Egyptian Archaeology

Egyptian Archaeology explores ancient Egypt using a uniquely archaeological approach, drawing on original research to both synthesize and challenge existing scholarship.

• Written by leading Egyptologists, based on original research and fieldwork
• Illustrates how practical research is a vital component of any theory-based discussion about the ancient world
• Examines the cultural and historical processes of ancient Egypt from a global perspective
• Visually engaging with over 80 illustrations
• Chapters explore fundamental issues and themes, but focus on specific periods and key archaeological sites

List of Tables and Figures vii

Notes on Contributors ix

Series Editors’ Preface xiii

Note on Transliteration and Transcription xiv

1 Egyptian Archaeology: From Text to Context 1

Willeke Wendrich

2 Worship without Writing 15

Stan Hendrickx, Dirk Huyge, and Willeke Wendrich

3 Theories of State Formation 36

E. Christiana Köhler

4 Kingship and Legitimation 55

Janet Richards

5 Villages and the Old Kingdom 85

Mark Lehner Copyrighted Material

6 Regionality, Cultural and Cultic Landscapes 102

David Jeffreys

7 Tradition and Innovation: The Middle Kingdom 119

Josef Wegner

8 Foreigners in Egypt: Archaeological Evidence and Cultural Context 143

Thomas Schneider

9 Gender in Ancient Egypt 164

T. G. Wilfong

10 Class and Society: Position and Possessions 180

Wolfram Grajetzki

11 Identity and Personhood 200

Willeke Wendrich

12 Changes in the Afterlife 220

John H. Taylor

13 Consolidation, Innovation, and Renaissance 241

Penelope Wilson

14 Egypt in the Memory of the World 259

Fekri A. Hassan

15 Epilogue: Eternal Egypt Deconstructed 274

Willeke Wendrich Index 279

“In conclusion, the uninitiated will have a tough read with this ‘quick’ access to Egyptology, and Egyptologists will have difficulty critically evaluating the various proposed developments. Therefore, it seems this book should serve as a very brief insight into certain themes for already initiated experts, and for that, it provides excellent points of departure indeed.” (Bibliotheca Orientalis, 1 September 2014)

“Willeke Wendrich’s edited volume, Egyptian archaeology, is perhaps the most ambitious of the three on offer here in terms of its scope and I would strongly recommend it.” (Antiquity, 1 January 2013)

"Recommended. All academic levels/libraries." (Choice , 1 April 2011)

Review copy sent 05/04/11: Faculty of Philosophy

Willeke Wendrich is Associate Professor of Egyptian Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is the author of a range of books, reports and articles, including: Who is Afraid of Basketry (1992), The World According to Basketry (1999), Berenike Reports (from 1995-2007, co-edited with Steven Sidebotham) and The Archaeology of Mobility (2007, co-editor with Hans Barnard) and editor-in-chief of the online UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (2008). Written by some of the world’s leading experts, Egyptian Archaeology employs a uniquely archaeological approach to explore ancient Egypt. Drawing on original research and excavations to both synthesize and challenge existing scholarship, this book dispels traditional notions of Egyptian culture as monolithic. Each author explicates current understandings of the cultural and historical processes of ancient Egypt, illustrating that practical research is a vital and fascinating component of any theory-based discussion about the ancient world.

By examining fundamental issues and important temporal, regional, and social developments through a global lens, Egyptian Archaeology brings existing debates vigorously up-to-date, while challenging students to think about their own interpretations, expectations, and attitudes towards ancient and modern Egypt. Engaging and progressive, this fully illustrated volume provides an insightful investigation into the world of ancient Egyptian archaeology and culture.