Egyptian Boats and Ships

A comprehensive survey of Egyptian nautical archaeology and history from the Predynastic period to the end of the Ptolemaic period is based on the latest findings in nautical archaeology and research. In particular, the book takes advantage of the study of possible or certain Early Dynastic boat remains from Tarkhan and Abydos, the discovery of large Middle Kingdom ship timbers from Lisht and the find of a Persion-period boat near Heliopolis. Beginning with an examination of the physical environment of the Nile Valley, the author surveys the principal chronological divisions of Egyptian history, concentrating as much as possible on actual remains of boats but also using artistic representations and historical sources. A final chapter surveys the place of boats in Egyptian religious beliefs and practices.