【Book Description】
Museum collections preserve far more than archaeological treasures—they also shape the way we understand history. When masterpieces from different countries and collecting traditions are brought into dialogue, they reveal not only the legacy of an ancient civilization but also new perspectives shaped by generations of scholarship. Egypt: Millenary Splendour centers on the remarkable Egyptian collections of two of Europe's leading museums, demonstrating how international collaboration and academic research can offer fresh interpretations of one of the world's greatest civilizations.
Published in conjunction with a collaborative project between the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, the Netherlands, and the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna, Italy, this monumental volume presents more than 500 exceptional Egyptian artifacts, including numerous masterpieces exhibited outside the Netherlands for the first time. Spanning over three millennia of Egyptian history—from the Predynastic Period and the Early Dynastic Kingdom through the Old and New Kingdoms to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods—the book showcases an extraordinary range of sculptures, stelae, coffins, mummies, jewelry, ceramics, ritual objects, and everyday artifacts, offering a comprehensive portrait of ancient Egyptian religion, art, politics, and daily life.
Beyond its spectacular illustrations, the volume also explores the role of museums in interpreting and presenting the past. Both institutions house significant archaeological finds from the Saqqara necropolis, and by bringing these collections together, the book highlights how different curatorial traditions and scholarly approaches can deepen our understanding of ancient Egypt. Rather than presenting history as fixed and unchanging, Egypt: Millenary Splendour demonstrates how new discoveries, ongoing research, and evolving perspectives continually reshape our interpretation of the ancient world.
Featuring contributions from internationally renowned Egyptologists alongside outstanding artifact photography, archaeological documentation, and scholarly essays, this richly illustrated publication is far more than an exhibition catalogue. It is an essential reference for anyone interested in Egyptology, archaeology, museum studies, and the history of ancient civilizations. Through the lens of two world-class museum collections, Egypt: Millenary Splendour invites readers to rediscover the enduring grandeur of Pharaonic Egypt and its lasting influence on global cultural heritage.
【Book Details】
Author: Paola Giovetti
Editor: Daniela Picchi
Publisher: Skira Editore
Publication Year: 2016
Dimensions: 28 × 24 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 592 pages