The Pharaohs

The pharaoh was more than a king-he was “the highest priest for all the gods, the head of the army and the owner of all the riches of Egypt.” Using numerous supporting illustrations, timelines, maps, and photographs, Ikram chronologically introduces the pharaohs from Menes, who unified Egypt in 3050 BCE, to Cleopatra VII, whose death in 31 BCE marked the end of Egyptian self-rule for the next 1,500 years. In addition to examining the highlights of the thirty centuries that the pharaohs ruled, Ikram discusses how hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian art help scholars understand the lives of the pharaohs. The book is an excellent introduction for the young enthusiast.