Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was a civilization of ancient Northeast Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the country of Egypt. It is one of the earliest known civilizations and has left a lasting legacy on the world through its art, architecture, and cultural practices.
History
- Prehistoric Egypt: Before the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, the region was inhabited by several small, independent tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests that agriculture was practiced here as early as 5500 BC.
- Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100 – 2686 BC): This era marks the unification of Egypt under Menes, also known as Narmer, who is traditionally considered the first pharaoh of Egypt.
- Old Kingdom (c. 2686 – 2181 BC): Known for the construction of the Pyramids of Giza, this period is often called the "Age of the Pyramids". It was a time of great development in art, religion, and bureaucracy.
- First Intermediate Period (c. 2181 – 2055 BC): Following the collapse of the Old Kingdom, Egypt entered a period of political fragmentation, with multiple dynasties ruling simultaneously in different parts of the country.
- Middle Kingdom (c. 2055 – 1650 BC): Reunification under Mentuhotep II led to a renaissance in arts and literature. This era is noted for the expansion of trade and military campaigns into Nubia.
- Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650 – 1550 BC): Characterized by the rule of the Hyksos, who introduced the chariot and composite bow to Egypt.
- New Kingdom (c. 1550 – 1077 BC): Often described as Egypt's Golden Age, this period saw Egypt at its most powerful, with extensive military conquests, monumental building projects, and the establishment of the Amarna Period by Akhenaten.
- Late Period (664 – 332 BC): This era includes the last native pharaohs of Egypt and the subsequent Persian, Greek, and Roman domination.
Culture and Society
- Religion: Egyptian religion was polytheistic, with gods like Ra, Osiris, Isis, and Horus being central to their mythology. The pharaoh was considered a divine figure, the intermediary between gods and humans.
- Writing and Literature: The Egyptians developed one of the earliest known writing systems, hieroglyphs. Literature included wisdom texts, hymns, and stories like the "Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor."
- Art and Architecture: Known for their monumental architecture, including temples, obelisks, and the aforementioned pyramids, as well as intricate tomb paintings and reliefs.
- Science and Mathematics: Ancient Egyptians made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, with evidence of surgical procedures and a calendar system based on the Nile's inundation.
Legacy
The influence of Ancient Egypt extends beyond its borders, affecting Mediterranean civilizations, and its art and architecture continue to inspire modern designs. Its hieroglyphic script was deciphered with the help of the Rosetta Stone, and Egyptology remains a vibrant field of study.
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