The Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt: History, Archaeology and Society

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2000-1700 BC) was a classical period of art, history, and literature, with the Twelfth Dynasty being one of the strongest ever to rule. Recent discoveries and excavations have revealed the splendour of the period, making it a fascinating age in its own right.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt, spanning approximately from 2000 to 1700 BC, was a remarkable era characterized by exceptional art, history, and literature. During this time, the Twelfth Dynasty emerged as one of the most powerful rulers on the banks of the Nile, with some of its kings later deified as local gods and celebrated by classical Greek authors. However, the focus of Egyptologists has traditionally been on the extraordinary royal sculpture and literary masterpieces of the period, often neglecting the broader cultural, historical, and societal aspects of the Middle Kingdom. Despite the fragmentary nature of the archaeological record, recent decades of exploration and excavation have shed light on the splendor of this era. This book delves into the evidence for the culture, history, and society of both central and provincial Egypt during the Middle Kingdom, uncovering the wealth and diversity of the entire country. In this second edition, Wolfram Grajetzki incorporates recent discoveries, discussions, and publications that have emerged over the past fifteen years, including new excavation reports for the mastabas at Lisht and excavations at Abydos. Often overshadowed by the more well-preserved architecture of other periods, Middle Kingdom Egypt emerges as a captivating age in its own right, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350455542
Edition number: 2 ed