Egypt: Lost Civilizations (Paperback) - Christina Riggs

An introduction to the history, art and religion of ancient Egypt.

Often characterized as a 'lost' civilization that was 'discovered' by adventurers and archaeologists, ancient Egypt has fascin ated and inspired many other cultures. Classical Greek and Roman writers admired ancient Egyptian philosophy; in the eighteenth century, secret societies like the Freemasons still upheld the wisdom of ancient Egypt. But why? Christina Riggs introduces the history, art and religion of Egypt from its earliest dynasties to its final fall to Rome - and explores the influence ancient Egypt has had through the centuries. Today, ancient Egypt is ubiquitous in museums, television documentaries and tattoo parlours - wherever people look for a past as ancient and impressive as they come. Looking for a vanished past, Riggs argues, always serves some purpose in the present.

About the Author

Christina Riggs is Professor of the History of Visual Culture, Durham University, and specializes in the history of photography, Egyptian art and archaeology. She is the author of several books, including Treasured: How Tutankhamun Shaped a Century (2021) and Ancient Egyptian Magic: A Hands-On Guide (2020).