Death, burial, and the afterlife were as important to the ancient Egyptians as how they lived. This well-illustrated book explores all aspects of death in ancient Egypt, including beliefs of the afterlife, mummification, the protection of the body, tombs and their construction and decoration, funerary goods, and the funeral itself. It also addresses the relationship between the living and the dead, and the magico-religious interaction of these two in ancient Egyptian culture.Salima Ikram's own experience with experimental mummification and funerary archaeology lends the book many completely original and provocative insights. In addition, a full survey of current development in the field makes this a unique book that combines all aspects of death and burial in ancient Egypt into one volume.

The tombs, mortuary temples, and religious beliefs and practices of one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations.

About the Author
Salima Ikram is professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, and has worked in Egypt since 1986. She has directed the Animal Mummy Project, co-directed the Predynastic Gallery project, and has served as co-director and subsequently director of the North Kharga Oasis Survey. Ikram has worked on several excavations throughout Egypt as well as in Turkey, Sudan, and Greece, and she is currently very involved with the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage. She is the editor of Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt (AUC Press, pbk ed., 2015).

Reviews

A Book Riot 100 Must-Read Book on Ancient History

"Dr. Salima Ikram's Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt is among the best works on the subject presently on the market. Dr. Ikram's work breathes with a love of the subject matter and, refreshingly, lacks the academic jargon which mars so many otherwise fine books on this subject. Dr. Ikram has recreated the mummification process in modern-day laboratories and so brings a practical, as well as scholarly, approach to the subject. This book takes a reader from the early history of ancient Egypt through the beliefs and funerary practices of the people and includes the development of the mastaba tombs and the later pyramids. An excellent work and highly recommended."-Ancient History Encyclopedia

"This is a splendid volume for all students of ancient Egypt, and it cannot be recommended too highly. Non-specialists will appreciate the useful glossary, chronology, and list of further readings. Highly recommended."-G. R. G. Hambly, University of Texas at Dallas

"This book provides an excellent introduction to the whole subject area."-Rosalie David, Egyptian Archaeology

"Summarizes current knowledge extremely well and is highly recommended to anyone interested in this particular aspect of Egyptology."-Victor Blunden, Ancient Egypt

"Considering the book's wide scope, scientific reliability and comprehensible text, it is very well-suited for anyone wishing to learn more about ancient Egypt in a limited time. It provides a good overview for both lay-people and students of archaeology."-PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt / Egyptology

Book Information
ISBN 9789774166877
Author Salima Ikram
Format Paperback
Page Count 252
Imprint The American University in Cairo Press
Publisher The American University in Cairo Press
Weight(grams) 588g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 150mm * 15mm