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Egypt from Alexander to the Copts
The thousand years of Egyptian history from Alexander the Great to the Arab conquest (332 BC-AD 641) are rich in archaeological interest and well documented by 50,000 papyri in Greek, Egyptian, Latin and other languages. But travellers and others interested in the remains of this period are ill-served by most guides to Egypt, which concentrate on the pharaonic buildings. This book redresses the balance, providing the necessary background to appreciate the wealth of temples, tombs, villages, churches and monasteries of the Hellenistic, Roman and Late Antique periods. Written by a dozen leading specialists, it reflects the latest research, both in the field and in the library.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
319 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 2, 2023
Most Egyptian history and archaeology books I’ve read devote a minimal amount of space to the later periods in Egyptian history, particularly the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. I wanted a better understanding of those periods, so when an instructor mentioned this as a possible source, I decided to pick it up. The book I read had a publication date of 2004. There’s a fair amount of time devoted to various museums and what you might find in them. With all of the recent changes taking place in various museums, and artifacts being relocated to newer institutions, I tended to ignore those parts of the book.
The book is designed partially as a travel guide to Egypt, focusing on archaeological and historical sites relevant to the period from Alexander to Coptic Egypt. However, the book begins with a useful historical summary of these periods, as well as information about art, religion, and literature of the time. Some of it I was familiar with, but other bits, particularly the literature, was new to me.
After the introduction, the author moves through the major geographic areas of Egypt, focusing on both sites of interest in the areas as well as changes made by the Ptolemaics, Romans, and others to the sites. The book is filled with useful maps and photos that help orient one towards the sites.
I found parts of the book more interesting than others and tended to skim some parts of the book. I also found it very easy to put down. I’m not sure if that’s due to the nature of the book, or just to my interest level in the topics covered. I think it will be a good reference book in the future but isn’t a particularly enjoyable straight read.
Overall, this is a C+/C for me, so three stars here. This is due more to my general interest level, than to anything the author wrote.
The book is designed partially as a travel guide to Egypt, focusing on archaeological and historical sites relevant to the period from Alexander to Coptic Egypt. However, the book begins with a useful historical summary of these periods, as well as information about art, religion, and literature of the time. Some of it I was familiar with, but other bits, particularly the literature, was new to me.
After the introduction, the author moves through the major geographic areas of Egypt, focusing on both sites of interest in the areas as well as changes made by the Ptolemaics, Romans, and others to the sites. The book is filled with useful maps and photos that help orient one towards the sites.
I found parts of the book more interesting than others and tended to skim some parts of the book. I also found it very easy to put down. I’m not sure if that’s due to the nature of the book, or just to my interest level in the topics covered. I think it will be a good reference book in the future but isn’t a particularly enjoyable straight read.
Overall, this is a C+/C for me, so three stars here. This is due more to my general interest level, than to anything the author wrote.
Displaying 1 of 1 review