This splendidly illustrated book traces the development of the glorious art of Egypt from prehistoric times, when the pharaohs had not yet come into existence, to the epilogue of this great civilization following its conquest by Alexander. It examines the age of pyramids, taking a close look at these majestic constructions, as well as the Classical and Imperial periods. Egyptian art is also set in the historical and political context from which it emerged. The artistic civilization of Egypt, with its periods of great splendor, spanned over 3500 years, from the prehistoric era up until that of Coptic art. The rulers of the early dynasties at first erected simple cenotaphs in the form of mounds and then created progressively larger and more complicated tombs. These culminated in the immense architectural complexes at Giza, where the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus rose twenty-six centuries before the birth of Christ. The enigmatic Sphinx dates from the same period. Egypt experienced a new period of cultural flowering during the Middle Kingdom (2052-1778 BCE), with its colossal sculptures, linked to the cult of the pharaoh. But there can be no doubt that the most splendid time for Egyptian art was the one known as the New Kingdom (1570-935 BCE), when Egypt was again unified. These were the centuries of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Akhenaton and Nefertiti, the construction of temples at Karnak and Luxor and the colossal statues of Rameses II. Alongside these huge buildings, statues and paintings, there was a blossoming in the minor arts, as is demonstrated by the stunning quality of furniture, pottery, clothing and jewelry discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb. Filled with stunning images, Egyptian Art leads us on a journey through one of the world's greatest civilizations, capturing both its artistic essence and breathtaking scope.