- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Channel 4 Books; New edition edition (11 Jan 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0752261991
- ISBN-13: 978-0752261997
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,247,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Ancient Egypt, land of the pharaohs, bore witness to the rise and fall of the world's greatest civilization. A combination of evidence ranging from the pyramids and rock-cut tombs to papyri and human tissue, now offers modern investigators the chance to reconstruct the lost lives of those who once lived and died along the Nile. Egyptologists read the hieroglyphics, while archeologists recover the material remains of the past, now though, thanks to advances in scientific analytical techniques, it is possible to analyze the mummified bodies of the Egyptians themselves. This work traces three major scientific investigations as they reconsider some of the oldest and most puzzling questions in Egyptology: Who built the Great Pyramid of Giza?; How did they do it?, And why? Evidence from pyramid workers' village and associated cemetry helps to dispel some of the myths perpetuated in fiction and Hollywood movies. Why did the 18th Dynasty die out?; Who was Tutankhamen? DNA analysis and the re-examination of a nameless skeleton help to determine the sequence of events at the end of this turbulent era. Scientific techniques are also used to examine the remains of a female temple singer, and to find traces of a substance made from the blue lotus frequently depicted on tomb walls. These investigations allow egyptologists and others to draw conclusions concerning previously hidden aspects of life and health at the very end of the New kingdom.
About the Author
Dr Joyce Tyldesley is an Honorary Research Fellow, School of Archaeology, Classics and Oriental Studies, Liverpool University. She has lectured widely on Egyptology and archaeology, made national radio appearances and won several academic awards for her work. She has also worked on numerous archaeological expeditions and excavations in Egypt. In addition to numerous academic works and papers, her previous books include Daughters of Isis: Women of Ancient Egypt and Ramesses: Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh (both Viking/Penguin).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A very concise, informative addition to the discipline of Egyptology which will be welcomed by both professional and amateur alike. Tyldesley skilfully condenses the presently understood history of the Pharaohs into a fluent narrative which relies on scientific evaluation and discoveries. She goes further to describe the lives of the pyramid and mausoleum construction workers and their families with material gleaned from the same sources. The logic of engineering techniques are placed within a believable, logical context together with the social complexities involved in employing thousands of workers. The reader is taken from these vast building sites to an appreciation of the terrible damage and theft to their fabric, the deceased and their possessions. This has occurred on the grand scale over several millennia and is still prevalent. The author rarely lapses into speculation but when doing so, avoids the consequences. No doubt pharaohs were responsible for saving their mummified ancestors from grave robbers by moving them en masse to safer sites, but this sits uneasily with recycling their valuables, the grave goods necessary for their comfort, through the Royal Treasury. It indicates a cynicism at odds with their professed religious beliefs. Tyldesley makes no comment on this but describing the scientific analysis of Asru, a Temple chantress of the Middle Period, remarks on the idealised illustrations of a pristine, beautiful life on tomb walls in comparison with the evidence of excruciating diseases and parasites found in the vocalist's mummified remains. It is clear what little we know of the ancient Egyptians is less than half the story. The exquisite photographic plates included are a joy and the text a very superior accompaniment to the frequently tiresomely presented television production.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
THis book is perfect for anyone interested in Egyptology. It takes you through the pyramids, the 18th dynasty and the blue lotus flower which was thought to have magical powers. I found the section on the 18th dynasty very interesting. It mainly tells of Akhenaten and Tutankhamen who were the last two Pharoahs of the 18th dynasty. It coveres the concept of inbreeding which was thought why that dynasty died out with Tutankhamen. Just more recently the tombs of the pryamid builders were found and it goes on to explain that the builder were not slaves at all. I found this very easy to read and would recommend it to anyone.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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2 reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding
30 Mar 2008
Format:Hardcover
Egyptian civilization, preserved for two thousand years, left a mysterious legacy in the form of human remains, monumental buildings, inscrutable writings, and elaborate tombs. But until recently, Egyptian mummies were considered to be little more than curiosities. Much of our understanding of Egyptian civilization has been gleaned from nineteenth century tomb robbers and twentieth century filmmakers. Private Lives of the Pharaohs highlights the exciting new developments in medical science that are allowing Egyptologists to extract information from mummified Egyptians.
Recent scientific advances, including DNA analysis, endoscopy, and CAT scans, are allowing Egyptologists to bring Egypt's dead "back to life." The once-hidden evidence extracted from their bones, hair, and rehydrated skin is unlocking the mysteries of the pyramids, showing us the secrets of Tutankahamen's court, and revealing the use of recreational drugs in the royal household. The result is a breathtaking new look at the Pharaohs and their monumental civilization. Renowned Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley describes the major secrets that forensic scientists have been able to retrieve from Egypt's famed mummies.
Recent scientific advances, including DNA analysis, endoscopy, and CAT scans, are allowing Egyptologists to bring Egypt's dead "back to life." The once-hidden evidence extracted from their bones, hair, and rehydrated skin is unlocking the mysteries of the pyramids, showing us the secrets of Tutankahamen's court, and revealing the use of recreational drugs in the royal household. The result is a breathtaking new look at the Pharaohs and their monumental civilization. Renowned Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley describes the major secrets that forensic scientists have been able to retrieve from Egypt's famed mummies.
Review of Tyldesley's 'Private Lives'
11 Dec 2010
Format:Paperback
I understand why this book is no longer in print--it was attached to a television program. However, I'd like to argue that this work could flourish as a stand alone introduction to recent developments in archaeology. Tyldesley offers a mixture of basic history and recent developments in archaeology that work to reexamine traditional accounts. The movement through three different case studies is especially effective. It allows for a sense of focus on particular historical landscapes as Tyldesley introduces new information to modify these landscapes.
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