Customer Reviews

Private Lives of the Pharaohs: Unlocking the Secrets of Egyptian Royalty

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Egyptian civilization, preserved for two thousand years, left a mysterious legacy in the form of human remains, monumental buildings, inscrutable writings, and elaborate tombs. But until recently, Egyptian mummies were considered to be little more than curiosities. Much of our understanding of Egyptian civilization has been gleaned from nineteenth century tomb robbers and twentieth century filmmakers. Private Lives of the Pharaohs highlights the exciting new developments in medical science that are allowing Egyptologists to extract information from mummified Egyptians.

Recent scientific advances, including DNA analysis, endoscopy, and CAT scans, are allowing Egyptologists to bring Egypt's dead "back to life." The once-hidden evidence extracted from their bones, hair, and rehydrated skin is unlocking the mysteries of the pyramids, showing us the secrets of Tutankahamen's court, and revealing the use of recreational drugs in the royal household. The result is a breathtaking new look at the Pharaohs and their monumental civilization. Renowned Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley describes the major secrets that forensic scientists have been able to retrieve from Egypt's famed mummies.

I understand why this book is no longer in print--it was attached to a television program. However, I'd like to argue that this work could flourish as a stand alone introduction to recent developments in archaeology. Tyldesley offers a mixture of basic history and recent developments in archaeology that work to reexamine traditional accounts. The movement through three different case studies is especially effective. It allows for a sense of focus on particular historical landscapes as Tyldesley introduces new information to modify these landscapes.