Download or read book The Hyksos written by Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-02-23 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes ancient Egyptian accounts of the Hyksos *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading From approximately 3100 BCE until around 1075 BCE, ancient Egypt was ruled by 20 different dynasties. The length of the dynasties varied: some, such as those during the First and Second Intermediate periods could be quite short, while the Thirteenth and 18th Dynasties each contained more a one dozen kings and ruled over the Nile Valley for around 200 years each. Although the first 20 Egyptian dynasties varied in number of rulers and length, most shared one important attribute: they were all native Egyptian dynasties. The one important exception came during Egypt's Second Intermediate Period, when a mysterious foreign group of people, known as the Hyksos, conquered Egypt and established the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Dynasties some time shortly after 1700 BCE. For centuries, the Hyksos rule over Egypt was an enigma shrouded in half-truths and myth. The Hyksos were sometimes mistakenly associated with the biblical Israelites, but were for the most part forgotten in modern times due to the dearth of written texts that can be dated to their rule. It was only in the mid-20th century that Egyptologists, using newly discovered and translated texts, shed fresh light on the Hyksos to reveal details about their origins and rule in Egypt. An examination reveals that although the Hyksos were initially foreign to Egypt, they probably did not come from too far, and once they did establish themselves as rulers, a degree of acculturation then took place, until the foreign rulers became gradually more "Egyptianized" themselves. Eventually, the Hyksos were driven from the Nile Valley by the native Egyptians, but their influence continued to resonate in Egypt for centuries. For example, the Egyptians adapted some of the successful warfare techniques that they learned from the Hyksos in order to establish their New Kingdom Empire in the 18th Dynasty. Later, the Hyksos proved to be a good foil or "bogeyman" for Egyptian literature in the New Kingdom and Late Period. Truly, the Hyksos may not have ruled Egypt for a long period, but their regime left a resounding impression on Egyptian society for centuries. The Hyksos: The History of the Foreign Invaders Who Conquered Ancient Egypt and Established the Fifteenth Dynasty looks at the controversial and mysterious history of the group that conquered Egypt and established a new dynasty there in the middle of the 2nd millennium BCEE. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Hyksos like never before.

Download or read book The Foreign Invaders of Ancient Egypt written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-11-01 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes ancient Egyptian accounts describing their enemies *Includes a bibliography for further reading From approximately 3100 BCE until around 1075 BCE, ancient Egypt was ruled by 20 different dynasties. The length of the dynasties varied: some, such as those during the First and Second Intermediate periods could be quite short, while the Thirteenth and 18th Dynasties each contained more a one dozen kings and ruled over the Nile Valley for around 200 years each. Although the first 20 Egyptian dynasties varied in number of rulers and length, most shared one important attribute: they were all native Egyptian dynasties. The one important exception came during Egypt's Second Intermediate Period, when a mysterious foreign group of people, known as the Hyksos, conquered Egypt and established the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Dynasties some time shortly after 1700 BCE. For centuries, the Hyksos rule over Egypt was an enigma shrouded in half-truths and myth. It was only in the mid-20th century that Egyptologists, using newly discovered and translated texts, shed fresh light on the Hyksos to reveal details about their origins and rule in Egypt. The transition from the Bronze to the Iron Age during the late 13th and early 12th centuries BCE arguably changed the structure and course of world history more fundamentally than any period before or since. During this period, numerous wealthy and enduring kingdoms of the eastern Mediterranean Sea region collapsed, and new ones rose in their places. At the center of this period of turmoil was a group of people known today as the Sea Peoples, the English translation of the name given to them by the Egyptians. Despite their prominent role in history, however, the Sea Peoples remain as mysterious as they were influential; while the Egyptians documented their presence and the wars against them, it has never been clear exactly where the Sea Peoples originated from, or what compelled them to invade various parts of the region with massive numbers. It is often difficult for scholars to separate aspects of ancient Nubian culture that were truly unique and "Nubian" from those elements that were Egyptian, as the Nubians borrowed heavily in terms of culture from their northern neighbor. An in-depth examination of the ancient Nubians reveals that although the Nubians were closely related culturally in many ways to the Egyptians, they produced a culture that had many of its own unique attributes. Today, Babylon has become a byword for greed, excess, and licentiousness, mostly due to its mention in the Bible, but a closer examination reveals that Babylon was so much more, and even perhaps the most important city in the ancient world. Ancient Babylon was home to great dynasties that produced some of the world's most influential leaders, most notably Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar, and these rulers invoked their wills on the entire ancient Near East and have been remembered as both progressive and cruel all at the same time. Babylon was also the seat of culture in ancient Mesopotamia and the place where scholars made amazing scientific advances that would not be eclipsed for several centuries. Like a number of ancient individuals and empires in that region, the negative perception of ancient Assyrian culture was passed down through Biblical accounts, and regardless of the accuracy of the Bible's depiction of certain events, the Assyrians clearly played the role of adversary for the Israelites. Although the Biblical accounts of the Assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the Assyrians were much more than just the enemies of their neighbors and brutal thugs. A historical survey of ancient Assyrian culture reveals that although they were the supreme warriors of their time, they were also excellent merchants, diplomats, and highly literate people who recorded their history and religious rituals and ideology in great detail.

Download or read book War Trade with the Pharaohs written by Garry J. Shaw and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2017-08-30 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “An entertaining and informative romp, from the joys of imported beer to the horror of invasion . . . demonstrates the extent of Egyptian foreign affairs.”—Ancient Egypt Magazine The ancient Egyptians presented themselves as superior to all other people in the world; on temple walls, the pharaoh is shown smiting foreign enemies—people from Nubia, Libya and the Levant or crushing them beneath his chariot. But despite such imagery, from the beginning of their history, the Egyptians also enjoyed friendly relations with neighboring cultures; both Egyptians and foreigners crossed the deserts and seas exchanging goods gathered from across the known world. War & Trade with the Pharaohs explores Egypt’s connections with the wider world over the course of 3,000 years, introducing readers to ancient diplomacy, travel, trade, warfare, domination, and immigration—both Egyptians living abroad and foreigners living in Egypt. It covers military campaigns and trade in periods of strength—including such important events as the Battle of Qadesh under Ramesses II and Hatshepsut’s trading mission to the mysterious land of Punt—and Egypt’s foreign relations during times of political weakness, when foreign dynasties ruled parts of the country. From early interactions with traders on desolate desert tracks, to sunken Mediterranean trading vessels, the Nubian Kingdom of Kerma, Nile fortresses, the Sea Peoples, and Persian satraps, there is always a rich story to tell behind Egypt’s foreign relations. “Garry Shaw’s book is something of a revelation, a different way of looking at what we know about the Ancient Egyptians and their amazing culture.”—Books Monthly “As inherently fascinating a read as it is exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented.”—Midwest Book Review

Download or read book Pharaohs and Dynasties of Ancient Egypt written by and published by Raintree. This book was released on 2016-03-10 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ancient Egyptians believed pharaohs received their power from the gods. Pharaohs were absolute rulers and formed the link between the gods and humans. Learn more about the pharaohs and their dynasties, including how they lived and how they ruled the people of ancient Egypt.

Download or read book Ancient Egyptian Imperialism written by Ellen Morris and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-08-06 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers a broad and unique look at Ancient Egypt during its long age of imperialism Written for enthusiasts and scholars of pharaonic Egypt, as well as for those interested in comparative imperialism, this book provides a look at some of the most intriguing evidence for grand strategy, low-level insurgencies, back-room deals, and complex colonial dynamics that exists for the Bronze Age world. It explores the actions of a variety of Egypt’s imperial governments from the dawn of the state until 1069 BCE as they endeavored to control fiercely independent mountain dwellers in Lebanon, urban populations in Canaan and Nubia, highly mobile Nilotic pastoralists, and predatory desert raiders. The book is especially valuable as it foregrounds the reactions of local populations and their active roles in shaping the trajectory of empire. With its emphasis on the experimental nature of imperialism and its attention to cross-cultural comparison and social history, this book offers a fresh perspective on a fascinating subject. Organized around central imperial themes—which are explored in depth at particular places and times in Egypt’s history—Ancient Egyptian Imperialism covers: Trade Before Empire—Empire Before the State (c. 3500-2686); Settler Colonialism (c. 2400-2160); Military Occupation (c. 2055-1775); Creolization, Collaboration, Colonization (c. 1775-1295); Motivation, Intimidation, Enticement (c. 1550-1295); Organization and Infrastructure (c. 1458-1295); Outwitting the State (c. 1362-1332); Conversions and Contractions in Egypt’s Northern Empire (c. 1295-1136); and Conversions and Contractions in Egypt’s Southern Empire (c. 1550-1069). Offers a wider focus of Egypt’s experimentation with empire than is covered by general Egyptologists Draws analogies to tactics employed by imperial governments and by dominated peoples in a variety of historically documented empires, both old world and new Answers questions such as “how often and to what degree did imperial blueprints undergo revisions?” Ancient Egyptian Imperialism is an excellent text for students and scholars of history, comparative history, and ancient history, as well for those interested in political science, anthropology, and the Biblical World.

Download or read book War and Trade with the Pharaohs written by Garry J. Shaw and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Hyksos written by John Van Seters and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2010-04-01 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Hyksos, foreign rulers of Egypt in the Second Intermediate Period--from about 1700 to 1550 B.C.--have been a source of continuing debate among archaeologists and historians. Mr. Van Seters approaches the problems of their rise to power, their dynasties, the nature of their rule, and their religion from the joint perspectives of archaeology and literary criticism. Archaeological investigation shows the Middle Bronze culture of Syria-Palestine to have had highly developed fortifications, advanced urban life, fine buildings and temples, and a high quality of practical and artistic craftsmanship. Based on a revised date for the long-known The Admonitions of Ipuwer, this study offers a fresh explanation of the Hyksos' rise to power. A new examination of the location of Avaris, their capital, indicates that the previous identification with Tanis must give way to the region near Qantir. The Hyksos were not Hurrians or Indo-Aryans, but Ammurite princes who rose to power in Egypt following the dynastic weaknesses at the end of the Middle Kingdom.

Download or read book The Route of the Exodus Classic Reprint written by Edouard Naville and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2017-10-29 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from The Route of the Exodus I shall recall only in a few words what concerns the arrival of the Israelites in Egypt. Most Egyptologists have adopted as correct the statement for which we are indebted to the Byzantine chronographer Syncellus, who says that it was under the king Apophis, in Egyptian A pepi, that Joseph attained the high dignity which is described in Scripture. Apepi is known to us as one of the last, perhaps even the very last, Hyksos king. The Hyksos were foreign invaders, and, in all probability, Mesopotamians, who had been driven out of their country by great events which took place in the valley of the Tigris and the Euphrates. They were a mixed race; the mass of the population seems to have been Semitic, while their rulers, judging from the type Of their faces, such as they are seen on the monuments of Tanis and Bubastis, were of Turanian origin. Undoubtedly their invasion had been marked, as is related by Manetho, by destruction, plunder, and violence, as is usual in Eastern wars; but the Hyksos h'ad soon yielded to the influence of the more cultivated race over which they reigned. The conquered had by degrees overcome the conquerors, who had adopted the customs, the language, the writing, the civilization of the Egyptians; all except the religion. For, notwithstanding several centuries of dominion, the religion still raised between the Hyksos and their subjects an in separable barrier. They reigned ignoring Ra, meaning in hostility against the Sun-god. Such is the way in which a native queen describes their rule two centuries after the first rebellion against them. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Download or read book Three Novels of Ancient Egypt written by ̣ Najīb Mahf̣ūz and published by Everymans Library. This book was released on 2007 with total page 591 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A trio of novels set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt includes Khufu's Wisdom, in which the great Fourth Dynasty ruler confronts the end of his reign and the growing love between his daughter and his chief rival; Rhadopis of Nubia, about the love affair between a pharaoh and a courtesan; and Thebes at War, about Egypt's victory over foreign invaders.

Download or read book A History of Greek Art written by Frank Bigelow Tarbell and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-21 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of Egypt, from the time of the earliest extant monuments to the absorption of the country in the Roman Empire, covers a space of some thousands of years. This long period was not one of stagnation. It is only in proportion to our ignorance that life in ancient Egypt seems to have been on one dull, dead level. Dynasties rose and fell. Foreign invaders occupied the land and were expelled again. Customs, costumes, beliefs, institutions, underwent changes. Of course, then, art did not remain stationary. On the contrary, it had marked vicissitudes, now displaying great freshness and vigor, now uninspired and monotonous, now seemingly dead, and now reviving to new activity. In Babylonia we deal with perhaps even remoter periods of time, but the artistic remains at present known from that quarter are comparatively scanty. From Assyria, however, the daughter of Babylonia, materials abound, and the history of that country can be written in detail for a period of several centuries. Naturally, then, even a mere sketch of Egyptian, Babylonian, and Assyrian art would require much more space than is here at disposal. All that can be attempted is to present a few examples and suggest a few general notions. The main purpose will be to make clearer by comparison and contrast the essential qualities of Greek art, to which this volume is devoted.

Download or read book A History of Greek Art written by Frank Bigelow Tarbell and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-26 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of Egypt, from the time of the earliest extant monuments to the absorption of the country in the Roman Empire, covers a space of some thousands of years. This long period was not one of stagnation. It is only in proportion to our ignorance that life in ancient Egypt seems to have been on one dull, dead level. Dynasties rose and fell. Foreign invaders occupied the land and were expelled again. Customs, costumes, beliefs, institutions, underwent changes. Of course, then, art did not remain stationary. On the contrary, it had marked vicissitudes, now displaying great freshness and vigor, now uninspired and monotonous, now seemingly dead, and now reviving to new activity. In Babylonia we deal with perhaps even remoter periods of time, but the artistic remains at present known from that quarter are comparatively scanty. From Assyria, however, the daughter of Babylonia, materials abound, and the history of that country can be written in detail for a period of several centuries. Naturally, then, even a mere sketch of Egyptian, Babylonian, and Assyrian art would require much more space than is here at disposal. All that can be attempted is to present a few examples and suggest a few general notions. The main purpose will be to make clearer by comparison and contrast the essential qualities of Greek art, to which this volume is devoted.

Download or read book Rise of the Hyksos written by Anna-Latifa Mourad and published by Archaeopress Publishing Ltd. This book was released on 2015-10-31 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Manetho's obscure reference to a race of invaders has been a constant source of debate and controversy. This book assesses the rise to power of the Hyksos, exploring the preliminary stages that enabled them to gain control over a portion of Egyptian territory and thus to merit a small mention in Manetho's history.

Download or read book Civilization Before Greece and Rome written by H. W. F. Saggs and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many centuries it was accepted that civilization began with the Greeks and Romans. During the last two hundred years, however, archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Crete, Syria, Anatolia, Iran, and the Indus Valley have revealed that rich cultures existed in these regions some two thousand years before the Greco-Roman era. In this fascinating work, H.W.F Saggs presents a wide-ranging survey of the more notable achievements of these societies, showing how much the ancient peoples of the Near and Middle East have influenced the patterns of our daily lives. Saggs discussesthe the invention of writing, tracing it from the earliest pictograms (designed for account-keeping) to the Phoenician alphabet, the source of the Greek and all European alphabets. He investigates teh curricula, teaching methods, and values of the schools from which scribes graduated. Analyzing the provisions of some of the law codes, he illustrates the operation of international law and the international trade that it made possible. Saggs highlights the creative ways that these ancient peoples used their natural resources, describing the vast works in stone created by the Egyptians, the development of technology in bronze and iron, and the introduction of useful plants into regions outside their natural habitat. In chapters on mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, he offers interesting explanations about how modern calculations of time derive from the ancient world, how the Egyptians practiced scientific surgery, and how the Babylonians used algebra. The book concludes with a discussion of ancient religion, showing its evolution from the most primitive forms toward monotheism.

Download or read book The Hyksos written by Eliezer D. Oren and published by University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology. This book was released on 1997 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume contains the proceedings of a seminar which focused on the Hyksos against the background of Middle Bronze Age civilizations, with the primary objective of examining the diverse data, methodologies and interpretations that have emerged from the rather meager textual evidence, and particularly from the results of the extensive archaeological exploration of Egypt, Nubia, Palestine, Syria, Anatolia, Cyprus, and the Aegean. Symposium Series 8 University Museum Monograph, 96

Download or read book Art of Ancient Egypt written by Edith Whitney Watts and published by Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book was released on 1998 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "[A] comprehensive resource, which contains texts, posters, slides, and other materials about outstanding works of Egyptian art from the Museum's collection"--Welcome (preliminary page).

Download or read book The Ancient Egyptian Culture Revealed 2nd edition written by Moustafa Gadalla and published by Moustafa Gadalla. This book was released on 2016-12-02 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reveals several aspects of the Ancient Egyptian culture, such as the very remote antiquities of Egypt; the Egyptian characteristics and religious beliefs and practices; their social/political system; their cosmic temples; the richness of their language; musical heritage and comprehensive sciences; their advanced medicine; their vibrant economy; excellent agricultural and manufactured products; their transportation system; and much more. This Expanded Edition of the book consists of four Parts with a total of 16 Chapters, as well as three Appendices. Part I : The Peoples of Egypt consists of four chapters 1 through 4, as follows: Chapter 1: The Beginning covers the age of the Egyptian antiquities being at least 39000 years, in accordance with archaeological, historical and physical evidence; the Age of Leo and the Sphinx; as well as the age of the Egyptian Sothic calendar which is by far the most accurate calendar ever. Chapter 2: The Egyptian Populous covers the roots and characteristics of the [Ancient]Egyptian people, their housings, their settlements throughout the world; and the roles of foreigners in the history of Ancient Egypt. Chapter 3: The Most Religious covers Egyptian cosmology; monotheism and polytheism; animal symbolism ,creation of the universe, the concept of Maat; and the spread of the Ancient Egyptian religion throughout the world under new "names". Chapter 4: The Social/Political Order covers the basis and applications of the matrilineal/matriarchal principles; the matrilocal communities; the Egyptian grassroots republic system; the dual overseeing/administration governing system; and the documentation order of all matters in the Egyptian society Part II : The Cosmic Correlations consists of three chapters 5 through 7, as follows: Chapter 5: As Above, So Below covers the principles and applications of cosmic consciousness in the life of the Egyptians; and the cyclical renewal festivals as a form of such principles Chapter 6: The Pharaoh, The Cosmic Link covers the true rule of the Egyptian pharaoh as a Master Servant; how did the people rule; and much more. Chapter 7: Egyptian Temples provides a quick overview of the real function/objective of the Egyptian temple; the harmonic design parameters; and much more. Part III : The Learned Egyptian consists of five chapters 8 through 12, as follows: Chapter 8: The Divine Language provides a quick overview of the modes of writing in Ancient Egypt -- the alphabetical form of writing and the imagery pictorial metaphysical symbols/script ; as well as the cultured aspects of the Egyptian alphabetical language Chapter 9: The Egyptian Musical Heritage provides a quick overview of its musical heritage; the musical orchestras; the wide range of musical instruments; as well as dancing and ballet in Ancient Egypt. Chapter 10; Health and Medicine provides a quick overview about the international highest regards for Egyptian medicine; its medical profession; contents of the some Egyptian medical papyri regarding diagnosis, cures and treatments of various ailments, surgeries; and the wide range of prescriptions Chapter 11: Astronomy covers the astonishing accurate astronomical knowledge and practices such as astronomical observations and recordings, the zodiac cycle,etc Chapter 12: Geometry and Mathematics covers a quick overview of the subjects of sacred geometry and natural science, geodesy, mathematics & numerology; as well as their knowledge and applications of the sacred “ratios” of Pi and Phi. Part IV : The Vibrant Economy consists of four chapters 13 through 16, as follows: Chapter 13: The Cultivating Culture covers the outstanding application of dry-weather farming techniques; societal division of labor; and the farming community Chapter 14; The Manufacturing Industries covers The Egyptian knowledge of metallurgy & metalworking; their golden silver (electrum) products; their copper and bronze products; their glazing (glass and glazing) products; their iron products; their mining activities; miscellaneous products such as woodwork; fabrics; pottery; leather; paper; as well as some miscellaneous technological applications Chapter 15: Transportation Infrastructure covers a quick overview of the various high quality types of the Egyptian ships; major Egyptian coastal harbors; land transportation; as well as patrons and shrines of travel Chapter 16: The Market Economy covers the workings of the Egyptian market economy; business transactions; Egyptian exports (goods and services); Egyptian imports; as well as the rise and fall of international commerce, that was tied to Ancient Egypt as the economical engine of the ancient world. The contents of the three appendices are evident from their titles; being: Appendix A: Photographs -- The Rising Valley Appendix B: Photographs -- The Age of Leo and The Sphinx Appendix C: Photographs -- Astronomy

Download or read book The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt written by Toby Wilkinson and published by Random House Trade Paperbacks. This book was released on 2013-01-08 with total page 658 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Magisterial . . . [A] rich portrait of ancient Egypt’s complex evolution over the course of three millenniums.”—Los Angeles Times NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Publishers Weekly In this landmark volume, one of the world’s most renowned Egyptologists tells the epic story of this great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its absorption into the Roman Empire. Drawing upon forty years of archaeological research, award-winning scholar Toby Wilkinson takes us inside a tribal society with a pre-monetary economy and decadent, divine kings who ruled with all-too-recognizable human emotions. Here are the legendary leaders: Akhenaten, the “heretic king,” who with his wife Nefertiti brought about a revolution with a bold new religion; Tutankhamun, whose dazzling tomb would remain hidden for three millennia; and eleven pharaohs called Ramesses, the last of whom presided over the militarism, lawlessness, and corruption that caused a political and societal decline. Filled with new information and unique interpretations, The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt is a riveting and revelatory work of wild drama, bold spectacle, unforgettable characters, and sweeping history. “With a literary flair and a sense for a story well told, Mr. Wilkinson offers a highly readable, factually up-to-date account.”—The Wall Street Journal “[Wilkinson] writes with considerable verve. . . . [He] is nimble at conveying the sumptuous pageantry and cultural sophistication of pharaonic Egypt.”—The New York Times