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The Good Kings
- Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
- Narrated by: Kara Cooney
- Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins
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Summary
Written in the tradition of historians like Stacy Schiff and Amanda Foreman who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.
In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs - Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa - to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future. As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many. From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.
What listeners say about The Good Kings
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- Jarga
- 27-11-21
a very unique book on ancient Egypt
professor Kara cooney looks at history of the Pharaohs in a very unique way . her approach is very cynical indeed . that's why I love this book. it removes the grandiose way the Pharaohs depicted themselves and want to be seen . she brings humanity to the Pharaohs and cuts out the nonsense. a great listen / read . recommended to anyone who loves ancient Egypt but is tired of the old ways Pharaohs are often depicted. the book shows the messiness and intrigue of politics in the royal palace . her approach is closer to the truth than all books of Egypt I've read ! great and unique book !
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- C. Rae
- 22-02-22
A Fresh View on Familiar Pharoahs
Following on from 'When Women Ruled the World' I was excited by this new title by Kara Cooney, 'The Good Kings'. It was a very different read.
This book examines Egyptology through a politically aware lens, looking as a modern feminist to the impact the patriarchy of Pharaonic rule had at the time and continues to have on those who study it. On the impact our modern day 'Pharoahs of absolute power' have today. Ending on considering the changes going on in society as we try to move away from the toxic patriarchical model and where we might end up.
Don't get me wrong. It's a fascinating text and there are plenty of historic details in each Pharoah's exposé. But it might not be a comfortable and familiar read for those of you used to the Egyptology we've grown up with.
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- alistair ferguson
- 05-10-23
More political than historical
She companies at every turn history of ancient Egypt to modern American ills to political
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