The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh

by William Matthew Flinders Petrie

A pioneering Egyptologist, Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853-1942) excavated over fifty sites and trained a generation of archaeologists. In 1880 he began the first ever systematic survey of the Giza Plateau, with perhaps his most important work being on the Great Pyramid. Theories abounded as to how the Great Pyramid had been constructed, yet few were based on close examination of the structure itself. Petrie's findings, still used as a reference today, enabled him to disprove prominent theories, such as the belief of Charles Piazzi Smyth that the Great Pyramid was a product of divine revelation and therefore flawless. This first edition of 1883 was not reprinted, and subsequent editions summarised some of the material. Petrie wrote prolifically throughout his long career, and many of his other publications are also reissued in this series.

Genres: History

ebook

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie FRS, known as Flinders Petrie, was an English Egyptologist and a pioneer of systematic methodology in archaeology. He held the first chair of Egyptology in the United Kingdom, and excavated at many of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, such as Naukratis, Tanis, Abydos and Amarna. Some consider his most famous discovery to be that of the Merneptah Stele. Petrie developed the system of dating layers based on pottery and ceramic findings.

Reviews

[John Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very interesting reading these old books, if nothing else than to gain some perspective on professionals of a different era. It is amazing the faculties of such individuals. This is one of many books perused by those interested in the progression of archaeology as it pertains to ancient Egypt and understanding where quotes and such came from is paramount. This is not only interesting in and of itself as I have stated thus far here within, but also is interesting in gaining perspective on historical writing styles. I'm glad I picked this up.

[Carlton Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those high altitude cruising reads to understand what information lay within its covers - for another project i have in mind for this. This book contains precise measurements from the survey of Giza, and its associated descriptive information, by Sir Flinder's Petrie. I believe this represents a high quality data and description of everything which is Giza, before any agendas crept in.