Egypt is a country surrounded by mystery and intrigue. It is filled with fascinating tombs and monuments that hint at a distant and long forgotten era. The Ancient Egyptians were a clever, sophisticated and highly successful civilization that left behind a wealth of artifacts and monuments, which still fascinate us today. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt:
Ancient Egypt was one of the first great civilizations
The Ancient Egyptians are credited with being the first great civilization in history. They developed many of the building blocks of culture, including writing, farming, and governmental systems. Ancient Egypt was highly advanced for its time, and its legacy can still be seen in many aspects of modern society.
The Ancient Egyptians worshipped gods and built huge monuments
The Ancient Egyptians believed in many gods and goddesses and they built huge monuments to honor them. The most famous of these is the Great Pyramid at Giza. It stands as a tribute to the great power and engineering of the Ancient Egyptians and it remains a mystery even today.
Ancient Egyptians mummified their dead
The Ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife and that mummification was the way to ensure their loved ones reached it. They used an intricate process that involved dehydrating the body and wrapping it in layers of cloth. Mummification was reserved for the wealthy and important, but it is estimated that 700,000 mummies were made throughout Ancient Egyptian history.
Hieroglyphics were their written language
The Ancient Egyptians developed a writing system called hieroglyphics. This system of writing was used on monuments, tombs, and papyrus scrolls. Hieroglyphs consisted of symbols and pictures, and the language was so complex that it wasn’t deciphered until the 19th century.
The Nile was essential to Ancient Egypt’s success
The Nile river was fundamental to the success of Ancient Egyptian civilization. It provided drinking water, fertile soil for farming, a connection to other civilizations, and protection from enemies. It was so important that it was worshipped as a god and its cycle of flooding provided the Ancient Egyptians with a means of measuring time.
Ancient Egypt influenced modern culture
Even though Ancient Egypt was around thousands of years ago, its legacy is still evident today. It has influenced our architecture, literature, art, and sciences. Its legacy lives on in the works of prominent figures such as Imhotep, Homer, and Herodotus, and it has left behind an enduring legacy that is admired to this day.
Conclusion
The Ancient Egyptians were a powerful and sophisticated civilization that left behind a wealth of artifacts and monuments. They were the first great civilization in history and they developed many of the building blocks of culture. They also worshipped gods, built huge monuments, and mummified their dead. Their written language was hieroglyphics, and the Nile river was essential to their success. Finally, Ancient Egypt has had a major influence on our modern culture. There is much to learn about this fascinating civilization and its legacy lives on even today.
