The oasis of Siwa was famed in antiquity for its Oracle of Amun, consulted by Alexander the Great. Today, Siwa is known for its fine dates and its unique way of life. In this already classic work, renowned archaeologist Ahmed Fakhry reviews Siwa's past and present. Beginning with a survey of the deserts and oases of Egypt, the book moves on to look at contemporary life in Siwa, then traces its history from palaeolithic times to the present, and concludes with a documentation of the antiquities of the oasis.

The oasis of Siwa was famed in antiquity for its Oracle of Amun, consulted by Alexander the Great. Today, Siwa is known for its fine dates and its unique way of life. In this already classic work, renowned archaeologist Ahmed Fakhry reviews Siwa's past and present. Beginning with a survey of the deserts and oases of Egypt, the book moves on to look at contemporary life in Siwa, then traces its history from palaeolithic times to the present, and concludes with a documentation of the antiquities of the oasis.