Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in the late eighteenth century sparked a
global fascination with ancient Egyptian culture that remains
undiminished to this day. This book, written by leading author and
archaeologist Joyce Tyldesley, tells the full story of the discoveries
of treasures that had lain completely hidden and undisturbed for nearly
two thousand years. Tyldesley follows in the footsteps of real-life
Indiana Joneses in their quest for the splendid monuments, tombs, and
artifacts that have unlocked many of the secrets of this mesmerizing
civilization. Crafting a riveting chronicle of historical intrigue and
intrepid personalities, the author relates the beginnings of Egyptology,
leading the reader from the nail-biting race to crack the code of
ancient hieroglyphics to the heart-stopping moment when Howard Carter
discovered Tutankhamen's burial chamber.
Egypt introduces the collectors, explorers, and archaeologists who have
come to dominate the story of the rediscovery of ancient Egypt. Among
these is Giovanni Belzoni, a circus strongman and diehard adventurer who
uncovered many of the works of the greatest pharaoh of them all, Rameses
II. Tyldesley describes the larger-than-life personalities and
spectacular finds of characters such as Jean-Francois Champollion,
Amelia Edwards, and Flinders Petrie. She delves into Howard Carter's
dramatic discovery of the golden treasures lying deep in the burial
chamber of the boy king Tutankhamen. Illustrated with full-color
photographs, Egypt captures the excitement of these gripping adventures
stories while highlighting the magnificence of the artifacts that were
their object.
