Part I. Houses of eternity: development, glory and decline -- Temple origins -- Old and middle kingdom development -- New kingdom temples -- A glorious decline -- Early travellers and modern rediscovery -- Part II. Buildings fit for gods: construction, growth and change -- Selecting the sacred space -- Rituals of foundation -- Building the 'God's house' -- Decorating the temple -- Growth, enhancement and change -- Part III. Worlds within worlds: the parts of the temple and their meaning -- The temple entrance -- The outer courts -- The inner halls and sanctuaries -- Other temple structures -- Temple symbolism -- Part IV. Between heaven and earth: the religious functions of the temple -- The Egyptian gods and their cults -- The role of the king -- Priests and temple personnel -- Temple feasts and festivals -- Part V. Temples of gods and kings: a journey up the Nile -- From the Mediterranean to Memphis -- From Memphis to Asyut -- From Asyut to Thebes -- Karnak and Luxor -- Western Thebes -- From Thebes to Aswan -- From Aswan to Gebel Barkal -- Oases and outposts -- Epilogue: exploration and conservation today.