The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt

By: Toby Wilkinson

Narrated by: Michael Page

In this landmark work, one of the world's most renowned Egyptologists tells the epic story of this great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its final absorption into the Roman Empire - 3,000 years of wild drama, bold spectacle, and unforgettable characters.

Award-winning scholar Toby Wilkinson captures not only the lavish pomp and artistic grandeur of this land of pyramids and pharaohs but for the first time reveals the constant propaganda and repression that were its foundations. Drawing upon 40 years of archaeological research, Wilkinson takes us inside an exotic tribal society with a pre-monetary economy and decadent, divine kings who ruled with all-too-recognizable human emotions.

Riveting and revelatory, filled with new information and unique interpretations, The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt will become the standard source about this great civilization, one that lasted - so far - longer than any other.

©2010 Toby Wilkinson (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This is a penetrating and authoritative overview of a violent ancient civilization often revered by contemporary scholars and enthusiasts." ( Publishers Weekly)

Infornative, Concise, Rich in Details, but...

The history is told (it could be argued appropriately) from 21st century lens steeped in 21st century western values. Whether it is the reader or the narrator, the tone can get quite judgmental, and it may be good to approach the material lest we lose sight of the political structures necessary for the running of such a state. It is a well written, chronologically sound and ordered book well worth reading/listening to.

Absolutely superb!

Very very well done. More history books should be done like this one. The narrator was perfect for the material. A real pleasure to listen too!

loved this book!!

I am a history honk. Listening to this book helped me relax and lessen stress during current 90 hour work weeks.

Fascinating history

Toby Wilkinson has written a masterpiece of historical research on ancient Egypt. It is lively, entertaining and contains fascinating details on the subject. This book fills in many holes in not just ancient Egyptian history but also in the history of the ancient Middle East. Michael Page does a masterful job of reading the book and pronouncing the many Egyptian names, phrases and entire passages from original sources. Well worth the time.

Fabulous detailed overview of pharonic Egypt from beginning to end

Fabulous detailed overview of pharaonic Egypt from beginning to end. Great reader, lots of detail