Mountains of the Pharaohs: The Untold Story of the Pyramid Builders [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Zahi Hawass (Author), Simon Vance (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2006

An unprecedented account of one of civilization's greatest achievements.The great pyramids of Giza have intrigued humanity for thousands of years. Questions about the construction and the purpose of these majestic monuments have existed since the middle period of ancient Egyptian civilization; in the sixth century B.C., Herodotus was the first of generations of explorers to travel to Egypt in an attempt to unlock their secrets. Recent cutting-edge research has uncovered information about how and why they were built unimaginable to previous generations. In Mountains of the Pharaohs, Zahi Hawass, a world-renowned archaeologist and the official guardian of Egypt's timeless treasures, weaves the latest archaeological data and an enthralling family history into spellbinding narrative.Nearly five thousand years ago, the fourth dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom reigned over a highly advanced civilization. Believed to be gods, the royal family lived amidst colossal palaces and temples built to honor them and their deified ancestors. Hawass brings these extraordinary historical figures to life, spinning a soap opera-like saga complete with murder, incest, and the triumphant ascension to the throne of one of only four queens ever to rule Egypt.The magnificent pyramids attest not only to the dynasty's supreme power, but also to the engineering expertise and architectural sophistication that flourished under their rule. Hawass argues that the pyramids-including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World still standing-were built by skilled craftsman who took great pride in their work.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Zahi Hawass is the secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities and director of the Giza Plateau. He studied archaeology in Egypt and in the United States, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He has taught at the American University in Cairo, at UCLA, and at and other universities throughout the world, and he is the author of many books on ancient Egypt, including the bestselling Valley of the Golden Mummies. He was the host of such National Geographic television specials as Open the Lost Tombs and Pyramids Live. Simon Vance, a former BBC Radio presenter and newsreader, is a full-time actor who has appeared on both stage and television. He has recorded over four hundred audiobooks and has earned over twenty Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine, including one for his narration of Theft by Peter Carey. A twelve-time Audie finalist, Simon has won three Audie Awards, including one for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, and the 2008 Booklist Voice of Choice Award. He has also been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009.

From AudioFile

The tombs, mummies, and gold of ancient Egypt have attracted foreign attention for five thousand years. Renowned Egyptian Egyptologist Zahi Hawass renders abundant detail and reasoned speculation into a tidy disquisition that will fascinate curious readers. Simon Vance's educated British accent and soft voice add a dusty patina to his descriptions of artifacts and religious beliefs stretching back to the brink of recorded history. He emulates a savvy tour guide as listeners vicariously enter the burial chambers of the Giza pyramids and stand between the paws of the Sphinx. Egyptian names, words, and places seem to roll off Vance's practiced tongue as though the author himself were speaking them. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Tantor Media; Unabridged edition (September 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400102804
• ISBN-13: 978-1400102808
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #636,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > History > Ancient > Africa