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Pharaohs of the Sun

Radio 4 Book of the Week, How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty
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( 166 ratings, 28 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Pharaohs of the Sun by Guy de la Bédoyère delves into the fascinating reign of the Amarna period in ancient Egypt, focusing on the revolutionary changes initiated by Pharaoh Akhenaten. The book explores the political, religious, and cultural transformations during this era, offering insights into the lives of the pharaohs and their influence on Egyptian society. It provides an engaging narrative that combines archaeological findings with historical analysis.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you have an interest in the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt, particularly during the reign of the pharaohs linked to the solar deity. It offers an engaging exploration of the political, religious, and cultural transformations during this era, capturing the grandeur and complexities of the time.

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Guy de la Bédoyère's new book is a history of a key period in ancient Egypt's astonishing history that tears away the gold and glamour to show how some of the first great historical personalities ruled Egypt ruthlessly for 250 years between 1550 BC and 1295 BC.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK

'An impressive amalgamation of scholarly research with popular history' The Times

'An evocative account of an era of epic riches and ruthlessness' History Revealed

'De la Bedoyere has not just an archaeologist's eye for accuracy but also a broadcaster's nose for a colourful story' Radio Times

For more than two centuries, Egypt was ruled by the most powerful, successful, and richest dynasty of kings in its long and epic history. They included the female king Hatshepsut, the warrior kings Thutmose III and Amenhotep II, the religious radical Akhenaten and his queen Nefertiti, and most famously of all for the wealth of his tomb, the short-lived boy king Tutankhamun.

They presided over a system built on war, oppression, and ruthlessness, pouring Egypt's wealth into grandiose monuments, temples, and extravagant tombs. But the power and riches of the Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty came at enormous cost to Egypt's enemies and most of its people.

Pharaohs of the Sun is their extraordinary story, showing how the glamour and gold were tainted by selfishness, ostentation, and the systematic exploitation of Egypt's people and enemies.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Pharaohs of the Sun is praised for blending scholarly research with popular history, offering an accessible yet detailed account of Egypt's 18th dynasty. Accompanied by vivid illustrations and appendices, it captivates ancient history enthusiasts by vividly presenting renowned figures like Tutankhamun and Nefertiti alongside the accounts of those they ruled. The author combines archaeological precision with engaging storytelling, making the book both informative and entertaining.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349144740

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Illustration: 16pp plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 42.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 480g

Pages: 576

About the Author

Guy de la Bedoyere has written extensively on the ancient world over the last thirty years, most recently Gladius: Living, Fighting and Dying in the Roman Army (which was described by the Sunday Times as 'highly enjoyable') and Pharaohs of the Sun: How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty. He was part of Channel 4's archaeology series Time Team for fifteen years and has degrees from Durham, London and University College.

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