Written by a noted Egyptologist, Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt, Revised Edition explores 5,000 years of this mysterious civilization. Containing the most up-to-date information and organized thematically, combining historical and archaeological information in a highly accessible format, this volume is the only book that explores all aspects of life in ancient Egypt, from predynastic times to the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. In this new edition the author discusses the latest findings in areas that are currently at the forefront of Egyptological research. A new chapter on Egyptology describes the history of the field, the results of the latest excavations, and the techniques involved in new scientific studies, such as DNA analysis and the tracing of disease patterns. This newly revised edition takes into account the discoveries of the last few years that have led Egyptologists to change their perspective on some aspects of life in ancient Egypt, including a reevaluation of the purpose and functions of the Egyptian temples, the role of the Great Royal Wife, and the possible date and nature of the Biblical Exodus.