Complete Pyramids

Mark Lehner

ISBN 10: 0500050848 / ISBN 13: 9780500050842

Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd, 1997

About this Item

For centuries the pyramids have inspired passionate theories about their origins, purpose and method of construction. In this fully work on the major pyramids of Ancient Egypt, the author surveys the history, building and use of the pyramids. He examines both the practicalities and logostics of their construction and their conceptual aspects - their cosmology and iconography and their intriguing texts. Other features include accounts of the latest discoveries by international teams working on the pyramids; discussion of the latest theories; chronology and history of Egypt and the pyramids; maps and site plans; a guide to visiting; computer generated perspective views of the interior of the pyramids; and quotations from ancient texts, early explorers and archaeologists.

Seller Inventory # 00108445288

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Complete Pyramids
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500050848
• ISBN 13: 9780500050842
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Archetypal symbols of remote antiquity, the pyramids have for centuries inspired passionate theories about their origins, purpose, and method of construction. Archaeologists, engineers, astronomers, poets, painters, and travelers have all had their say--but how much do we really know about these awe-inspiring wonders of the ancient world? Here is the first fully illustrated compendium of every major pyramid of ancient Egypt. Mark Lehner surveys the history, building, and use of the pyramids in unprecedented detail, looking at the practical aspects (the quarries, ramps, and tools used to build them) and the conceptual--the cosmology and iconography of the pyramids and the intriguing Pyramid Texts. The contents include: * the Whole Pyramid catalogue, a unique survey and description of the pyramids and their development, from the first simple pit-graves to the sublime pyramids of Giza and beyond; * a discussion of the rituals and mythology surrounding the death and burial of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt; * accounts of explorers, looters, and archaeologists, from the later Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to the great explorations of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; * specially commissioned artist's and computer reconstructions of the interiors of the pyramids and their chambers; * an overview of Egyptian history and the pyramids, numerous fact files, detailed maps and site plans, and a guide to visiting the pyramids.

About the Author

Mark Lehner, a leading Egyptologist, directed the Sphinx and Isis Temple Project from 1979 to 1983; since 1984 he has been director of the Giza Plateau Mapping Project. He is visiting Assistant Professor at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, and a Research Associate at the Harvard Semitic Museum.