For three thousand years a dominant force, Ancient Egypt is arguably the most successful and longest lasting human civilization yet. In this pacy guide, world renowned Egyptologist Professor Barry Kemp seeks to explain why Ancient Egypt was able to thrive with such stability for such a long time. The answers may be surprising - Kemp shows that human rights and career progression played an important role, as well as the traditional forces of slave labour and religion. Taking a thematic approach, Kemp examines ancient Egypt's geography, rulers, society, morality, family life, art and architecture, military, science, philosophy and religion. He then goes on to ask what happened to Ancient Egypt, and to point to its lasting influence today.