The Animals of Ancient Egypt Then and Now
Richard Hoath author Salima Ikram author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd
Published:22nd Jan '26
£14.99
Available for immediate dispatch.

The Animals of Ancient Egypt Then and Now provides a simultaneous guide to some 60 species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate recorded in modern Egypt and also portrayed in the tombs and temples or as mummies and gods in ancient Egypt – or even earlier in the case of the cave art from the Gilf Kebir.
Accompanied by contemporary photographs of the living animals alongside tomb carvings or paintings, each species is described in terms of its current characteristics (size, habits and habitats, and range in modern Egypt) as well as the animal’s religious and practical significance to ancient Egyptians. The introduction covers biogeography, ancient Egypt and its wildlife, modern developments, a chronology of ancient Egypt, the relevant gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt and a glossary.
Egyptian Archaeology Magazine, Spring 2026 issue. Jakob Bro-Jorgensen
“With little effort, the reader acquires a substantial amount of information that makes them well-equipped to explore further - whether in the literature, in museums across the globe, or in the field in Egypt.
The authors have profound experience on the subject, and their passion for wildlife and the ancient Egyptian context radiates throughout. Consequently the book overflows with interesting facts and observations...
Perhaps the main use of the book will be as a reference field guide for travellers in Egypt. Here the book is unique in informing both wildlife watching and the interpretation of ancient animal representations - and in how it links the two ... At the interface of the past and present, and of nature and culture, the book effectively promotes a rich, holistic travel experience and a deeper understanding of human-animal relations in ancient Egypt.”
Fatbirder. February 2026
"It really is a fascinating little book and I for one had no idea just how many images of birds and other animals were still visible in the hieroglyphs and painted tombs of ancient Egypt ... In short, there is much to enjoy here, to marvel at, and to be thankful for. So, it’s a recommended read even if only for the ornithological section alone.”
Birdwatching Magazine, March 2026
"... this ought to appeal to anybody with an interest in history as well as birds."
ISBN: 9781913679828
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
176 pages