When ancient Egypt is mentioned, images often come to mind of tombs covered in hieroglyphs being opened by Victorian-era explorers, revealing "wonderful things"-as Howard Carter famously described upon first glimpsing the treasures of Tutankhamun. But how did Egyptology become the preserve of wealthy Europeans? And what can be done today to restore agency and rightful ownership to the country where this field was born? In The Future of Egyptology, Dr. Monica Hanna presents a comprehensive vision of what Egyptology should be: a discipline that goes beyond the glitter and grandeur of the pharaohs to connect the ancient world with modern Egypt and reclaim its lost heritage.
Dr. Monica Hanna argues that Egyptology can only move forward if it breaks away from its past, which is steeped in looting, racism, and Eurocentrism. The Future of Egyptology offers a powerful and thought-provoking journey into the future-through the gateway of ancient history.