The remarkable archaeology of pharaonic Egypt continues to captivate
countless people worldwide but evidence for Egypt's prehistoric or Stone
Age past has been relatively neglected. This is perhaps understandable,
as the archaeology of Stone Age Egypt often seems crude in comparison,
and the number of works published on the subject is diminutive compared
to those dealing with the revered ancient civilization that emerged in
the Nile Valley some five thousand years ago. However, although less
spectacular, the numerous remnants of prehistoric life found throughout
Egypt represent an important chapter in the story of humanity's distant
past. They also cast compelling light on the shadowy Stone Age peoples
who lived in the Nile Valley and surrounding deserts, long before the
mighty monuments of the pharaohs ever existed.
This book examines the fascinating archaeology of stone Age Egypt, from
its very beginnings, when early members of the human species arrived in
Egypt from sub-Saharan Africa, to its end, when the impressive Naqada
Culture emerged, setting in motion the processes that led to the
formation of one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations.