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The remarkable story of the intrepid French archaeologist who led the international effort to save ancient Egyptian temples from the floodwaters of the Aswan Dam, by the New York Times bestselling author of Madame Fourcades Secret WarIn the 1960s, the worlds attention was focused on a nail-biting race against time: Fifty countries contributed nearly a billion dollars to save a dozen ancient Egyptian temples, built during the height of the pharaohs rule, from drowning in the floodwaters of the massive new Aswan High Dam. But the extensive press coverage at the time overlooked the gutsy French archaeologist who made it all happen. Without the intervention of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, the temples would now be at the bottom of a vast reservoir. It was an unimaginably large and complex project that required the fragile sandstone temples to be dismantled, stone by stone, and rebuilt on higher ground.A willful real-life version of Indiana Jones, Desroches-Noblecourt refused to be cowed by anyone or anything. During World War II she joined the French Resistance and was held by the Nazis; in her fight to save the temples she challenged two of the postwar worlds most daunting leaders, Egypts President Nasser and Frances President de Gaulle. As she told a reporter, “You dont get anywhere without a fight, you know.”Yet Desroches-Noblecourt was not the only woman who played an essential role in the historic endeavor. The other was Jacqueline Kennedy, who persuaded her husband to call on Congress to help fund the rescue effort. After years of Western plunder of Egypts ancient monuments, Desroches-Noblecourt did the opposite. She helped preserve a crucial part of Egypts cultural heritage, and made sure it remained in its homeland.

In Lynne Olson's "Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction," we are introduced to the extraordinary life and achievements of Florence Amelia Bohm, a pioneering archaeologist and adventurer who dedicated her life to preserving Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

Born in 1893 to a wealthy family in Indiana, Florence Bohm developed a passion for ancient Egypt from an early age. Despite the societal constraints placed on women at the time, she pursued her dreams of exploration and archaeology, defying conventions and breaking new ground.

In the 1920s, Bohm embarked on her first expedition to Egypt, where she encountered the grandeur of ancient temples and tombs. Her unwavering determination and meticulous approach to excavation and documentation quickly gained her recognition and respect within the archaeological community.

Bohm's most significant contribution came during World War II when she played a crucial role in protecting Egypt's ancient monuments from the threat of destruction. As the war raged across Europe and North Africa, Bohm tirelessly lobbied governments and international organizations to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Egypt's cultural heritage.

Through her efforts, Bohm secured funding and resources to safeguard temples, tombs, and artifacts from potential damage. Her dedication and persistence ensured that future generations could continue to marvel at the wonders of ancient Egypt, even amidst the chaos and destruction of war.

Bohm's legacy extends beyond her achievements as an archaeologist. She was a trailblazing woman who challenged gender norms and paved the way for future generations of female explorers and scholars. Her passion for Egypt's ancient history and her unwavering commitment to its preservation left an indelible mark on the field of archaeology and continue to inspire generations to come.