Described by its excavator as ‘the epitome of serenity and symmetry’, the brightly coloured plaster bust of Queen Nefertiti from Tell el-Amarna is one of the most famous examples of Egyptian art. These 29 essays set Nefertiti within the historical context of the Amarna period, assess the bust’s cultural impact in the 20th century and describe other artefacts found in the same location. More than 200 items are illustrated, including many unfinished carvings that offer glimpses into an ancient sculptor’s workshop.

The objects made during the Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods (ca. 4400–2649 BCE) provide the best means of examining how the ancient civilization in the Nile Valley gave rise to Pharaonic Egypt. Discussing 183 items, from a bowl inscribed for King Djet (ca. 3050 BCE) to the stela of King Raneb (ca 2880 BCE), this volume reflects on the early Egyptians’ representations of people, animals and the landscape, and their reasons for making these objects.

The Bronze Age art of the Cyclades – the group of small islands at the centre of the Aegean – is remarkable for its austere simplicity and balanced lines. This catalogue provides descriptions and full-page photographs of more than 60 fine examples of figurines and vessels in marble, pottery and metal. An introductory essay sets the artefacts in the context of the society, religion and trading activities of one of the earliest Mediterranean cultures.

Discovered by chance by farmers in 1974, the mausoleum of the first emperor of China contained one of the wonders of the world: the Terracotta Army. Based on unique access to leading Chinese archaeologists, this book sets the clay warriors in the context of Chinese society 2,200 years ago, describes the latest discoveries at the vast and only partly excavated site, and hints at what may still be uncovered – including the imperial tomb itself.

Ancient Greek sculptors established the foundation of a new art form in which human bodies were realistically and dynamically portrayed. This book brings together more than 60 examples now in museums around the world; they range from early kouros statues (c.600 BCE) to a Roman-period portrait bust, and from delicate grave-markers to the friezes of Athens’ Acropolis and the great altar of Pergamon. Each item is discussed in the accompanying text and illustrated in multiple photographs that highlight significant details.

With introductions to the buildings, instructions for making the models of them and the press-out pieces, this book features five structures from different architectural eras and elements. The Colosseum epitomizes the great monuments of ancient Rome; the Eiffel Tower represents the Industrial Revolution; architectural vision is celebrated by Sydney Opera House, engineering prowess by the CNN Tower; and the One World Trade Center, standing on the site of the Twin Towers, is an eloquent symbol of American defiance.