From the reign of Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-204 BC), an extensive building and decoration programme is attested throughout Egypt, with a specific emphasis on the cult of Osiris and the child gods. The royal legitimation, in which Horus of Edfu and Amun of Thebes played a major role, was a further focal point. With the Theban revolt (206-186 BC), the royal support of the Egyptian temples stopped abruptly and was only resumed under Ptolemy VI Philometor. In the temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak, the Kiosk of Taharqa was a key contribution of the Kushite period (746-655 BC). Under Ptolemy IV, a major restoration campaign took place in the First Courtyard: the gate of the Second Pylon was rebuilt and the Kiosk substantially renovated. Its intercolumnar walls were remodelled and carved with ritual scenes of royal legitimation. The soubassement was decorated with a procession of nomes, received by the goddess Waset, and the column shafts and abaci were engraved with the royal names. In this book, the Kiosk's Ptolemaic texts and iconographic decoration are presented and analysed. A global study of Philopator's architectural activities places the Kiosk in the larger context of Karnak and beyond. In addition, a palaeographic study of the hieroglyphic texts is published.

An innovative account of the careers of the Nubians who occupied the Egyptian throne, written by a leading Egyptologist and author of Tutankhamun, King of Egypt The region of Nubia—now spanning the modern border between Egypt and Sudan—was long a subject of Egyptian imperial domination by its ancient pharaohs. However, in the eighth century BC matters were suddenly reversed, when the kings of Kush, the ancient name for Nubia, became the overlords of Egypt for nearly a century, before being forced to withdraw in the face of Assyrian invasions. Yet the Kushite kingdom would endure back in its heartlands for another millennium, the heritage of its Egyptian sojourn still visible in its fields of pyramid-tombs. This authoritative yet accessible book tells the story of these Nubian pharaohs of Egypt, from the origins of their kingdom of Kush, through their time as rulers of Egypt, to their heritage in the heart of Sudan—and their rediscovery in modern times. The latter uncovers some very unsavory examples of the racist attitudes of some earlier scholars. These engendered enduringly negative attitudes to aspects of careers of the Nubian pharaohs that find little support in the actual surviving evidence. The latter includes a fascinating network of texts from not only Egypt and Sudan, but also Assyria and the Bible, reflecting the interactions and conflicts of the period. There are also the standing monuments of Nubian pharaohs, ranging from temples they built throughout their dominions, to their tombs: pyramids, constructed in their ancestral heartland, in which Nubian and Egyptian funerary customs were intriguingly entangled. Richly illustrated in full color throughout, this fascinating book by a leading Egyptologist will be essential reading for anyone interested in the lives and times of Egypt’s Nubian pharaohs.

The first publication in English, this book fills a gap in the market and presents an in-depth examination of the significant temple site at Karnak. It is visited by thousands of tourists each year and is one of the most famous ancient temples in the world. Up until now there has been no single publication that covers the historical developments from its early shrine of an obscure local deity to the greatest state temple of ancient Egypt’s mighty empire. Karnak includes an array of illustrations, maps, plans and photographs and entails some of the most illustrious names associated with Ancient Egypt:- Hatshepsut Tuthmosis III Amenhotep III Akhenaten Tutankhamun Ramessess II. Karnak delivers an outline of the entire history of Ancient Egypt and will prove to be a crucial guide for those involved in Egyptology, Archaeology and Ancient History.

This companion provides the very latest accounts of the major and current aspects of Egyptology by leading scholars. Delivered in a highly readable style and extensively illustrated, it offers unprecedented breadth and depth of coverage, giving full scope to the discussion of this incredible civilization. Provides the very latest and, where relevant, well-illustrated accounts of the major aspects of Egypt?s ancient history and culture Covers a broad scope of topics including physical context, history, economic and social mechanisms, language, literature, and the visual arts Delivered in a highly readable style with students and scholars of both Egyptology and Graeco-Roman studies in mind Provides a chronological table at the start of each volume to help readers orient chapters within the wider historical context

For the curious visitor, Egypt is a land of mystery and magic. So much to admire and so much to awaken our curiosity, as its history unfolds through an endless series of pyramids, tombs, temples, mosques, souks and museums. How to make the most of this immense patrimony in the limited time available during a visit to the country? A good guidebook is indispensable, and here it is at last, and it makes fascinating reading. Ellen Grady lays out before us the shimmering tapestry that is Egypt, following every colourful thread and describing its intricate weave with affectionate expertise. Medieval cities, the infinite deserts, the inscrutable Nile, all emerge in their splendour to be admired, and at last, understood. Swirling patterns of gods and hieroglyphs reveal at last their hitherto incomprehensible design. The protagonists emerge to tell us their stories; kings and pharaohs, explorers and adventurers, scholars and sycophants. Besides the admirable description of monuments and places of interest, you will find all the background history you need.