Online Activities: Ancient Egypt

The books in this section focus on Egypt only to the end of the Old Kingdom, about 2135 bce. See also the Bibliography for Pyramids.

Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids
By The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This exhibition catalogue contains wonderful photographs of some of the masterpieces of Egyptian art, excellent notes about each one, and fine general essays about pyramids, temples, burial practices, and various aspects of ancient Egyptian materials, industries, and crafts. Profusely illustrated.

New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999. Hard or softcover, large format. 536 pages with index.

Riddles of the Sphinx
By Paul Jordan

How old is the Sphinx? Who ordered that it be carved? Did Napoleon really try to blow off the nose with a cannon? These questions and many more are gracefully and reasonably answered in this beautiful book. The history of the sphinx in Ancient and Modern times is discussed, with many illustrations to show what it looked like during various periods in history. Profusely illustrated with colour and black and white images.

New York: Washington Square Press, 1997. Hardcover, large format, 222 pages with index.

When the Pyramids were Built: Egyptian Art of the Old Kingdom
By Dorothea Arnold

This fine book covers much of the same ground as the Exhibition Catalogue, but more briefly, and in a more personal way. Dr. Arnold's theories are well worth the reading, particularly as they are expressed in lively and interesting prose. This would be a very fine book for a teacher who finds him or herself teaching the history of art. Though most useful in the secondary school library, bright elementary students would also enjoy looking at the images and reading the short essays that accompany them.

New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1999. Hardcover, large format 144 pages, profusely illustrated with colour photos.

Egypt in the Old Kingdom: An Introduction
By Gae Callender

This is the best general audience book on the Old Kingdom, and would make an excellent addition to school or personal libraries. Unfortunately, as of October 1999, it was difficult to obtain in North America, though readily available in Egypt. Dr. Callender is a very clear writer, and her book is beautifully organized and illustrated. An archaeologist working at Abusir, she reports with authority on some of the most important recent discoveries.

Melbourne, Australia: Longman 1998. Softcover, 208 pages with index, maps, glossary, and very useful bibliography.

Pharaohs and Pyramids: A Guide Through Old Kingdom Egypt
By George Hart

Hart assumes the reader is travelling in Egypt, or has travelled there recently. His descriptions are part guide-book, part history and social history. Nevertheless, there is a great deal of useful information about the people who built the pyramids in this clear and well-written book. Hart also helps the reader to make sense of the often fragmentary or slight remains of the temples attached to pyramids and mastaba tombs. Not recommended as library reference, or for elementary school students. High school students may find it helpful. A good book to have with you if you ever do walk around Sakkara and Giza without a guide.

London: The Herbert Press, 1991. Hardcover, 240 pages with index. Colour plates, many black and white maps and line drawings.

The Ancient Egyptians: Life in the Old Kingdom
By Jill Kamil

Jill Kamil is the author of a series of very useful guides to various localities in Egypt. In this book, she departs from her usual emphasis on archaeological sites, and discusses many aspects of Ancient Egyptian life: religion, social structure and daily life, materials and industries, and festivals. A good general introduction to the topic, and accessible to good readers in elementary school, though more useful for secondary school students and their teachers.

Cairo: American University in Cairo Press, 1984, revised 1996. Hard and softcover, 196 pages with index.

In the Shadow of the Pyramids: Egypt During the Old Kingdom.
By Jaromir Malek

This very beautiful book provides a good introduction to the main events and characters of the Old Kingdom.

Hard and softcover available, 128 pages with index, maps. Wonderful colour photography by Werner Forman.

Early Egypt: The Rise of Civilization in the Nile Valley
By A.J. Spencer

Spencer covers the period from Egypt's beginnings in the Old Stone Age (the Paleolithic) to the Fourth Dynasty, when the biggest of the pyramids were built. Fine colour images, good maps and charts, clear and graceful text.

Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1995. Softcover, 128 pages with index.