ABSTRACT

In this fresh and engaging volume, Denys A. Stocks examines the archaeological and pictorial evidence for masonry in ancient Egypt. Through a series of experiments in which he tests and evaluates over two hundred reconstructed and replica tools, he brings alive the methods and practices of ancient Egyptian craftworking, highlighting the innovations and advances made by this remarkable civilisation.

This practical approach to understanding the fundamentals of ancient Egyptian stoneworking shows the evolution of tools and techniques, and how these come together to produce the wonders of Egyptian art and architecture.

Comprehensively illustrated with over two hundred photographs and drawings, Experiments in Egyptian Archaeology will bring a fresh perspective to the puzzles of Egyptian craft and technology. By combining the knowledge of a modern engineer with the approach of an archaeologist and historian, Denys Stocks has created a work that will capture the imagination of all Egyptology scholars and enthusiasts

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

part |1 pages

PART I Skills and tools: fledgling industrialists

chapter 1|18 pages

Craftworking: industry’s driving force

chapter 2|49 pages

The cutting edge

chapter 3|26 pages

A flint for all seasons

part |1 pages

PART II High priests of industry: the state’s influence on technology

chapter 4|36 pages

The abrasive technologists

chapter 5|30 pages

Making stone vessels

chapter 7|22 pages

Master masonry fitters

part |1 pages

PART III Industrial revolution in ancient Egypt

chapter 8|22 pages

Theban mass-production tools

chapter 9|9 pages

By-products from a bygone age

chapter 10|6 pages

Ancient technical interrelationships