Though Victorian archaeologists roved the world, it was perhaps the discoveries in Egypt that fascinated the Victorian public the most. These finds turned Egypt into a tourist mecca, attracting hoards of Victorian travelers who sought a glimpse of the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and other antiquities that had so captured their imaginations. Egypt was often more than happy to share its treasures with the world, and sent one of its massive obelisks ("Cleopatra's Needle") to London, where it still stands on the Victoria Embankment. (The obelisk was actually given to England in 1819, but didn't reach it until 1878.) The exploits of female archaeologists like Amelia Edwards inspired the fictional exploits of Elizabeth Peters' Egyptologist Amelia Peabody.

Phoenician and Egyptian Monuments in Malta, by Dr. Cesare Vassallo (Art Journal, 1853)

The Great Pyramid and the Sphinx at Gizeh, by the Rev. Thomas Jackson (Quiver, 1876)

Finding Pharaoh, by Edward T. Wilson (Century Magazine, 1887B)

Uncovering the tomb of Rameses II.

Pharaoh the Oppressor, and His Daughter, in the Light of Their Monuments, by John A. Paine (Century Magazine, 1887B)

A look at the monuments of Rameses II and the assumption that this was the Biblical Pharaoh who enslaved the Israelites.

[Rameses] The Pharaoh of the Exodus and His Son, by John A. Paine (Century Magazine, 1889B)

A look at the monuments and inscriptions of Rameses and his son Khamus.

Bubastis: An Historical Study, by Amelia Edwards (Century Magazine, 1890A)

Petrie's Discoveries in the Fayum Region, Egypt (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

"With something of beneficent rulers, crocodiles, mummies, and portrait painters." Lots of illustrations, including photos.

The Romance of the Hieroglyphs, by L. Edw. Steele (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

Romance in the Delta, by L. Edw. Steele (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

Archaeological discoveries in Egypt.

The Riddle of the Sphinx, and Its Solution, by Harry Hall (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

The history of the Sphinx.

The Seven Wonders of the World, by Benjamin Ide Wheeler (Century Magazine, 1898B)

A look at the historic seven wonders of the world, including the Pyramids of Gizeh.

• See also Travel: Egypt