This work opens with a description of the origins of the great civilization of ancient Egypt, from the first settlers in Upper and Lower Egypt, through the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom. It ends with an account of the divisions and decline of the late period and the legacy of Ancient Egypt. In between, aspects of Egyptian life is looked at, including society, religion, art and everyday life. This book forms part of a series of reference works which provide a major look at the way of life, beliefs and achievements of the ancient culture. Its emphasis is on primary source material, both textual and illustrative and numerous contemporary quotations offer insights into how life was actually lived.