Pharaoh's Land and Beyond

At all times, and often against its 'Egyptocentric' self-representation, ancient Egypt was dependent on manifold interconnections with the world around. While such interconnections- especially diplomatic or trade relations- have been explored previously, many ways in which the ancient Egyptians were entangled with their neighbours still need investigating. This book does exaclty that... The intended audience are lay enthusiasts interested in interconnections in the Bronze and Iron Age Mediterranean, yet the theoretical approach of some chapters; the choice of topics , written by specialists in their field; and the comprehensive bibliographies for each entry open this volume up and make it a very useful tool for students and academic researchers as well. * Katharina Zinn, World Archaeology * Accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography and illustrated with colour and back-and-white images and line drawings, this accessible volume will be equally useful for academic researchers, students and readers enthusiastic to learn more about the complexities of ancient Egypt's foreign relations. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and faculty. * G. Emeagwali, CHOICE * A fascinating look at ancient Egypt through the lens of its interactions with the surrounding lands, written and edited by a stellar cast of scholars whose contributions will be of interest to professionals and the general public alike. Compelling insights abound, covering the exchange of concepts and innovations in art, science, architecture, writing, literature, and religion, in addition to material objects. Additional discussions of natural forces such as floods, droughts, and epidemics that impacted such interactions over time remind us that such interactions could not, and should not, be taken for granted! * Eric Cline, The George Washington University * At last! An authoritative, well-rounded volume that examines the wider world of Ancient Egypt-and it was wide. These wide-ranging essays debunk the long-held myth that Egypt was an isolated civilization. Crammed with fascinating argument and myriad nuggets of valuable information, this invaluable book will long be a fundamental source. An exceptional achievement. * Brian Fagan, University of California, Santa Barbara * This book significantly changes how we understand ancient Egypt's relationships with other cultures. Rather than the standard geographic survey of Egypt's neighbors, enemies, and trading partners, Pharaoh's Land and Beyond takes a fresh approach, focusing on the structures, paths, and ideas that brought the ancient Egyptians into contact with other peoples. The editors have brought together a wide range of scholars with diverse expertise to this innovative volume. * T. G. Wilfong, University of Michigan * Pharaoh's Land and Beyond succeeds in presenting a com-pelling picture of how deeply entangled ancient Egypt and its neighbours were. It ought to be embraced by students and scholars alike who are looking for a concise and current non-Egyptocentric analysis of intercu1- tural contact both within and beyond the Nile Valley. * Matthew J .S. Jarlett, Ancient Near Eastern Studies *