This is a very interesting book on Egyptian archaeology. It contains many beautiful illustrations and charts. Rohl did extensive research on a group of mummified Apis bulls. From the hieroglyphics on their coffins, Rohl was able to connect which pharaohs reigned when the bulls were alive. From his work, he realized that much of Egyptian history has been misdated. He provides a more accurate chronology, one that intermeshes with Biblical events much better than the previous chronology. He pinpoints a correct date for Joseph's arrival into Egypt and for the Exodus. He discovered Joseph's tomb and a statue of Joseph near the tomb.

He continued on the speculation that Egyptian history is misdated that was first proposed by Immanuel Velikovsky, but added a lot more detail and added his own impressive credentials as a well-known professional archaeologist. ( )

Move some things around and the Bible becomes a history book? Velikovsky tried it, but engaged in silly flip-flops and dual-named kings, not mention the weird cosmic catastrophism. Rohl, who has some credentials in history, makes an excellent case that the chronology of Egypt is fouled up, and when set aright, suddenly snaps the history of biblical Israel into place. An excellent book whose ideas need to be worked upon. ( )

This is a very difficult book to review. It questions the ancient time line of Egypt and, by association, the Bible.

Prior to the birth of Christ, or more accurately, a few hundred years later, years were not measured from a fixed zero, but as the xth year of King Y. Archaeologists have found evidence of Egypt's royalty and, by sticking the ten years of King Fred to the twelve of King Bill, they have calculated back.

Everybody seems to accept that this is a bit hit and miss - what about interregnums for example? But, the consensus view is that the Bible stories do not fit in with the established order.

Rohl argues in what appears, to the outsider, to be a rational manner, that the Egyptian time line is in error. As a Christian, I want to believe him (although it is not essential to my faith) but, I have to take into account the scepticism of many of his learned colleagues. I had just decided that Mr Rohl must be a convincing crank, when I looked at his web site. This contains the latest information upon his theory but, and to me much more convincing, was the fact that he has included the doubting comments of his detractors. In my experience, most frauds have nothing but contempt for those who prick their bubble. I, therefore, conclude that he genuinely believes his theory. Without years of study, I could not possibly draw a worthwhile conclusion as to which side is correct and, knowing God's sense of humour, we will probably find out eventually that both views are totally erroneous!

A thought provoking read and a timely reminder that homo sapiens may not be quite as all knowing as we like to assume. ( )

Move some things around and the Bible becomes a history book? Velikovsky tried it, but engaged in silly flip-flops and dual-named kings, not mention the wierd cosmic catastrophism. Rohl, who has some credentials in history, makes an excellent case that the chronology of Egypt is fouled up, and when set aright, suddenly snaps the history of biblical Israel into place. An excellent book whose ideas need to be worked upon. ( )