ABSTRACT
Before entering upon the study of the Monuments, it seems necessary to obtain something like an orderly view of the state of the country before and during their erection. The early history of Egypt differs from that of every other explored country in the nature of its records. The Theban kings had been growing in strength for some time; and at length they were able to rise up against the Shepherd Race, and expel them from Memphis, and afterwards from their stronghold, Abaris. The kings of Lower Egypt appear to have declined about this period; if even they were not tributary to those of Upper Egypt. When the Shepherd Kings and their army were driven out of Egypt, many of their people remained as slaves, and were employed on the public works.
