Asiatics in Middle Kingdom Egypt Perceptions and Reality [Paperback]

The ancient Egyptians had very definite views about their neighbours, some positive, some negative. As one would expect, Egyptian perceptions of 'the other' were subject to change over time, especially in response to changing political, social and economic conditions. Thus, as Asiatics became a more familiar part of everyday life in Egypt, and their skills and goods became increasingly important, depictions of them took on more favourable aspects.

The investigation by necessity involves a multi-disciplined approach which seeks to combine and synthesize data from a wider variety of sources than drawn upon in earlier studies. By the same token, the book addresses the interests of, and has appeal to, a broad spectrum of scholars and general readers.

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, this book documents and analyses in detail the evolution of Egyptian attitudes to Asiatics, and particularly West Semites, living inside and outside Egypt in the Middle Kingdom, as reflected in Ancient Egyptian language, literature, art and material culture.

Introduction: The Scope, Methodology and Aims of the Study

1. The Identification of West Semites in Ancient Egyptian Texts: Geographic, Ethnic and Descriptive Terminology

2. The Depiction of West Semites in Ancient Egyptian Art

3. West Semites and the Economic Life of Ancient Egypt

4. Ancient Egyptian Perceptions of West Semites: Survivals and Transformations

Bibliography
Index