The Egyptian
civilization is one of the oldest known to mankind. This
book gives an overview of it, letting readers
know about such things as
how and why the Pyramids were built, the role religion played in the
lives of ancient Egyptians, and the use of hieroglyphs by the people to
tell their history. Since the National Geographic Society is
known for its superb
photographs of natural wonders around the world,
it’s no surprise to see this book filled with photographs—both in color
and black and white—showing various aspects of Egyptian culture. There
are shots of archaeologists at work at excavation sites around the
country, colorful photographs of the Pyramids, black and white shots of
hieroglyphs, as well as many more of paintings, sculpture, and drawings.Additionally,
articles by scholars specializing in Egyptian culture and
civilization,
appear in the book. Among the Egyptologists contributing to the
presentation of the book’s wealth of information about Egyptian
civilization are Karl W. Butzer, Virginia Lee Davis, I.E. S. Edwards,
Barbara Mertz, William H. Peck, Edna R. Russmann, William Kelly
Simpson, and Anthony J. Spalinger. The article by Butzer draws
readers’ attention to the importance of the Nile in the lives of the
Egyptians. Even today, the river ranks as one of the world’s largest
and most important. Edwards discusses the Pyramids and their status as
wonders of the world. Simpson informs readers about the use of papyrus
and the art of writing in ancient Egypt.Aside from the
collection of essays highlighting key aspects of Egyptian civilization,
the book includes other material helpful to readers in understanding
the importance of Egyptian culture in the study of human civilizations.
There is, for example, a time chart showing major developments in
Egyptian history over a period of 5,200 years. That’s followed by a
listing showing the dates of the many Egyptian dynasties over that same
5,200-year period.