War & Trade with the Pharaohs: An Archaeological Study of Ancient Egypt's Foreign Relations

by Garry J. Shaw

The ancient Egyptians presented themselves as superior to all other people in the world; on temple walls, the pharaoh is shown smiting foreign enemies--people from Nubia, Libya and the Levant or crushing them beneath his chariot. But despite such imagery, from the beginning of their history, the Egyptians also enjoyed friendly relations with neighboring cultures; both Egyptians and foreigners crossed the deserts and seas exchanging goods gathered from across the known world.

War & Trade with the Pharaohs explores Egypt's connections with the wider world over the course of 3,000 years, introducing readers to ancient diplomacy, travel, trade, warfare, domination, and immigration--both Egyptians living abroad and foreigners living in Egypt. It covers military campaigns and trade in periods of strength--including such important events as the Battle of Qadesh under Ramesses II and Hatshepsut's trading mission to the mysterious land of Punt--and Egypt's foreign relations during times of political weakness, when foreign dynasties ruled parts of the country. From early interactions with traders on desolate desert tracks, to sunken Mediterranean trading vessels, the Nubian Kingdom of Kerma, Nile fortresses, the Sea Peoples, and Persian satraps, there is always a rich story to tell behind Egypt's foreign relations.

"Garry Shaw's book is something of a revelation, a different way of looking at what we know about the Ancient Egyptians and their amazing culture."--Books Monthly

"As inherently fascinating a read as it is exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented."--Midwest Book Review

Genres: Ancient History, History, Egyptian Literature

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2017

About the author

Garry J Shaw is an author and journalist, writing about archaeology, history, and travel. He studied archaeology and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, and afterwards moved to Egypt to teach for the American University in Cairo. He has lectured in the UK, Egypt, and Canada, appeared in documentaries, and taught an online introduction to ancient Egypt for Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education.