In this superbly illustrated volume, distinguished Egyptologist Zahi Hawass guides readers through the architectural landscape of ancient Egypt, from the houses and palaces of the living to the temples of the gods to the tombs of the dead. Hundreds of photographs and a compelling text unveil the mysteries of pharaonic Egypt as unearthed through major excavations, revealing fresh insight into how the ancient Egyptians lived, how they prepared for death, and how they perceived their own place within the universe. The Realm of the Pharaohs takes readers on a tour of the most important sites of ancient Egypt from the Pyramids at Giza to Abu Simbel to the Valley of the Kings. It recounts the history of the most famous kings and queens and shares details of the everyday lives of the people. Presented in a handsome slipcase, this book is made all the more compelling by the inclusion of the author's personal archaeological adventures. Hawass shares details of his distinguished career and reveals his own sense of awe of the magic and mystery of the pharaohs. Through his narrative, accompanied by a wealth of outstanding photographs, readers will learn little-known facts about the lives of the people and royalty of Ancient Egypt, as well as live vicariously through the anecdotes of one of Egypt's preeminent Egyptologists.