Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology

Description

This is a study of the procurement and processing of raw materials employed by the ancient Egyptians over the five millennia of the Predynastic and Pharaonic periods (c.5500-332 BC). During this time, not only were there variations in the preferred materials for particular types of artefacts, but also gradual processes of technological change, and the industries of the Chalcolithic period were complemented and sometimes superseded by the innovations of the Bronze and Iron Ages. Among the topics covered are stone quarrying, the building of temples and pyramids, techniques for preserving meat, fish, and poultry, glass and faience, the baking of bread, brewing of beers, preparation of oils and perfumes, and the mummification of humans and animals. Each chapter has been written by one or more specialists, drawing not only on conventional Egyptological skills but also on expertise in the natural sciences as applied to archaeological data.

Review of the hardback: 'Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology ... augments and extends Lucas's work. The editors have enlisted the specialist knowledge of thirty-four scholars to accomplish their purpose, and the resulting volume is very impressive.' The Times Literary Supplement 'This is a really useful reference book and one which will be essential for all serious students as well as for anyone else with even the remotest interest in technology, for the answers to the oft-asked question 'how did they do that?' are here.' Ancient Egypt