Description
Book SynopsisOften characterized as a 'lost' civilization that was 'discovered' by adventurers and archaeologists, ancient Egypt has fascin ated and inspired many other cultures. Classical Greek and Roman writers admired ancient Egyptian philosophy; in the eighteenth century, secret societies like the Freemasons still upheld the wisdom of ancient Egypt. But why? Christina Riggs introduces the history, art and religion of Egypt from its earliest dynasties to its final fall to Rome - and explores the influence ancient Egypt has had through the centuries. Today, ancient Egypt is ubiquitous in museums, television documentaries and tattoo parlours - wherever people look for a past as ancient and impressive as they come. Looking for a vanished past, Riggs argues, always serves some purpose in the present.
Trade Review'2018 Outstanding Academic Title' - Choice; 'it is Riggs's apparently inexhaustible fund of examples, and the well-targeted deployment of her material, from the physical remains of ancient Egypt itself to the iconography of the Arab Spring, that engages and carries the reader through this lively and informative survey. Tracing her story from the Roman period to the present day, Riggs guides us through the influences this "lost" civilization has exerted, and the numerous reactions it has provoked . . . Accessibly written, assuming no prior knowledge on the reader's part assumed, it has an engaging tone, and never patronizes.' - TLS; 'Christina Rigg's Egypt is one of Reaktion Books' accessible and informative Lost Civilizations guides. It is, however, much more than a chronological survey of ancient Egypt; it is also an elegant and intriguing thematic interpretation of that civilisation's grip on our imagination ever since.' - Minerva magazine; 'This refreshingly different and beautifully written account of ancient Egypt goes beyond the ancient civilization itself to explore the ways in which it can be said to be lost and rediscovered.' - Gay Robins, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Art History, Emory University; 'With this book, Riggs admirably achieves the objectives of the publisher's "Lost Civilizations" series, which looks at the rise and fall of a civilization and assesses its artistic and cultural legacy, and explains why it remains relevant for readers today. Riggs concludes that ancient Egypt has been gone for two thousand years, and so is lost. While many remains from ancient Egypt have survived, she asserts that each culture, society, or generation interprets them differently . . . For those seeking a brief introduction, Riggs's book, including its chronology and bibliography, is perfect . . . Essential.' - Choice
Table of ContentsChronology 1 Looking for Ancient Egypt 2 Forty Centuries 3 Sacred Signs 4 Taken in the Flood 5 Walking Like an Egyptian 6 Vipers, Vixens and the Vengeful Dead 7 Out of Africa 8 Counting the Years 9 Still Looking References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index
