This book presents a comprehensive study of the pottery from the Persian and Graeco-Roman periods at Memphis/KomTuman. The material analysed originates from a complex of administrative, residential, and artisanal quarters that lay at the foot of the palace of Apries mound in the northern part of the ruin field. The bulk of the ceramic finds consists of local Egyptian vessels, but imports, principally from East Greece and the Levant, are represented in significant proportions throughout the excavation areas. The pottery is discussed according to chronology, typology, context, and function, and is thoroughly illustrated with line drawings and photographs. Statistical data, based on thousands of recorded sherds, are presented in the appendixes and are integrated in the interpretation of the site. The results shed new light on the nature of the city and the life of its inhabitants from the time of Herodotus to that of Zenon of Caunos --

Despite the prominence of ancient temples in the landscape of Egypt, books about them are surprisingly rare; this new and essential publication from a prominent Czech scholar answers the need for a study that goes beyond temple architecture to examine the spiritual, economic and political aspects of these specific institutions and the dominant roles they played. Miroslav Verner presents a deeper and more complex study of major ancient Egyptian religious centers, their principal temples, their rise and decline, their religious doctrines, cults, rituals, feasts, and mysteries. Also discussed are the various categories of priests, the organization of the priesthood, and its daily services and customs. Each chapter offers the reader essential and up-to-date information about temple complexes and the history of their archaeological exploration, in the context of the spiritual dimension and cultural legacy of ancient Egypt.

"After its conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Egypt was ruled for the next 300 years by the Ptolemaic dynasty founded by Ptolemy I, one of Alexander's generals. With the defeat of Cleopatra VII, in 30 BC, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. The thousand years from Alexander to the Arab conquest in AD641 are rich in archaeological interest and well documented in Greek, Egyptian, Latin and other languages. But travellers and others interested in the remains of this period are ill-served by most guide to Egypt. This book redresses the balance, with clear and concise descriptions related to documents and historical background." -- Bookjacket.

A study of the material culture of Egypt during the period of Achaemenid Persian rule, c. 526-404 BCEProvides a clear overview of the archaeological evidence for Achaemenid Egypt, including temples, tombs, irrigation works, statues, stelae, seals and coinsDemonstrates how different types of evidence, both textual and archaeological - including material of uncertain provenance - can be used to address a single historical questionOffers critical discussion of the dating criteria used by archaeologists for Egyptian Late Period materialElucidates strategies used by the Persians to establish and maintain control of EgyptExamines how these strategies may have affected the lives of people living in Egypt during the 27th DynastyCreates a new explanatory model for the introduction of coinage to ancient EgyptPrevious studies have characterised Achaemenid rule of Egypt either as ephemeral and weak or oppressive and harsh. These characterisations, however, are based on the perceived lack of evidence for this period, filtered through ancient and modern preconceptions about the Persians.Henry Colburn challenges these views by assembling and analyzing the archaeological remains from this period, including temples, tombs, irrigation works, statues, stelae, sealings, drinking vessels and coins. By looking at the decisions made about material culture - by Egyptians, Persians and others - it becomes possible to see both how the Persians integrated Egypt into their empire and the full range of experiences people had as a result.

Contents: Egypt on its Way to an Early State: The Nile Delta and the Valley (Tatjana A. Sherkova); Ancient Memphis and the Helleno-Roman World: A Short Note (Galina A.

The economic, political and historical story of the Nile in ancient times is unearthed through its landscape.