The History of Ancient Egypt

By: Bob Brier, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Bob Brier

Length: 24 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Ancient Egyptian civilization is so grand our minds sometimes have difficulty adjusting to it. It lasted 3,000 years, longer than any other on the planet. Its Great Pyramid of Cheops was the tallest building in the world until well into the 19th century and remains the only Ancient Wonder still standing. And it was the most technologically advanced of the ancient civilizations, with the medical knowledge that made Egyptian physicians the most famous in the world.

Yet even after deciphering its hieroglyphs, and marveling at its scarabs, mummies, obelisks, and sphinxes, Egyptian civilization remains one of history's most mysterious, as "other" as it is extraordinary. This chronological survey presents the complete history of ancient Egypt's three great Kingdoms: the Old Kingdom, when the pyramids were built and Egypt became a nation under the supreme rule of the pharaoh and the rules of Egyptian art were established; the Middle Kingdom, when Egypt was a nation fighting to restore its greatness; and the New Kingdom, when all the names we know today-Hatshepsut, Tutankhamen, Ramses the Great, Cleopatra, and others-first appeared. Professor Brier's 48 lectures glisten with the kind of vivid anecdotes and human glimpses that make this ancient world breathe again.

"The fun of history is in the details," he notes. "Knowing that Ramses the Great was crippled by arthritis for the last decade of his long life makes us more sympathetic to the boastful monarch who fathered more than 100 children. If we understand what it was like to be a miner sent to the turquoise mines in the Sinai mountains in the summer, we will feel a kinship with our long-dead counterparts."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1999 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1999 The Great Courses

infectiously enthusiastic

Likeable narrator held my interest throughout. I had no prior experience with Egyptology, nor any great interest, but Professor Brier made me want to learn even more.

A Great Foundation for Novices

Any additional comments?

Professor Brier made comprehensible an incredible span of history. The lectures were enjoyable, informative, and accomplished Brier’s goal of stimulating further interest in Egyptology. I had little to no background in Egyptian history, but completed the lectures feeling I had built a solid foundation and understanding of ancient Egyptian history, art and culture. Each of the 48 lectures was well worth the time I invested. Professor Brier presented a sweeping history, acknowledging areas where academics were strong or spotty, presenting various theories and interpretations, and balancing his own ideas with opposing or different theories. I would highly recommend this lecture for any novice interested in this ancient and mysterious land.

Very very good, very good.

I really enjoyed this course, this course. I have tired with some other great courses that were this long, that were this long. The only slightly irritating issue I had with this professor was his tendency to repeat himself, tendency to repeat. Some lectures were much worse than others, worse then others. But if this review doesn’t bother you, doesn’t bother you, then you will not mind his repetition, his repetition. As I said initially, this was a very enjoyable course, very enjoyable. A credit well spent, well spent.

An amazing storyteller!

If you could sum up The History of Ancient Egypt in three words, what would they be?

Any additional comments?

Prof Bob Brier obviously knows his stuff, but what sets him apart in this series of lectures is how deeply he draws you into the characters and stories of Ancient Egypt.

Amazing

The history of Egypt is really an amazing subject. This is from someone who was only mildly interested in the subject prior to this book. I highly recommend this. I have read a few great courses books in the past but this is by far the best of them that I have listened to.

Very Impressed

Any additional comments?

Professor Brier's enthusiastic approach to the history of ancient Egypt made these lectures interesting. There was a lot of information to cover in the 48 lectures, but he was consistent throughout the course in making it interesting and at the same time instructive.

Well Done!!!!

A long lecture series but incredibly well worth it. Professor Brier is interesting, funny and knowledgeable.

good introduction to ancient Egypt

this book text you to the journey of three thousand years Egypt civilization in the order of things the book can't go into details on every king and on so if you want flashcards this is the best what can be if you want death insights and maybe I'm not quite so sure but there is a book in depth from do outside history of three thousand years on the other

Excelent amazing and a great professor

A great amazing course on everything you need to know about ancient Egypt. With the help and guidance of a fantastic professor who makes a fascinating history even better.

Very interesting and informative

I've always been interested in the history of Egypt and enjoyed listening. This lecture was very informative and can't wait to start another.