Thebes in Egypt: A Guide to the Tombs and Temples of Ancient Luxor [Hardcover]

Nigel Strudwick (Author), Helen Strudwick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 11, 1999

The remains of ancient Thebes constitute one of the largest and most remarkable archaeological sites in all of Egypt and indeed the world. The discoveries made at this site, now the modern town of Luxor, are responsible for much of our knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization. After excavating and researching the city of Thebes for many years, Nigel and Helen Strudwick here offer the first comprehensive introduction to it, one that will be welcomed by both armchair travelers and visitors to that popular tourist destination. Handsomely illustrated, the book features eighty photographs-thirty in color-and twenty maps and plans.After reviewing the topography of the site, the Strudwicks recount the history of Thebes from the city's rise in the late Old Kingdom to the peak of its power in the New Kingdom and to its gradual decline in the Greco-Roman period. They discuss the central role played by the gods in the community's religious life, and take us on a tour of the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank of the Nile and of the temples and tombs of kings, queens, princes, and ordinary individuals on the West Bank.Drawing on their intimate acquaintance with ancient Egyptian society, the authors re-create the lives of Thebans during the New Kingdom. They conclude by assessing Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic influences on the area as it exists today and by providing an overview of the archaeological research undertaken there.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Nigel and Helen Strudwick have provided the first comprehensive treatment of the most important archaeological site in Egypt. No other location, with the possible exception of Saqqara, has yielded material from all the major epochs of Egyptian history. Clearly written and well organized, the book presents valuable new information about its subject."-James F. Romano, Brooklyn Museum of Art

"The authors provide detailed and accurate information about life in the city. This is an excellent, recommended, must-read book for all."-Frankie's Reviews in Egyptology

"The authors bring together their extensive collective knowledge and experience with both ancient Waset (Thebes) and modern Luxor to create in this volume what qualifies as the best comprehensive general study to date of arguably the single most important site in all of Egypt, archeologically speaking. . . This is a work that should not go ignored."-KMT, Winter 1999-2000.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press; First Edition edition (May 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801436931
• ISBN-13: 978-0801436932
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,383,745 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars different from all other guides; extremely descriptive, August 11, 2000

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thebes in Egypt: A Guide to the Tombs and Temples of Ancient Luxor (Paperback)

This book differs from the usual guides, as it describes the historical evolution, from the Old Kingdom to the Late Period, of the tombs and temples of Thebes (modern Luxor). The authors provide detailed and accurate information about life in the city. Subjects covered include the Valley of the Kings, that of the Queens and of the Nobles. Issues such as tomb decoration and burials of private individuals are addressed. This is an excellent, recommended, must-read book for all.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful View of Ancient Thebes, January 31, 2002

By 

Patrick Salland (Parker, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thebes in Egypt: A Guide to the Tombs and Temples of Ancient Luxor (Paperback)

This book gives a great view of the New Kingdom ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. It provides intimate details into the lives of the workers at Deir-El Medina, the monumental temples, beutiful tombs, and its unique history. The Strudwicks do a wonderful job expalining how Thebes went from a small Egyptian town to a huge capital that would leave an unforgettable mark on Egyptian Culture.