The Nubian Pharaohs of Egypt - (Lives and Afterlives) by Aidan Dodson (Hardcover)

About the Book

""The region of Nubia-now spanning the modern border between Egypt and Sudan-was long a subject of Egyptian imperial domination by its ancient pharaohs. However, in the eighth century BC matters were suddenly reversed, when the kings of Kush, the ancient name for Nubia, became the overlords of Egypt for nearly a century, before being forced to withdraw in the face of Assyrian invasions. Yet the Kushite kingdom would endure back in its heartlands for another millennium, the heritage of its Egyptian sojourn still visible in its fields of pyramid-tombs. This authoritative yet accessible book tells the story of these Nubian pharaohs of Egypt, from the origins of their kingdom of Kush, through their time as rulers of Egypt, to their heritage in the heart of Sudan-and their rediscovery in modern times. The latter uncovers some very unsavory examples of the racist attitudes of some earlier scholars. These engendered enduringly negative attitudes to aspects of careers of the Nubian pharaohs that find little support in the actual surviving evidence. The latter includes a fascinating network of texts from not only Egypt and Sudan, but also Assyria and the Bible, reflecting the interactions and conflicts of the period. There are also the standing monuments of Nubian pharaohs, ranging from temples they built throughout their dominions, to their tombs: pyramids, constructed in their ancestral heartland, in which Nubian and Egyptian funerary customs were intriguingly entangled. Richly illustrated in full color throughout, this fascinating book by a leading Egyptologist will be essential reading for anyone interested in the lives and times of Egypt's Nubian pharaohs.""--

Book Synopsis

An innovative account of the careers of the Nubians who occupied the Egyptian throne, written by a leading Egyptologist and author of Tutankhamun, King of Egypt

The region of Nubia--now spanning the modern border between Egypt and Sudan--was long a subject of Egyptian imperial domination by its ancient pharaohs. However, in the eighth century BC matters were suddenly reversed, when the kings of Kush, the ancient name for Nubia, became the overlords of Egypt for nearly a century, before being forced to withdraw in the face of Assyrian invasions. Yet the Kushite kingdom would endure back in its heartlands for another millennium, the heritage of its Egyptian sojourn still visible in its fields of pyramid-tombs.

This authoritative yet accessible book tells the story of these Nubian pharaohs of Egypt, from the origins of their kingdom of Kush, through their time as rulers of Egypt, to their heritage in the heart of Sudan--and their rediscovery in modern times. The latter uncovers some very unsavory examples of the racist attitudes of some earlier scholars. These engendered enduringly negative attitudes to aspects of careers of the Nubian pharaohs that find little support in the actual surviving evidence. The latter includes a fascinating network of texts from not only Egypt and Sudan, but also Assyria and the Bible, reflecting the interactions and conflicts of the period. There are also the standing monuments of Nubian pharaohs, ranging from temples they built throughout their dominions, to their tombs: pyramids, constructed in their ancestral heartland, in which Nubian and Egyptian funerary customs were intriguingly entangled.

Richly illustrated in full color throughout, this fascinating book by a leading Egyptologist will be essential reading for anyone interested in the lives and times of Egypt's Nubian pharaohs.

Review Quotes

"Beautifully presented . . . A well-written account of a fascinating period of ancient history."--Ancient Egypt Magazine

"This is a wonderfully illustrated history of the Nubian pharaohs of Egypt, offering an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between two cultures at odds and yet inextricably linked--a great read for experts and history lovers alike."--Kara Cooney, author of When Women Ruled the World

"Aidan Dodson brings his considerable explicatory skill to bear on a period that is sometimes thought confusing but which is uniquely rich in historical detail. The result is a clear and accessible assessment of Egypt's Kushite dynasty, one of the most interesting multicultural moments in pharaonic--and indeed ancient--history."--Campbell Price, Manchester Museum

"In The Nubian Pharaohs of Egypt, Aidan Dodson examines Dynasty 25, a period when Kushite pharaohs ruled Egypt and Nubia and contended with Libyan rivals in the Delta. Based on current research, he delves into the Kushite ascent to power, their impact over the Nile valley and beyond, and their relationships with Assyria and the Levant. He also discusses their recovery by modern Egyptologists and Nubiologists and their reputation in Classical literature. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by ancient Egypt and Kush."--Troy Sagrillo, Swansea University

"Aidan Dodson has achieved the extraordinary feat of providing an enlightening and beautifully illustrated introduction to what is undeniably one of the most fascinating episodes in ancient African history. This volume is nothing less than an essential handbook to the Nubian dynasty, placing a wide range of information directly in the hands of interested non-specialists and scholars."--Stephen P. Harvey, Ahmose and Tetisheri Project, Abydos

PRAISE FOR TUTANKHAMUN, KING OF EGYPT:

"By far the best book on Tutankhamun on the market: up to date information and analysis, clearly written, and beautifully produced."--Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Cardiff University

"Dodson's historical work is ever reliable, and this volume of Tutankhamun is no exception. Focusing on narrative history, chronology, major monuments, scholarly disagreements, and the reception of the boy-king's reign, Dodson makes his mark within Egyptological Zeitgeist 100 years after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb."--Kara Cooney, author of When Women Ruled the World

PRAISE FOR NEFERTITI, QUEEN AND PHARAOH OF EGYPT:

"The most objective and well-balanced summation of her career to date . . . . This volume is well-produced and sumptuously illustrated and a fine addition to this welcome biographical series."--Morris Bierbrier, Egyptian Archaeology

"Writing an overview of Nefertiti's life and times is essentially an impossible task. . . Only a few people are up to this task, and thank Heavens that one of them is Aidan Dodson. Bravo!! Buy this book." --Stephen Harvey, Ahmose and Tetisheri Project

"This thoroughly researched, documented, and illustrated book includes maps, a chronology of dynasties, extensive endnotes, and image sources. . . Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals."--CHOICE

"Dodson goes beyond prior scholarship by meticulously chronicling her life and offering up new theories about her origins and significance."--AramcoWorld

About the Author

Aidan Dodson is honorary full professor of Egyptology in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Bristol, UK. He was also Simpson Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo in 2013 and Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society during 2011-16. Awarded his PhD by the University of Cambridge in 1995, he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 2003. He is the author of some twenty-five books and over four hundred articles and reviews.