The characteristics of early Egyptian civilization were largely determined by geography. In the delta, rain falls only about two inches a year, while rainfall is virtually nonexistent in other parts of the country. Because rain was rare in other parts of Egypt, people could only farm along the banks of the Nile, which swells as rain falls from the mountains and snow melts from the mountains. This flooding deposits an alluvial layer of rich soil.
Ancient Egypt
Marriage was considered a huge achievement for the ancient Egyptians. Some men had multiple wives, the chief being considered higher than the others. This practice is known as polygamy, but the Egyptians were devoted to family sanctity. A man’s wife was his primary source of income, and his other wives were secondary sources of income. While the Egyptians were a monogamous society, they did have a few traditions that would make marriage more difficult for modern men.
In ancient Egypt, the majority of the population lived as peasant farmers. The Pharaoh, temples, and noble families owned most of the land, and peasants had to work in these areas in exchange for tax payments. Farmers, meanwhile, were subject to labour taxes and were required to help with public projects. Craftsmen, on the other hand, were higher up on the social ladder, working for temples and government buildings. Officials held high positions in ancient Egyptian society, and scribes, priests, and soldiers were drawn from this group.
The Nile
The Nile and Egyptian civilization go hand-in-hand. For centuries, the Nile was a mighty river that flooded the Nile Valley, enriching the land with alluvial soil. The floods occurred during the months of July and September, as a result of tropical rains on the Ethiopian tableland. The Nile then began its annual decline to its present-day course below the Aswan High Dam, where it splits into two distributaries and the Nile Delta.
The river helped trade in Egypt, with no part of the country located more than a few miles from the river. This transportation method was cheap and efficient. Egyptian towns lined the Nile’s banks and served as centers of local administration and markets. Though Egypt lacks cities today, Memphis was one of the largest cities in the world. The Nile provided the necessary transportation infrastructure to enable the Egyptian people to expand their civilization. The Nile, as it was referred to during the era, also provided fresh water to the Nile.
Religion
Ancient Egyptians worshiped a variety of gods and goddesses. Temples were constructed to worship them. The people also used oracles. The focus of religion varied according to culture and class, but a common thread was the worship of gods. The Egyptians regarded gods as important and revered them in a variety of ways. The gods were also revered by the common people, but they had little direct contact with them except during parades.
Ancient Egyptians believed the gods created the world and worshipped thousands of deities. The gods began as animals, but gradually became human or animal-like. Some deities were associated with other deities, such as the sun god Ra. This system of worship allowed the pharaoh to build enormous pyramids that were dedicated to them. It also served to legitimize the king. However, it did not stop there.
Crafts
Craftsmen of ancient Egypt were highly talented and skilled. They created enchanting works of art to display the wealth and culture of the ancient civilization. Egyptian craftsmen were also considered socially superior to common laborers. Here are some of the things that can be found in ancient Egypt’s tombs and temples. All of these items are made by skilled Egyptian craftsmen. Many of them worked for royal institutions, temples, or the pharaoh.
The Ancient Egyptians were also skilled in woodworking and cabinet-making. Most types of furniture were made from wood and have been found. While most people would not sit on chairs, wealthy people would sit on low stools. Beds were simple wooden frames with matting, although the most elaborate pieces included a canopy for added privacy. The furniture also had intricate feet modeled after bull hooves. Similarly, the wooden furniture was often plaster-coated.
Technology
The technology of ancient Egypt can be traced to many different aspects of everyday life. Many of the items we use today were invented by Egyptians, including paper, ink, cosmetics, and the toothbrush and toothpaste. They even developed an ancestor of the breath mint. Egyptians made advances in almost every area of knowledge, including agriculture, astronomy, beer brewing, and art. Several of their technological treatises were even studied by Islamic scholars and are still used today.
Egyptian technology also impacted the art and literature of the civilization. The invention of papyrus and ink made writing easier, while the advancement of copper tools replaced the use of flint in carving. Many of the Egyptians’ subjects were portrayed in a scientific way, thanks to their technology. Inscribed texts like the Shipwrecked Sailor and the Tale of Sinuhe depict technological advancements. They also made use of new techniques to create subjects such as statues, sculptures, and more.
Status of women
In ancient Egypt, women were recognized as important members of society and were often revered as goddesses. Most Egyptian gods had a female counterpart, and the goddess Bastet was the patron deity for women. Her role was to improve women’s labor, security, and well-being. The Egyptians regarded the goddess with as much respect as they did women. Despite their limited role in society, women were still highly valued and respected.
Ancient Egyptian women could have possessions, and often received inheritances from their parents. Men were legally obligated to reward their wives for joint property. Women often had their own tombs, and men were legally obligated to reward them accordingly. Despite this, they were still subject to marriage laws, and it was possible for men to divorce their wives, or to give them gifts for life after death. Even though women could independently make money, in ancient Egypt, they were still subject to male-dominated hierarchies.