Pharaohs, Tombs, and Temples: The Art of Ancient Egypt

The wonders of Egypt:

Nearly 2,500 years ago, the Greek historian Herodotus wrote, "Concerning Egypt itself I shall extend my remarks to a great length, because there is no country that possesses so many wonders, nor any that has such a number of works that defy description.

The birth of Egyptology:

In the Middle Ages, Egypt's reputation as an ancient land of wonders and mystery lived on. Until the 18th century, people regarded its undeciphered writing and exotic monuments as treasures of occult wisdom, locked away from any but those initiated in the mystic arts.