This will not be an unbroken history of the ancient Oriental dynasties and nations: the order of events, the lines of the kings, the movements and invasions of the peoples may be found fully related in the author's "Ancient History." Maspero only wishes to give the readers of this book some impression of the life under its various phases amongst the two most civilized nations which flourished upon our earth before the Greeks. Illustrated. Contents: Egypt: Thebes and the popular life; The market; Pharaoh; Amen, the Great God of Thebes; Recruitment of the army; Life in the castle; Illness and death; Funeral and the tomb; The Journey and battle; Assyria: A royal residence; Private life of an Assyrian; Death and the funeral; Royal chase; Royal audience, preparing for war; Assurbanipal's library; Science of presages; The War; Fleet and the siege of a city; The triumph.