The Rape of the Nile: Tomb Robbers, Tourists, and Archaeologists in Egypt

I would say this is an excellent book for Egyptology lovers; especially beginner, who would like to have an overview of where , who & how the treasures have been robbed all through the years. Readers can have a thorough understanding on how the European museums acquired all these artefacts, the logistics & the historical incidents involved. The book is easy to read & is able to keep your interest from beginning to the end. The footnotes is especially useful if you would like to go into more detail reading.

When we think of archaeological excavations today, we think of very slow and careful work. With these modern methods ingrained in our minds, we can only gasp when we read about the methods used in the nineteenth century and earlier. I have read a number of books by this author and this is one of his best. He describes how antiquities were treated in the past - where being a tomb robber in Egypt was reputable and the source of much income for individuals and museums outside of Egypt. The discovery of ancient monuments and artifacts was encouraged by those in power in Egypt only so that they could be presented as gifts to potential allies. Despite this "rape of the Nile" that has so tragically taken place on such a large scale in the past, it encouraging to read Dr. Zahi Hawass's comment that only about 30% Egypt's antiquities have been discovered thus far. This book is well written and difficult to put down. I heartily recommend it!

Fagan is a great tour guide of the heyday of Indiana Jones style archaeology in Egypt during the 18th and 19th centuries. His narrative is compelling and the ancedotes entertaining - but do yourself a favor and find the original edition (it came out in 1970's) at a used bookstore (on or off-line). It is PACKED with gorgeous illustrations that really bring the story to life. I can't believe they reissued this edition without them. I can only assume they did so to save money on printing costs. It is still, of course, a great book without the illustrations; but they do so much to bring the story to life.

This is a well written story of the acquisition of Eqyptian treasures for the British Empire. Facinating tale of Belzoni using his talents as a strongman for English shows to manuver massive stone artifacts. Truly a good read.

I don't know what book the previous reader read but this book is fascinating and highly readable. It chronocalizes the arrogance of Europeans in their never ending quest for wealth - just as they raped Africa and the Americas. Though the true is that had they not the world would have never known the wonders and achievements of Egypt, Nubia or Cush. Highly recommended.