ABANDONED. Fiction: two archaeologists open tomb and enter new world

[Patrick]

I'm trying to find a book my step-father read while in junior high during the 1960's. He has been trying to find it again and can't remember much.

No title or author. But he thought is had something to do with "eagle".

The plot essentially is that two archaeologists open an ancient tomb. The gas from the tomb presumably knocks them out. Then they find themselves somehow in the ancient culture from which the tomb was made and end up becoming leaders of a great army in that world. I don't know if it's a time-travel fantasy, a portal fantasy, or just a dream.

I know that is not much to go on. But if you have some suggestions my step-dad would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Mai]

I know you mention that he was in junior high when he read it so, does he think it was a reader? (a juvenile novel) Or was it a novel addressed to adults?

I found one that has some things in common with your description but it's not an exact match:
Exiles of Time by Nelson S. Bond
After a strange bloodstone amulet is found in an ancient Arabian tomb by archaeologists, the native employees of the expedition attack the others when they refuse to leave. One of the archaeologists, Lance Vidor, seeks refuge in the tomb, where he is transported to a different point in the time circle of Earth. Vidor finds others who have been summoned to the time period for the purpose of saving the Earth from an oncoming comet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exiles_...

[Christine]

Author Eric Flint writes several book series that combine history & time travel. Maybe it's one of those? There are 20+ listed on goodreads under his name: perhaps one of the blurbs will match the book you're seeking. : )

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Patrick (OP) last posted in the group in May 2019.