Egyptian Pyramids and Mastaba Tombs

The Egyptian pyramids are iconic images of ancient Egyptian civilisation and mythology. This book traces the early development of ancient pyramids and tombs, from the Mastaba burial tombs of the first dynasty, to the Great Pyramid of the fourth. Also exploring the lesser-known pyramids of the Old and Middle Kingdoms, the author discusses the construction methods involved and reveals the elaborate decorations used to celebrate the afterlife. With photographs of original Egyptian artwork found within these monuments, Egyptian Pyramids and Mastaba Tombs provides insight into an ancient Egyptian world that continues to fascinate people to today.

Philip Watson studied Egyptology and Assyriology at Liverpool University School of Oriental Studies, graduating in 1975. After a period of research in Liverpool he was appointed Director's Assistant to the British Archaeological Expedition to Iraq, his duties including both administrative work and assisting on the expedition's excavations. On his return to England in 1980 he became Deputy Keeper of Archaeology at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where he curates the ancient Egyptian, Western Asiatic, Pre-Columbian American and European prehistory collections. He has edited a catalogue of cuneiform tablets in Birmingham, written two books on ancient costume and contributed articles to archaeological journals on various subjects.