The renowned Egyptologist Erik Hornung here studies the ancient Egyptians' conceptions of god, basing his account on a thorough reappraisal of the primary sources. His book, now available in English for the first time, is the most extensive exploration yet undertaken of the nature of Egyptian religion.Hornung examines the characteristics, spheres of action, and significance of Egyptian gods and goddesses, analyzing the complex and changing iconography used to represent them, and disentangling the many seemingly contradictory aspects of the religion of which they are a part. He seeks to answer two basic questions: How did the Egyptians themselves see their gods? Did they believe there was an impersonal, anonymous force behind the multiplicity of their deities? Throughout, he attempts to evoke the complexity and richness of the religion of the ancient Egyptians and of their worldview, which differs so greatly from our own.A work of extraordinary distinction, Hornung's book will appeal to anyone interested in ancient Egypt, in ancient religion, and in the history of religion, as well as students and scholars of ancient history, anthropology, and archaeology. Sensitively translated by John Baines and with a new preface by the author, this edition has been amplified and updated with an English-language audience in mind.

    Expedition leader Yigael Yadin (author of 'Masada') here tells the story of this & other discoveries, bringing Bar-Kokhba out of the romantic shadows of legend & restoring to the Jewish people a real-life hero. PrefaceBehind the legend The curtain rises First rays of hope-Probing The only caveThe niche of skullsThe wardrobe The clue of the coin The great find The letters speakThe second search'The redemption of Israel'Herodium, Qumran, Masada & BetharNo stone unturned 'He who toils shall find'The life & trials of BabataAppendix of References to Bar-KokhbaGlossaryBibliographyPublisher's AcknowledgementsIndex

    Less has been said about the impact of Hellenism on the lands east and south of Greece--great civilizations in their own right who, nonetheless, fell under the spell of the Greeks and were influenced for better or worse by their traditions. This book examines Eastern Hellenism, Greek at its root, but modified by cultures as diverse as the Macedonians, Syrians, Jews, and Egyptians. Lasting for eighteen centuries (until the fall of Constantinople) and radically shaping the fate of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, this Hellenic legacy can be seen in Buddhist art, Zoroastrian scriptures, the preaching of Mani, Christian spirituality, and Jewish theology. As European Hellenism went into decline, its Eastern version became stronger, surviving nationalist disaffection and military pressure and producing wave after wave of artistic, political, and religious mutations.

    Book II is full colour throughout, with a clear layout of stories and language notes. Featuring a glossary for quick reference and comprehension questions, the book also includes a full explanation of language points and grammar practice exercises.