For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions. Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history. Also available in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
The Pyramids and the Sphinx
Art and Archaeology
Corinna Rossi
160 pp.
224 color illus.
25.5X34.5cm
ISBN 9788854003187
For sale only in the Middle East
Also available by this author
The Treasures of the Monastery of Saint Catherine
Text by
Corinna RossiPhotographs byAraldo De Luca
With a foreword byArchbishop Damianos of Sinai
The origins of the Monastery of Saint Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai date to A.D. 324, when a community of monks requested Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, to build a chapel on the spot where they believed the Burning Bush had stood. Two centuries later, Emperor Justinian had the building enlarged and massive walls built, and thus the Monastery remained for centuries—an oasis of peace, shrouded in mystery and sacredness. Not even the Crusades left a trace of their passing, except for some graffiti carved in the refectory. Today St. Catherine’s has become a place of pilgrimage and international tourism. Visitors are attracted by the route—which crosses the colorful Sinai Desert to reach Jebel Musa, the Mount Sinai of the Old Testament—and, above all, by the charm of the monastery itself, rich in artistic and historical treasures and deep in serenity. This book takes the reader inside one of the most important places in the Christian landscape, through stunning pictures taken by renowned photographers. The text gives an account of the history of the holy site, as well as of recent investigations and discoveries. The exceptional quality of the illustrations and text make this very affordable book a worthy tribute to one of the Christian world’s most famous monasteries.
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Hardbound
208 pp.Over 200 color photographs
25.5X35.5cm
24.95
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