Long ago, a great civilization thrived along the banks of the Nile River. Ruled by awesome god-kings caled Pharaohs, Egypt was a land of bustling cities, golden palaces, and huge stone monuments. Its people were fun-loving, its nobles elegant, and its gods the most powerful in the world. This astonishing civilization endured for more than 3,000 years before it gradually vanished from the face of the earth, its cities crumbling to dust. Eventually, the meanings of its writings were lost, and the story of Egypt's people, its Pharaohs and its golden days were forgotten.

Over the last two centuries, archaeologists' excavations in the Nile Valley have slowly brought to light the story of this once mighty civilization. Beginning with the Rosetta Stone, author Elizabeth Payne examines the discoveries that have helped unlock the incredible secrets of Egypt's first kings.

After ancient Egypt was destroyed, the hieroglyphics were lost and destroyed as well. The book then talks about how people are finding the hieroglyphics and putting them together to see what they were saying back then. The setting is important because in today's world there are no hieroglyphics. ( )

For homeschool study - this is our second pass through Ancient Egypt. Our history is read-aloud. Both my 12 and 15 year olds enjoyed this story, where you are provided a more in-depth journey along the timeline of the god- kings. Although this is listed as grade 6 and up, it might be more engaging to the older student - certainly as a read-aloud. It is also a great resource for any adult wishing to learn more about the Pharoahs and their stories. Mrs. Payne details the foreign invasions and the Pharaohs who were not of Egyptian origin. Interesting story about King Tut and his name change as well ! Interesting too was the belief that the resurrection of their god-king aka Pharaoh was their key to everlasting life!

Positives - maps are well done
Negative - a timeline would have been helpful.

We have watched the BBC Egypt (Ferdinand Felix - Director) series for fun - it's also a good supplement.

Another excellent recommendation by Carole Joy Seid. Landmark books tend to be keepers! ( )

It is a Landmark Book that covers Ancient Egypt thoroughly for a middle school age child. It is an advanced reader. ( )

This book gives a good overview of the Pharaohs and historical highlights of Ancient Egypt. It includes some good b&w photos of architectural finds. There were occasions when the text was a little too opinionated, relying on conjecture, ("They seemed scarcely more human than the wild animals they so feared.") but for the most part seems to do a good job of teaching about Egypt. ( )