and expanding military forces. Recounting the myths through time of, among others, Ra, the sun god, at times attached to Atum and Amun. Also Osiris, whose epic tale of death and rebirth, explained not only the death and rebirth of humans but also the innundation and retreat of the Nile’s waters. 3 The wider pantheon For all their power, creation gods and goddesses remained rather remote and mysterious, though through time some gained qualities and narratives that the masses could identify with. Including earthly manifestations of creator gods, such as Apis, the bull, who represented Ptah, a Memphis god. Explaining the pantheon as a fluid body, with gods and goddesses often taking on several identities and roles, which changed with time. Examples include Hathor, once the fierce lioness goddess of Nubia, and the myth that led to her metamorphosis into the Egyptian the goddess of pleasure and fertility, and a mother of pharaohs. Aspects of gods and myths that people could identify with, such as Thoth, the scribe and powerful Osiris, who was god of death and reincarnation but also of the Nile flood, corn, the moon and vegetation. 4 Priests, sects and power The priest class controlled sects for individual deities and were custodians of their myths, supervising day-to-day rituals honouring the gods in often lavish temple complexes, which were open only to priests, priestesses and pharaohs. The role of the pharaoh’s High Priest through time; the relationship between wealthy, often powerful priests and pharaohs, and the changing nature of deities and the stories around them, as a consequence. 5 War, expansion and trade How, through trade, diplomacy and war, myths and deities from other lands became absorbed into Ancient Egypt’s narrative and pantheon, from Nubia to the south, Libya to the west, to Palestine and Syria in the east. The ascendancy of Ancient Greece and Rome, and the absorption of Egyptian myths and deities into their pantheon. The spread of Ancient Egypt’s cosmology further afield, such as the cult of Osiris, which fanned out westward to the Middle East, and eastward to the shores of the Rhine, to Rome and to England. 6 Celebrating gods, goddesses and myths Describing daily reminders of deities and myths manifested through art and architecture, not only in pyramids and temples, great painted friezes and statues, and the stunning jewellery of the wealthy, but also in the small statuettes or simple clay models and amulets of the masses. Festivals to honour deities and their powerful myths were organised through temples and enjoyed by the whole population. Processions involved dancing, singing and drumming towards the temple of a particular deity, or down to the Nile in the case of Hapi, who brought the life-giving flood. Describing instruments such as the sacred and powerful percussive sistrum, identified with goddess Hathor and often incorporating her cow horn symbol. 7 The legacy of Egyptian mythology Discussing ongoing fascination with the mythology of Ancient Egypt, and its symbolism, which can be found in many belief systems, cosmologies and organisations that have emerged since the end of the civilization, from astrology and alchemy to theosophy and freemasonry. From the 18th century, and especially after Champollion’s decipherment of hierogyphs in 1822, Ancient Egypt ‘fever’ was high, the term Egyptology was born, and all things Ancient Egypt became apparent in design, especially jewellery. The mystique surrounding Egypt’s mythology surfaced during Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon’s archaeological excavations of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, and has been revived in the entertainment world, through animation, and video and online games and movies such as the Tomb Raider series. Advances in science and technology could, through archaeology, reveal new facets to Egyptian mythology and a broader area of influence on them. Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisEnter a world of ancient secrets, old money, new ambitions and the discovery of priceless treasure in this revelatory new biography.Between November 1922 and spring 1923, a door to the ancient Egyptian world was opened. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun would be the most astonishing archaeological find of the century, revealing not only the boy pharaoh's preserved remains, but thousands of finely crafted objects, from the iconic gold mask and coffins to a dagger made from meteorite, chalices, beautiful furniture and even 3000-year-old food and wine. The world's understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation was immeasurably enhanced, and the quantity and richness of the objects in the tomb is still being studied today. Two men were ultimately responsible for the discovery: Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter. It was Lord Carnarvon who held the concession to excavate and whose passion and ability to finance the project allowed the eventual discovery to take place.The Earl and the PhTrade Review Early praise for the The Earl and the Pharaoh ‘The story of their quest for the tomb of an obscure pharaoh is familiar but still exciting, and the countess tells it well, conjuring up the fights, the frustrations, the times when Carnarvon came close to cutting his losses and giving up, and the moment in November 1922 when Carter held his candle up to a hole in the wall of Tutankhamun’s tomb and in answer to Carnarvon’s question, “Can you see anything?” answered, “Yes, wonderful things”… Carnarvon’s life makes a good story, with plenty of Downton-esque period details’ Daily Telegraph Praise for the Countess of Carnarvon’s previous works 'Bright, breezy and unpretentious'Guardian ‘If you can’t wait for the new season of Downton Abbey … this one’s for you … A revealing portrait of the changing times’New York Post ‘[A] fascinating insight into how the seriously rich once lived’Newsweek Daily Beast ‘Lady Carnarvon's narrative is a vivid time-stamp of a tempestuous period in history, aptly incorporating its political situation and social structure, to satisfy history buffs’Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThis groundbreaking, five-volume series offers a comprehensive, fully illustrated history of Egypt and Western Asia (the Levant, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Iran), from the emergence of complex states to the conquest of Alexander the Great. Written by a diverse, international team of leading scholars whose expertise brings to life the people, places, and times of the remote past, the volumes in this series focus firmly on the political and social histories of the states and communities of the ancient Near East. Individual chapters present the key textual and material sources underpinning the historical reconstruction, paying particular attention to the most recent archaeological finds and their impact on our historical understanding of the periods surveyed.The fourth volume of the Oxford History of the Ancient Near East covers the period from the end of the second to the middle of the first millennium BC, ca. 1100-600 BC, corresponding with Egypt''s Third Intermediate Period. Fifteen chTable of ContentsPreface Time Chart The Contributors Abbreviations 35: Egypt before the Saites (Jean Li) 36: Kush under the Dynasty of Napata (Geoff Emberling) 37: Assyria from Tiglath-pileser I to Ashurnasirpal II (Daisuke Shibata) 38: The Assyrian Empire: A View from Within (Heather D. Baker) 39: The Assyrian Empire in Contact with the World (Jamie Novotny) 40: The Assyrian Empire: Perspectives on Culture and Society (Frederick Mario Fales) 41: Babylonia from Nebuchadnezzar I to Tiglath-pileser III (John P. Nielsen) 42: Elam in the Iron Age (Alexa Bartelmus) 43: The Medes and the Kingdom of Mannea (Andreas Fuchs) 44: The Kingdom of Urartu (Yervand Grekyan) 45: The Kingdom of Phrygia (Annick Payne) 46: The Iron Age States of Southeastern Anatolia and Northern Syria (Mark Weeden) 47: The Iron Age States on the Phoenician Coast (Françoise Briquel Chatonnet) 48: The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (Omer Sergi) Index

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Book SynopsisThis groundbreaking, five-volume series offers a comprehensive, fully illustrated history of Egypt and Western Asia (the Levant, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Iran), from the emergence of complex states to the conquest of Alexander the Great. Written by a diverse, international team of leading scholars whose expertise brings to life the people, places, and times of the remote past, the volumes in this series focus firmly on the political and social histories of the states and communities of the ancient Near East. Individual chapters present the key textual and material sources underpinning the historical reconstruction, paying particular attention to the most recent archaeological finds and their impact on our historical understanding of the periods surveyed.The fifth and final volume of the Oxford History of the Ancient Near East covers the period from the second half of the 7th century BC until the campaigns of Alexander III of Macedon (336-323 BC) brought an end to the Achaemenid DynasTable of ContentsPreface Time Chart The Contributors Abbreviations 49: Saite Egypt (Alexander Schütze) 50: The Neo-Babylonian Empire (Michael Jursa) 51: The Kingdom of Lydia (Annick Payne) 52: The Southern Levant and Northern Arabia in the Iron Age (Juan Manuel Tebes) 53: Early Saba and Its Neighbors (Norbert Nebes) 54: The Persian Empire under the Teispid Dynasty: Emergence and Conquest (Matt Waters) 55: The Persian Empire under the Achaemenid Dynasty, from Darius I to Darius III (D.T. Potts) 56: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire: Persia and Elam (Gian Pietro Basello) 57: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire: Media and Armenia (Giusto Traina) 58: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire in Asia Minor: Lydia, Caria, Lycia, Phrygia, and Cappadocia (Hilmar Klinkott) 59: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire: Babylonia and Assyria (André Heller) 60: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire: Ebir-nari / Syria (Peter R. Bedford) 61: The Satrapies of the Persian Empire in Egypt (Damien Agut-Labordère) 62: The Northeastern Regions of the Persian Empire: Bactriana, Sogdiana, Margiana, Chorasmia, Aria, Parthia, the Sakas and the Dahae (Michele Minardi) 63: The Southeastern Regions of the Persian Empire on the Indo-Iranian Frontier: Arachosia, Drangiana, Gedrosia, Sattagydia, Gandhara and India (Pierfrancesco Callieri) 64: The Persian Empire in Contact with the World (Robert Rollinger) 65: The Persian Empire: Perspectives on Culture and Society (Maria Brosius) Index

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Book SynopsisA unique history of the ancient Near East that compellingly presents the life stories of kings, priestesses, merchants, bricklayers, and othersIn this sweeping history of the ancient Near East, Amanda Podany takes readers on a gripping journey from the creation of the world''s first cities to the conquests of Alexander the Great. The book is built around the life stories of many ancient men and women, from kings, priestesses, and merchants to brickmakers, musicians, and weavers. Their habits of daily life, beliefs, triumphs, and crises, and the changes that people faced over time are explored through their own written words and the buildings, cities, and empires in which they lived.Rather than chronicling three thousand years of rulers and states, Weavers, Scribes, and Kings instead creates a tapestry of life stories through which readers will come to know specific individuals from many walks of life, and to understand their places within the broad history of events and institutions inTrade ReviewAdopting a truly innovative approach, Podany has provided us with a wonderfully vivid and compelling account of the region. * The Past *[A] remarkably lively...chronicle. * Science *Podany makes her subject accessible, pointing out that, from what people ate (bread and beer) to how they amused themselves (playing board games), 'life hasn't changed dramatically from earliest times'. * The New Yorker *This is a masterpiece. Writing in a warm, conversational tone and using ancient texts and letters, Podany tells the story of ordinary people from the ancient Near East, bringing them to life through their own words. This is a joy to read, spanning four thousand years of history, with interesting facts and details on every page. Highly recommended! * Eric H. Cline, author of 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed *This vivid and engaging narrative offers a genuinely new and exciting approach to ancient Middle Eastern history. Combining the very latest research—there are new insights here, even for specialists—with empathy and imaginative flair, Professor Podany invites us to consider the people of the distant past as real human beings, with bodies and minds, senses and emotions. I loved every page of this book and can't wait to share it with my students. * Eleanor Robson, author of Mathematics in Ancient Iraq: A Social History *Amanda Podany has an amazing ability to make people of the ancient Near East—from weavers to queens, farmers to kings—come alive, taking us through the millennia-long history of the region with short stories based on original documents. This book is a fascinating read. * Marc Van De Mieroop, author of Hammurabi of Babylon: A Biography *This book is truly impressive. Podany has managed to breathe life into people who have been dead for thousands of years, whose remains are nothing more than a name on a clay tablet, and to reconstruct what life may have been like for them in the brief moments we see in the evidence. As Podany says, "each person's story becomes a window into their era", and the windows all show a colourful existence full of humanity. * Owain Williams, Ancient History *This rich and rewarding history connects us effortlessly to a vibrant and very human place. * Paul Collins, Times Literary Supplement *In this delightfully readable work P. describes the history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia from its urban origins (c. 4000 BCE) up to the fall of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great (331 BCE)...The book is largely held together by the remarkable stories of everyday people and their experiences. These stories are artfully narrated and animated by Podany's lively writing, and she is to be praised for her extensive research of archaeological remains together with her scrutiny of countless clay cuneiform tablets documenting Mesopotamian life in all its richness and complexity. * Classical Review *Podany offers a great many highly entertaining historical vignettes, introducing Mesopotamian rulers, but also merchants, musicians, priests, poets, gardeners, brewers, barbers, artisans, charioteers, mercenaries, conspirators, slaves, and of course the eponymous 'weavers and scribes'. Many of them were women. They all come to life in this illuminating history, thanks to the author's impressive ability to synthesise arcane technical studies by other scholars (and herself) without dumbing them down, and to turn the data and statistics these studies provide into engaging stories... It offers an enormous amount of detailed information, in accessible prose, and stands out as a unique achievement of synthesis. Highly recommended! * Eckhart Frahm, World Archaeology *Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals. * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Uruk, the First City: Builders and Organizers, 3500-3300 BCE 2. The Uruk Period: Colonizers, Scribes, and the Gods, 3300-3000 BCE 3. The Early Dynastic Period: Kings and Subjects, 2900-2400 BCE 4. The Early Dynastic Period: Queens, Diplomats, and Weavers, 2400-2300 BCE 5. The Early Dynastic Period: Royal Couples, Divine Couples, and Envoys, 2400-2300 BCE 6. The Akkadian Period: A Conqueror and a Priestess, 2300-2200 BCE 7. The Ur III Period: Brickmakers, Litigants, and Slaves, 2200-2000 BCE 8. The Isin-Larsa Period: Kings and Military Commanders 2000-1800 BCE 9. Merchants and Families 10. Princesses and Musicians 11. The Old Babylonian Period: A Lawgiver, Land Overseers, and Soldiers, 1792-1750 BCE 12. The Old Babylonian Period: Naditums and Scribal Students, 1792-1712 BCE 13. The Late Old Babylonian Period: Barbers, Mercenaries, and Exiles, 1742-1550 BCE 14. The Late Bronze Age: Businessmen, Charioteers, and Translators, 1550-1350 BCE 15. The Late Bronze Age: Gift Recipients and Royal In-Laws, 1450-1333 BCE 16. The Late Bronze Age: Negotiators, Sea Traders, and Famine Sufferers, 1333-1000 BCE 17. Empire Builders, Sculptors, and Deportees 18. The Neo-Assyrian Period: Conspirators, Diviners, and Officials, 681-648 BCE 19. The Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Periods: Gardeners, Artisans, and a Centenarian Priestess, 648-544 BCE 20. The Neo-Babylonian and Achaemenid Periods: Brewers, Rebels, and Exorcists 544-323 BCE Cast of Characters Acknowledgements Abbreviations Bibliography

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Book SynopsisDiscover the world''s greatest myths and legends - from Greek mythology to Norse mythology - in this comprehensive guide.What did Japanese mythology say about the beginning of the Universe? How did Oedipus become the classic tragic hero in Greek mythology? Who brought about the origin of death in Maori mythology? Combining vivid retellings of famous legends with over 1,000 illustrations of characters, famous artworks, and artefacts, Myths and Legends makes it easier than ever before to understand the stories that are central to every culture.Delve into the well-known tales of the ancient Greeks, which hold the key to such phrases as Achilles'' heel, as well as the lesser-known but richly colourful myths of Africa and the Americas. Explore global ideas such as fate and fortune, and the Underworld, and find out about the key characters - heroes, tricksters, and gods - that make up each myth system. Filled with the cultural and religious meanings behind each leg

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Book SynopsisThe ancient Egyptian myths are some of the oldest and most famous stories in the world. This exciting and funny new comic book collection is the perfect introduction to the world of the ancient Egyptians - containing six tales full of mythical creatures, gods, pharaohs and adventure. Readers will set sail with Prince Naneferkaptah on his quest to find the magical Book of Thoth, join Seth and Horus as they battle for the throne of Egypt, and relive the tragic tale of Antony and Cleopatra.With striking illustrations by Núria Tamarit, this retelling of the Egyptian myths will delight readers of all ages.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most unique books you''ll read this year BuzzfeedA strikingly different trilogy opener Kirkus ReviewsTwins destined to bring about devastation. . .Since the beginning of Mu there has been a prophecy. Twins born of fire and water will lay waste to the island. For the sake of Mu's inhabitants, no twins can survive. Or else a catastrophe of volcano and tsunami will annihilate them all.Kaori and Kairi are forbidden twins, two halves of a whole, the first to survive on the ancient island of Mu. One was born of fire, the other of water.As the twins are pulled in opposing directions, and hatred reaches a boiling point between the two, many will die in the crossfire.Will Kaori and Kairi unwittingly enact the prophecy and destroy the island of Mu or can one twin stop the other from bringing about destruction. . . ?The Mu Chronicles is a visionary YA fantasy trilogy exploring the origin of gender and desire in an epic queer fusion of Japanese folklore and Egyptian mythology.What reade

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Book SynopsisIn the winter of 1922-23 archaeologist Howard Carter and his wealthy patron George Herbert, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, sensationally opened the tomb of Tutenkhamen. Six weeks later Herbert, the sponsor of the expedition, died in Egypt. The popular press went wild with rumours of a curse on those who disturbed the Pharaoh''s rest and for years followed every twist and turn of the fate of the men who had been involved in the historic discovery. Long dismissed by Egyptologists, the mummy''s curse remains a part of popular supernatural belief. Roger Luckhurst explores why the myth has captured the British imagination across the centuries, and how it has impacted on popular culture. Tutankhamen was not the first curse story to emerge in British popular culture. This book uncovers the ''true'' stories of two extraordinary Victorian gentlemen widely believed at the time to have been cursed by the artefacts they brought home from Egypt in the nineteenth century. These are weird and wonderfulTrade Review[An] alluring book ... The story of the mummy's curse, unsurprisingly, is far more revealing of attitudes and anxieties prevalent in 19th century Britain than of anything in Ancient Egypt. * Thomas Jones, London Review of Books *The Mummy's Curse is a thoughtful and thorough exegesis of an enduring popular myth. * Irish Times *A fascinating account ... There are some absolutely laugh-out-loud moments in this consistently insightful and well-written study ... This is the kind of academic volume which impresses you with the ideas found on each page, and at the same time sparks off new ideas in the reader. * Stuart Kelly, The Scotsman *Here is a topic with a variety of themes, some farcical, some darkly serious, some complex, and others which are beyond silly. It takes a particular skill to balance such a range of ideas, and Roger Luckhurst possesses this skill. * John Ray, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsPART ONE: CURSE STORIES; PART TWO: CONTEXTS

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Book SynopsisPharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned for seventeen years in the fourteenth century B.C.E, is one of the most intriguing rulers of ancient Egypt. His odd appearance and his preoccupation with worshiping the sun disc Aten have stimulated academic discussion and controversy for more than a century. Despite the numerous books and articles about this enigmatic figure, many questions about Akhenaten and the Atenism religion remain unanswered.In Akhenaten and the Origins of Monotheism, James K. Hoffmeier argues that Akhenaten was not, as is often said, a radical advocating a new religion but rather a primitivist: that is, one who reaches back to a golden age and emulates it. Akhenaten''s inspiration was the Old Kingdom (2650-2400 B.C.E.), when the sun-god Re/Atum ruled as the unrivaled head of the Egyptian pantheon. Hoffmeier finds that Akhenaten was a genuine convert to the worship of Aten, the sole creator God, based on the Pharoah''s own testimony of a theophany, a divine encounter that launchedTrade ReviewIn the history of ideas one early figure stands out as an initiator of change, Akhenaten, king of Egypt. His attempt to simplify understanding of divine power represents a bold exercise in critical thinking. Hoffmeier's book lays out clearly and authoritatively the historical context and the nature of the prevailing concepts against which Akhenaten reacted. * Barry Kemp, Director, the Amarna Project *Hoffmeier offers a stimulating and judicious re-evaluation of the many controversial historical issues related to the Amarna Period. Particularly thought-provoking is a new interpretation of the origins of Akhenaten's religious ideas based on a phenomenology of religion approach. Akhenaten's experience is identified as a theophany and is examined against other encounters with the divine found in ancient Near Eastern sources. Exploring the questions of whether Atenism was monotheistic and whether it could have influenced Hebrew monotheism, the book will also be of great interest to Biblical scholars. * Boyo Ockinga, Associate Professor of Ancient History, Macquarie University, Sydney *James Hoffmeier draws upon the latest scholarly research to inform this new study of Atenism. Well-versed in the religious traditions of Egypt, Israel, and the Near East, Hoffmeier utilizes phenomenological, linguistic, and archaeological approaches to argue that Akhenaten's 'heretical' religion was a potent combination of revelation and revivalism. His own excavations of Atenist remains at the border fortress of Tell el-Borg also bring fresh evidence to bear on ever-intriguing issues. * Ellen Morris, Department of Classics and Ancient Studies, Barnard College *Hoffmeier does an excellent job placing Akhenaten and his religion in the broader context of the history and religions of the entire ancient Near East. Drawing upon texts, archaeological data (including new evidence from his excavations in the Sinai), architecture, and art, he provides innovative insight on a subject that has been extensively studied by so many others. * Emily Teeter, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago *it is an excellent and stimulating contribution and provides a truly in-depth introduction to the religion of Akhenaten's period and its origins. * Peter C. Nadig, Bryn Mawr Review *Table of ContentsPreface ; Abbreviations ; Map ; 1. When the Sun Ruled Egypt ; 2. Sky and Sun Together ; 3. The Dawn of the Amarna Period ; 4. The Domain of Aten: the Temples of Aten at Karnak ; 5. Finding Aten and Founding Akhet-Aten ; 6. Aten Alone ; 7. Is Atenism Monotheism? ; 8. The Hymns to Aten: A Monotheistic Manifesto ; 9. The Influence of Atenism in Egypt and the Bible? ; Index

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Book SynopsisIntent upon letting the reader experience the pleasure and intellectual stimulation in reading classic authors, the How to Read series will facilitate and enrich your understanding of texts vital to the canon.

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Book SynopsisA unique approach to Egyptian mythology that takes the reader on a tour up the Nile, stopping at the most famous monuments and vividly retelling the myths connected to each site.Trade Review'I absolutely loved reading this book … Shaw has made Egyptian Mythology incredibly digestible, whilst linking it all to present-day Egypt in a unique and entertaining way. Any lover of Egyptian Mythology or travel (or both if you’re like me) needs to get their hands on this book' - @Kell_Read'Shaw has made this the perfect companion to exploring the sites of Egypt by putting them in context with the myths of Egypt and the gods and goddesses that shaped its ancient landscape. His witty style also makes it easy to read and enjoy. A highly recommended read' - Timeless Travels'An informative and practical guide to in-person travel … the beautiful presentation and well-researched but succinct approach also makes this a perfect companion for the armchair tourist' - British Museum Magazine'This ambitious work clearly demonstrates the amazing complexity of Egyptian myth, legend, literature and belief' - Ancient Egypt Magazine'Will appeal to even the seasoned Egyptophile, and it will be a welcome addition to the library of many armchair travellers' - Minerva'In this handsome volume – elegantly written and beautifully illustrated throughout – Shaw succeeds in turning the reader into the traveller and engages a wide audience in a wonderous and often strange world' - AntiquityTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Aswan: Deities at the Edge of the World 2. Edfu: Revenge and Triumph at the Temple of Horus 3. Thebes – East Bank: Home of the Hidden God 4. Thebes – West Bank: Celebrating with the Dead 5. Dendera: Blood and Beer at the Temple of Hathor 6. Abydos: Necropolis of the Murdered God 7. Hermopolis: The Wisdom and Magic of Thoth 8. Tell el-Amarna: Doomed City of the Sun Disc 9. The Faiyum Oasis: Crocodiles and the Warrior Goddess in the Land of Sobek 10. Memphis and its Necropolis: Pyramids, Legends and the Creator God Ptah 11. Heliopolis: Rebellion and Astronomy at the City of the Sun 12. Bubastis: City of the Cat Goddess 13. Pi-Ramesses: Legends of Ramesses and a Home for Seth 14. Alexandria: Serapis, Cleopatra and Alexander’s Lost Tomb Epilogue

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Book SynopsisLead author and editor Marie Vandenbeusch is Curator, Funerary Culture of the Nile Valley at the British Museum. Contributors Julie R. Anderson, British Museum Andrew Connor, Centre for Ancient Cultures, Monash University Amanda Dunsmore, National Gallery of Victoria Ikram Ghabriel, Independent Researcher, London Thomas Kiely, British Museum Giuseppina Lenzo, University of Lausanne Margaret Maitland, National Museums Scotland Marcel Marée, British Museum Youssef Rakha, novelist, poet and essayist, Cairo Sahar Saleem, Cairo University Chiara Salvador, University Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Neal Spencer, Fitzwilliam Museum Anna Stevens, Centre for Ancient Cultures, Monash University John H. Taylor, previously British Museum

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Book SynopsisUsing as his sources the Egyptian texts and the testimony of classical authors, Serge Sauneron illuminates the role of the priesthood in Ancient Egypt.Trade Review"Lorton's new translation fills a substantial need for students of Egyptian religion. The book is aimed at non-specialists as well as students and is written in a highly accessible style."—Denise M. Doxey, Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Religious Studies Review, Vol. 27, No. 3, July 2001"This 1957 classic originally written in French is finally made available in English, thanks to David Lorton's excellent translation. Widely illustrated in black and white, this book should be recommended reading for everyone."—Frankie's Bibliography of Ancient Egypt.

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Book Synopsis''John Anthony West''s revolutionary reinterpretation of the civilization of Egypt challenges all that has been accepted as dogma concerning Ancient Egypt. In this pioneering study West documents that: Hieroglyphs carry hermetic messages that convey the subtler realities of the Sacred Science of the Pharaohs. Egyptian science, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy were more sophisticated than most modern Egyptologists acknowledge. Egyptian knowledge of the universe was a legacy from a highly sophisticated civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. The great Sphinx represents geological proof that such a civilization existed. This revised edition includes a new introduction linking Egyptian spiritual science with the perennial wisdom tradition and an appendix updating West''s work in redating the Sphinx. Illustrated with over 140 photographs and line drawings.

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Book SynopsisNew translation and analysis of the Hay manuscripts.Table of Contents 1. Magic in Late Antique Egypt: an introduction 2. Provenance and history of the collection 3. Producing texts on leather: scientific analyses 4. Preserving texts on leather: conservation and mounting 5. Catalogue: Hay 1-7 6. The Hay manuscripts as an ancient archive 7. From ancient to medieval magical practice: the historical position of the Hay texts 8. Epilogue: the benefits and challenges of multi-disciplinary working Bibliography Contributors General index Coptic and Greek indexes

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Book SynopsisA spiritual adventure story tracing the profound influence of Hermes Trismegistus on the western mind.Trade Review'This book provides a very readable introduction to the history of Western Esotericism. However, the most exciting aspect of the book is Lachman's thesis that Hermeticism is grounded in a common spiritual or religious experience and that this experience can be grounded in recent neuropsychological research. This fascinating hypothesis invites further … investigation.'-- De Numine'Truly great individuals are discussed for centuries after their existence. "The Quest for Hermes Trismegistus: From Ancient Egypt to the Modern World" discusses this figure of ancient Alexandria who is an icon of ancient science and philosophy, as the two were closely related in ancient times. Analyzing history and the mindset of the times, author Gary Lachman hopes to explain this figure to modern reader s to give them greater insight into a time long past. "The Quest for Hermes Trismegistus" is an excellent addition to any history collection, highly recommended.'-- Midwest Book Review, May 2011'It is a bewildering tale which has many twists and turns which Lachman considers not only in its historical but also cultural and philosophical connections across time.He also helps us unravel the development of hermecticism, Gnosticism, and connections across the ages to such seminal and initiatory characters as Rudolf Steiner, G.I. Gurdjeff, Giordano Bruno, Marcilio Ficino, Pico Mirandolla, Cornelius Agrippa, Robert Fludd, Dr John Dee, and Athansius Kircher.'-- Stephen Cox Trust, 2011'Gary Lachman offers us a fascinating history of the myth of Hermes Trismegistus and the translation of the Corpus Hermeticum … This is a comprehensive book covering all aspects of the tradition of Hermes,from the early periods through to modern explorations of Hermetic science as it resonates with altered states of consciousness. Lachman is an easy to read author yet has a near encyclopaedic knowledge of esotericism and is hence able to offer many different perspectives on the subject at hand. From the Egyptian influence on Greek philosophy to Islam and the Renaissance, Freemasons and the Rosicrucians this is a truly informative journey through all aspects of Hermes Trismegistus.'-- Living Traditions Magazine'Immensely erudite and continuing the work of GRS Mead and Frances Yates, the book traces the influence of hermetic thinking through different areas of the Western tradition drawing on a wide range of scholarship. It gives the reader quite a different flavour of the development of Western philosophy than would be found in any standard textbook.'--David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review'Here is an entertaining, mostly historical introduction to a body of religious knowledge that has a deep influence on the course of Western philosophy - Hermeticism…This is a concise and interesting introduction. Lachman covers much historical ground from Alexandria, via the Italian Renaissance and the Order of the Golden Dawn, to today.'-- Northern Earth'Lachman's [book] at times is quite a deep study of the philosophy and psychology of esoteric sprituality.'--David V Barrett, Fortean Times.

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Book SynopsisAll you need to know about the island's myths, legends and its gods

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Book SynopsisThis hardback gift edition presents the classic text, The Egyptian Book of the Dead, presented with original full-colour illustrations and stencilled page edges. The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an ancient collection of spells, prayers and incantations designed to guide the departed through the perils of the underworld, ultimately ensuring eternal life. Written as part of funeral rites, these scrolls were often left in the sarcophagus of the deceased and now offer fascinating insight into Egyptian culture. This beautifully illustrated edition contains images from the exquisite Papyrus of Ani, an ancient Egyptian scroll narrating the journey of Theban scribe Ani through the underworld. Its accompanying hieroglyphic text has been translated by acclaimed Egyptologist E.A Wallis Budge, and includes spells addressed to ferryman, gods and kings to aid Ani on his way to the afterlife.This edition contains magnificent

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Book SynopsisSir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge (1857-1934) was a renowned Egyptologist who worked at the British Museum in London and made significant contributions to the Museum's collections of cuneiform tablets and papyri as a result of his many trips to the Near East. He was a prolific author who contributed much to the study of hieroglyphics.Many examples of Egyptian funerary scrolls exist. The version used in this edition is that of the famous and well-preserved Papyrus of Ani, written around 1500 B.C. Ani was the Royal Scribe of Thebes, Overseer of the Granaries of the Lords of Abydos, and Scribe of the Offerings of the Lords of Thebes.

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Book SynopsisThe version of Egyptian funerary scrolls used in this edition is that of the famous and well-preserved Papyrus of Ani, written around 1500BC. Ani was the Royal Scribe of Thebes, Overseer of the Granaries of the Lords of Abydos, and Scribe of the Offerings of the Lords of Thebes. Sir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge (1857-1934) was a renowned Egyptologist who worked at the British Museum in London and made significant contributions to the Museum's collections of cuneiform tablets and papyri as a result of his many trips to the Near East. He was a prolific author who contributed much to the study of hieroglyphics.

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