Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

INTRODUCTION

x

Writing this encyclopedia and then revising and expand-
ing the scope of this work has been a genuine pleasure
and privilege. The ancient Egyptians have fascinated cen-
turies of human beings who have glimpsed or visited
their splendid ruins along the Nile. The words of these
ancients ring with a profound knowledge concerning
human aspirations and ideals. Such wisdom kept the
Egyptians vital and prospering for 3,000 years and
bequeathed remarkable concepts to the generations to
follow them.
The history of Egypt provides an overall view of the
nation in good times and in bad. The entries on religion,
social development, temples, the military, and art, among
others, give details about specific eras and accomplish-

ments, but the haunting beauty of the Egyptians them-

selves can be found especially in the biographical entries

on royal and common individuals who spent their lives

serving the land and the spiritual heritage of the Nile

Valley. These individuals lived and died, laughed and

cried thousands of years ago, but they would prosper if

transplanted into the modern world. They possessed a

profound sense of cooperation in labors, of appreciation

for the beauty of their homeland, and a unique awareness

of the “other,” the presence of the spiritual aspects of

human existence on the Nile. The hours spent research-

ing the ancient Egyptians have expanded my own hori-

zons, and I am grateful for the experience.