The Valley of the Kings (Digging for the Past) - Hardcover

Smith, Stuart Tyson; Bernard, Nancy Stone

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195147707 ISBN 13: 9780195147704

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Delving into one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, The Valley of the Kings is a fascinating account of the modern discovery of Egyptian tombs. Stuart Tyson Smith and Nancy Stone Bernard provide a history of excavation in Egypt, an analysis of its findings, and discuss the preservation challenges scientists and archaeologists face today. Filled with stunning artifacts and pictures of archaeologists at work -- from 80 years ago when Howard Carter first looked into King Tut's tomb to the recent excavation by Kent Weeks's team of KV5 -- Valley of the Kings brings to life the experience of sifting through rubble and suddenly finding unimaginable treasures that reveal how an ancient people lived. An interview with Stuart Tyson Smith, who worked on the massive Theban Mapping Project -- a ten-year endeavor to document the tombs -- and was a consultant for the movies Stargate, The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns, is a first-person story of what it's like to be an archaeologist and what he has to tell young people interested in archaeology as a career.

About this title

About the Author

Stuart Tyson Smith is at University of California, Santa Barbara. Nancy Stone Bernard is at Archaeological Institute of America.

Reviews

Grade 4-6-A fascinating chronology of the discoveries and explorations-by professionals and amateurs-of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The first two chapters look at earlier organized projects beginning with Napoleon's French Expedition and the discovery of the Rosetta Stone up to the early 20th century. Next, the text is devoted to Howard Carter's famous discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Following this is a chapter discussing on-going work on a "missing" tomb, KV5, by Kent Weeks and his team. In addition to providing this informative history, the authors also give insight into the politics and personalities of the various projects involved in archaeological work in the Valley. The final chapter tells of the discoveries of caches of mummies removed from their tombs by ancient officials as well as thieves looking for loot, and how scientists are using modern research methods and DNA to identify remains, prove family relationships, health problems, and causes of death. The easy-to-read text is enhanced by good-quality, color photographs of artifacts, period photographs, reproductions of artwork, and maps. An interview between the authors discusses Smith's archaeological career and Egyptology consultant work on several movies, which should interest young readers. Unfortunately, most of the titles recommended for further reading are for adults. Melvin and Gilda Berger's Mummies of the Pharaohs (National Geographic, 2001) has spectacular photographs but lacks much of the detail found in this new title.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195147707
• ISBN 13: 9780195147704
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48