Taking a thematic approach, Kemp examines ancient Egypt's georgraphy, rulers, society, morality, family life, art and architecture, military, science, philosophy and religion. He then goes on to ask what happened to Ancient Egypt, and to point to its lasting influence today.

Table of Contents

• About the Author
• A note on translations
• Acknowledgements
• 1 Why study ancient Egypt?
• 2 A kingdom much like others
• 3 society run by obedient farmer-scribes
• 4 A state built on institutions
• 5 Pyramids and economic growth
• 6 Morality and the value of human life
• 7 Imagined beings, imagined worlds
• 8 Unequal encounters
• 9 Existential dangers
• 10 Final judgements
• 100 Ideas
• Notes