Melinda Hartwig

Study the cultural functions and symbolic meaning of the tombs of the Nobles' Necropolis on the Nile's west bank, a tomb complex that bustled with activity. Observe how a noble's tomb was a ritual complex ensuring the owner's transfiguration and eternal well-being and witness the intimate and moving humanity of the decoration in the standout tombs of Menna and the viziers Rekhmire and Ramose.

Travel the magnificent complex of the goddess Isis on the island of Philae. Visit the Temple of Isis, and learn about the rituals surrounding her cult. Continue to one of Egypt's most famous monuments, the Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel. Take in the spellbinding grandeur of the temple and that of the small temple to Queen Nefertari and learn the amazing story of their rescue and relocation.

Here, encounter Memphis, ancient Egypt's great capital: an epicenter of trade, religion, and education. Make an in-depth visit to the massive Temple of Ptah, taking stock of its remarkable statuary, shrines, and cult structures. Then proceed to the Necropolis of Saqqara and study the artistic riches of the Pyramid of King Unas, the Tomb of the Two Brothers, and the Tomb of Nefer and Kahay.

Take an in-depth look at the superlative tomb of Nefertari, beloved queen of Ramesses II. View the exquisite artwork that adorns the antechamber and burial chamber walls, known as the Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt. From there, visit the workmen's village of Deir el-Medina, and witness life as it was for those who decorated the royal tombs 3,000 years ago.

Learn how builders under the ambitious King Sneferu, through trial and error, constructed the first smooth-sided pyramids. At the pyramid complex of Meidum, view its masterpieces of decoration, and investigate the structural issues which led to the pyramid's collapse. Study the many architectural innovations that produced the Bent Pyramid and Sneferu's final achievement of the Red Pyramid.

Delve further into the extraordinary treasures of Saqqara. First, explore the New Kingdom cemetery, containing mastaba tombs with unparalleled relief carvings. Then visit the Pyramid of King Teti and the spectacular tombs of his officials, Mereruka and Kagemni, with their exquisitely carved decoration. Finish with a visit to the Serapeum, the sacred burial ground of the Apis bulls.

The resplendent Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak stands as one of the world's greatest religious monuments. Trace how successive kings, over 1,500 years, built structures here to celebrate their relationship with the god. Take in the splendor of the Hypostyle Hall and its massive columns with varied capitals, the Festival Temple, and other buildings within this truly awe-inspiring complex.

The wonders of ancient Egypt have lured tourists for thousands of years; imprinted western art, decorative art, and literature; and enthralled millions since the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. In The Great Tours: A Guided Tour of Ancient Egypt, Egyptologist and curator Melinda Hartwig takes you deep inside the tombs, temples, palaces, and dwellings of the ancient Egyptians.

Using objects from Cairo's three great museums, trace 5,000 years of Egyptian history and culture, and the 31 dynasties that comprised ancient Egypt. Observe how the famous Narmer Palette set the conventions for Egyptian art, and see what a statue of King Khafre, the sphinx of Amenemhet III, Tutankhamun's golden throne, and Seti I's mummy can tell us.

Grasp the Nile's integral role in ancient Egyptian culture and trace the path the series will take along this vital river, visiting Egypt's ancient cities and monuments. Discover the rich pantheon of Egyptian gods; the role of Egyptian kings as divine intermediaries; and the fascinating symbolism of Egyptian architecture, art, and ritual.