In this book, Richard Bussmann presents a fresh overview of ancient Egyptian society and culture in the age of the pyramids. He addresses key themes in the comparative research of early complex societies, including urbanism, funerary culture, temple ritual, kingship, and the state, and explores how ideas and practices were exchanged between ruling elites and local communities in provincial Egypt. Unlike other studies of ancient Egypt, this book adopts an anthropological approach that places people at the centre of the analysis. Bussmann covers a range of important themes in cross-cultural debates, such as materiality, gender, non-elite culture, and the body. He also offers new perspectives on social diversity and cultural cohesion, based on recent discoveries. His study vividly illustrates how our understanding of ancient Egyptian society benefits from the application of theoretical concepts in archaeology and anthropology to the interpretation of the evidence.

Designed for complete beginners, and tested for years with real learners, Complete Middle Egyptian offers a bridge from the textbook to the real world, enabling you to learn the grammar, access inscriptions in documents and monuments and even teaching you how to draw hieroglyphs yourself. Structured around key artefacts and introducing both the original hieroglyphs and transliteration (for easier understanding) this course also features: -16 learning units plus pronunciation section, grammar reference, sign list overview and sign list explanation -Stepped progression - clearly graduated progress through different levels of the language -Authentic materials - language taught through key artefacts and texts -Teaches the key skills - reading and understanding hieroglyphs -Culture insights - learn about the culture, society and politics in ancient Egypt -Self tests and learning activities - see and track your own progress Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.