This illustrated encyclopedia describes the history of Ancient Egypt, from its origins as a group of setttlements along the banks of the Nile, to its transformation into one of the world's earliest and greatest civilizations.

Discovering ancient Egypt -- Treasure trove -- Records and conservation -- Egyptology today -- Map of ancient Egypt -- History : Early Egypt -- The Old Kingdom -- Times of change -- The growth of empires -- The queen who become king -- Religious revolution -- The times of Tutankhamun -- Ramesses II -- The New Kingdom ends -- A melting pot -- The last kings -- The last queen -- Royalty and religion : The role of king -- Government and power -- Fighting forces -- Trade and diplomacy -- The Egyptain religion -- More about myths -- Temple life -- Buildings fit for gods -- The great cult temples -- Religion in daily life -- Death and the afterlife -- Embalming and mummies -- Coffins and tombs -- The pyramids of Giza -- Buried in the rocks -- Mortuary temples -- A royal barque -- Everyday life : Houses and homes -- Women and family life -- The farming life -- Skilled craftsmen -- Jobs for all -- The educated few -- Writing of the gods -- Feasting and fun -- All dressed up -- Travel and transport -- Medicine and magic -- Beauty care -- Factfinder : Time chart -- Kings and dynasties -- Who's who -- Gods and goddesses -- The history of Egyptology -- Egyptain collections.