First published in 1997. The aim of this study is to re-appraise the evidence for planned communities in ancient Egypt by reviewing published and unpublished data along with my own fieldwork at the site of Deir el-Ballas. Town planning in ancient Egypt - a historical overview; palaces; administrative buildings; workmen's villages; houses; the royal city; ancient Egyptian urban design; Deir el-Ballas and the development of the New Kingdom Royal City.