Duke Alexander and his Sarcophagi
The 10th Duke of Hamilton and the Egyptian stone anthropoid sarcophagi of Pabasa and Irtyeru
Written by Aidan Dodson
£33.00 – £42.00
Description
Alexander Hamilton, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767–1852), was one of the great collectors of his day. Among his possessions were two Egyptian anthropoid stone sarcophagi. One belonged to Pabasa, a high official of the late 7th century BC, the other to a 3rd/2nd century woman named Irtyeru. The sarcophagus of Pabasa is now in a Glasgow museum, but that of Irtyeru now lies under the soil of a Scottish cemetery – containing the mummified body of Duke Alexander himself.
This book relates how the two pieces came to be in the duke’s possession, and publishes them archaeologically and philologically for the first time. Additionally, it explores the history of the great mausoleum that Duke Alexander constructed for himself, his ancestors and his successors. It concludes with the sad tale of the undermining of the mausoleum and the adjacent Hamilton Palace in search of coal and the consequent utter ruin of Duke Alexander’s grand design.
About the Author
Aidan Dodson is honorary Professor of Egyptology at the University of Bristol, and was awarded his PhD by the University of Cambridge in 1995.
Reviews
‘This is the first time that the acquisition and use of the two sarcophagi has been published in comprehensive detail. As such, the book should become the definitive text on them and their history.’ Dr Chris Elliott, Visiting Fellow, University of Southampton
‘[This book] makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in the field of Egyptian Archaeology and draws attention to its connections with Scotland, which are not usually given sufficient emphasis. It brings together new research findings, insightful analysis, and well-contextualized interpretations that advance scholarly understanding particularly regarding provenance research. Its significance lies not only in the depth of its scholarship but also in its potential to influence and stimulate further research in Twenty-sixth Dynasty and Ptolemaic Period sarcophagi.’ Dr Abeer Eladany, University of Aberdeen
