Foreigners in Ancient Egypt

Flora Anthony provides a new and original way of looking at images of foreigners in 18th dynasty non-royal tombs at Thebes. Instead of trying to identify these figures as representing specific historical ethnic groups, as other scholars have done, Dr. Anthony examines them as ideological constructs designed to function within the symbolic decorative program used to enhance and make visible the significance of the tomb both for its owner and for visitors to the monument. The resulting explanation of how the images were meant to function and be understood demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Gay Robins, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Art History, Emory University, USA Illustrated throughout with black-and-white and colour images, with a comprehensive bibliography, this multi-faceted analysis successfully conveys the importance of evaluating ancient Egyptian decorative motifs from several angles rather than taking them at face value. Ancient Egypt Dr Anthony's diligent study provides a fresh analysis of depictions of foreigners in ancient Egypt. Focussing on early 18th Dynasty Theban tomb scenes, the author revisits the established interpretation of foreigners as agents of chaos, and a more nuanced picture emerges in which foreigners symbolise the lure of alterity more broadly (danger, otherness, wealth and luxury). Ultimately, the reader is invited to consider the range of meanings that these scenes held for their ancient audiences as well as the limits of their historical value. Teeming with evidence and eminently readable, this detailed and informative work employs innovative approaches and arrives at some novel results. It is a valuable contribution to the field of study. Glenn Godenho, Senior Lecturer in Egyptology, Liverpool University, UK