This is the first volume of a heavily-illustrated work on the architecture, religion and culture of the ancient Egyptian, Chaldean, Syrian, Babylonian and Assyrian societies. This nine-volume work contains the history of the entire Middle East from the beginning of recorded history to its conquest by Alexander the Great. The author, Frenchman Gaston Maspero, was a well-regarded Egyptologist who is remembered for his efforts to research and preserve ancient Egyptian monuments from looters and irresponsible tourists. He is also famous for his efforts to excavate the sand covering the Sphinx.
