Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries

The majesty and splendor of ancient Egypt were largely the result of the remarkably advanced technological skills developed by its artisans and craftsmen. This fascinating, comprehensive, and detailed study of ancient Egyptian technology meticulously describes the extent to which these workers and other Egyptians developed and used the land's vast resources. First published in 1926 and later revised and enlarged, this monumental work has become a standard reference, unparalleled in any other branch of archaeology. This volume reprints the fourth edition, painstakingly revised in light of more recent research and archaeological evidence. Among the subjects examined in the thoroughly documented text are the wealth of materials and processes that were an integral part of Egyptian daily life: the use of animal products, building materials, cosmetics, perfumes, and incense; fibers, glazed ware, glass and its manufacture; metals and alloys, painting materials, pottery making, woodworking, precious and semi-precious stones; distillation of alcoholic beverages; materials used in the mummification process, and much more. Enormously erudite, with an abundance of detailed information, Ancient Egyptian Materialsand Industries is an essential reference, valuable to students of Egyptology and classical civilizations and of vital interest to anyone intrigued by the long and remarkable history of technological development.