In this first volume of a series offering accessible accounts of the history of archaeology, author and illustrator Heath introduces the field of Egyptology, its major players, and their discoveries. In a speedy report on Egyptian history, Heath takes readers from Egypt’s hunter-gather beginnings to the building of the pyramids, the rule of Ramses II, and its incorporation into the Roman Empire. Significant artifacts include the exceptionally well-preserved Gebelein mummy, the Nefertiti bust, and the vast array of gilded objects found in Tutankhamen’s tomb. Nearly a century of evidence is used to consider Tutankhamen’s cause of death, with possibilities including malaria, murder, and 'death by hippo' in a hunting accident. Heath goes on to note the accomplishments of Jean-Francois Champollion, the first to decipher the hieroglyphic alphabet; Giovanni Battista Belzoni, the circus performer-turned-archaeologist who discovered the tombs of Ramses I and Seti I; and Flinders Petrie’s method of sequence dating, still used today. Heath also celebrates recent developments, such as Sarah Parcak’s innovative use of satellites to survey sites remotely, and the current work being done by the British Museum at Naukratis and Amara West. Heath’s enthusiasm and brevity make this a solid introduction, and his epilogue provides plenty of resources for further study.

Publishers Weekly

Freelance author and archaeological illustrator Heath presents a well-written and well-documented popular introduction to Egyptology. The book begins with a brief introduction to the geography and cultural history of Egypt. In chapter 2, the author describes several important discoveries, focusing primarily on intriguing artifacts, spectacular tombs, and monumental architecture. Chapter 3 provides biographical sketches of several famous Egyptologists from the 19th and early 20th centuries, followed in chapter 4 by brief vignettes illustrating several ‘controversies and scandals in Egyptology.’ Chapter 5 offers a thoughtful discussion of the negative impact of the antiquities market on Egyptology, and in chapters 6 and 7, Heath outlines a few contributions of recent research in Egypt to archaeology in general and briefly describes several ongoing excavations in the region. A brief epilogue with suggestions for learning more about Egyptology comes next, followed by detailed notes for each chapter, a thorough bibliography, and a useful index. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. General, public, and lower-division undergraduate libraries.

Choice Reviews

I just finished the first book in a new series, Archaeology Hotspot Egypt by Julian Heath. The book's subtitle, Unearthing the Past for Armchair Archaeologists describe its target audience and, although the author has an MA in archaeology from the University of Liverpool, the book is relatively free of technical jargon and quite readable. Heath begins by describing each period of Egypt's past then delves more deeply into archaeological activities within each period. I was particularly pleased to note that Heath gives attention to the often overlooked pre-dynastic period as well as the more widely studied Old, Middle and New Kingdoms and their associated Intermediate Periods. I was especially interested in his discussion of the Naqada Period because, not only were many of the traditions of Egypt in their embryonic stage then, but I had the opportunity to photograph Naqada pottery and unusual figurines at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum. . . . [T]he reader comes away with not only a good foundation in the historical periods of Egypt and significant explorations that have revealed the development of its culture but an excellent overview of current research, including technological advances in satellite imagery, ground penetrating radar and digital analyses. It even touches on the current political and economic issues surrounding the illegal antiquities trade. Perhaps among the most valuable inclusions in the book were the concluding passages listing museums with the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities (I didn't realize the Museum of Fine Arts Boston was among them so I have added it to my must see list!) and websites where visitors can not only view images of recovered artifacts but browse maps, plans and satellite imagery of archaeological sites and even journals kept by famous archaeologists. Heath even suggests ways to get involved with current digs. There are also extensive footnotes listed by chapter and a lengthy bibliography - a virtual handbook for any Egyptian history enthusiast. I look forward with anticipation to the next book in this series!

Passionate about History

[A] few delightful surprises await [in this book]. The first surprise is how smooth the text reads. Heath certainly has some skill in writing. The vocabulary is smart without being overly-scholarly. He avoids the tendency seen in other introductory works of 'dumbing down' the content and leaves the reader with the sense of having been educated on a topic. The second surprise is the use of Egyptian names. Heath avoids the pitfall of many when he employs the actual Egyptian nomen (or 'birth name') for the kings, rather than the somewhat popular, albeit erroneous, Greek versions. . . .Heath does good work in bringing together a quick synopsis of his topics, has an excellent bibliography, and writes in an intelligent and yet intriguing fashion.

Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin