Life under the Pharaohs

de Leonard Cottrell

“The legacy of ancient Egypt is one of the most remarkable and fascinating in all history. Now, in this vivid, absorbing and factual account by a noted historian and Egyptologist, we return to the colorful era of the New Kingdom and join the household of a typical nobleman of the day – the Vizier Rekhmire. Rekhmire actually lived during the reign of Thutmose Ill in 1500 B.C., and his tomb stands today in Thebes. From the wall paintings and inscriptions with which he decorated his “House of Eternity,” from authentic translations of ancient records, from antiquities which archaeologists have unearthed - and from the author’s own knowledge and study Egypt - comes this brilliant recreation of daily life in the land of the Pharaohs. Through the lively descriptions of Rekhmire’s household we are transported across twenty-two centuries to meet people whose civilization had reached an incredibly high standard long before the birth of Christ. We meet Rekhmire himself and accompany him on his round of official duties, watch the craftsman and the laborer at work, stroll through the noisy and crowded market. We go to school with Rekhmire’s small son, and go hunting with his brother; stand beside the surgeon as he performs an operation, and witness the strange ritual of “healing by magic.” Within the courtyard of a massive temple we take part in the ceremonial welcome to Pharaoh in all its pageantry and splendor. As exciting as fiction, peopled with flesh - and - blood characters, LIFE UNDER THE PHARAOHS brings history alive in a way that will win the admiration of scholars and delight the general reader.” BOOK JACKET