Egypt's Ancient Secrets

In the 1950s, a 4,000-year-old giant wooden ship was discovered buried in the Egyptian desert. In this book, readers will explore one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries of the past century. They will also learn how ships and the Nile River were closely connected to the ancient Egyptians' belief in death and the afterlife.

Standing more than 40 stories high, the Great Pyramid of Giza has towered over the hot, dry Egyptian desert for more than 2,500 years. In this book, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World is explored. How was this massive structure created in a time before cranes and other heavy machinery? How did the thousands of pyramid builders live and work? And how are modern-day robots being used to explore tiny passages and mysterious shafts deep within this giant tomb?

In 1996, archaeologists made an incredible discovery-a huge, ancient burial place in the Western Desert of Egypt. As the team worked at the site, they discovered mummies encased in gold, jewels, coins, and jars that once held wine. What have archaeologists learned about life in ancient Egypt by studying the mummies? What secrets have the artifacts buried in the tombs revealed? And could it be possible that more than 10,000 ancient Egyptian mummies are buried in the valley?

Overlooking the River Nile and guarding the Giza pyramids is one of the world's oldest and largest statues-the Sphinx. Carved from the bedrock beneath the desert, the half-lion, half-human creature has watched over the desert for thousands of years. But who built the giant statue, and why? After centuries of exploration and investigation, which of the Sphinx's secrets have been uncovered and which still remain a riddle?

Filled with fear and excitement, three men hurriedly dug their way through a dark passage. They were in search of treasure inside a dead king's tomb deep beneath the desert sands. If successful, they would be rewarded with gold, jewels, precious oils, and other treasures. If discovered, their punishment would be a terrible death! Why did some ancient Egyptians risk their lives to steal from the dead? And what tricks did tomb and pyramid builders use to hide burial chambers from grave robbers?

As archaeologist Howard Carter cut his way into an underground chamber on November 26, 1922, he was overcome with excitement. When Carter finally peered through the tiny hole he had made, he could not believe his eyes. What incredible treasures would he find inside King Tutankhamen's tomb? And how had the tomb remained undiscovered for more than 3,000 years?