Situated in North Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt is considered as one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations in the world.
The name Egypt came from the Greek term “Aegyptos” which was the Greek pronunciation of the Ancient Egyptian name “Hwt-ka-Ptah or Mansion of the Spirit of Ptah.
It is widely believed that Ancient Egypt civilization started in Northeast Africa. The River of Nile provided Ancient Egyptians with water, soil, and food as well as means of transportation for distributing goods and services.
In addition, well-known Egyptian cities also developed along the Nile as Ancient Egyptians were able to utilize water from the river to grow surplus crops that were used to support a more dense population.
The narrative of Ancient Egypt is a chain of steady kingdoms that were separated by Intermediate Periods.
Egypt reached the summit of its power during the New Kingdom as they were able to rule the most part of Nubia and the Near East.
A large part that primarily contributed to the success of the Ancient Egyptian Empire was the unending support by the administration.
As a matter fact, Egyptian rulers provided their workers with resources to exploit mineral on valleys and the surrounding desert regions.
In addition to that, religious leaders, administrators, and scribes also headed the development of an independent writing system as well as the institution of collective construction projects and the trade industry.
During 700 B.C., Ancient Egyptian Empire started to decline after being conquered by several other civilizations.
Egypt was initially conquered by the Assyrian Empire before the Persian Empire followed thereafter.
Popular Greek warrior Alexander the Great ruled Egypt in 332 B.C. wherein he set up his own ruling family known as the Ptolemaic dynasty. After Alexander’s death in 30 B.C., Egypt was conquered by the Roman Empire and subsequently became a province of Rome.
Interesting Facts about Ancient Egypt
- Wearing makeup was popular in Ancient Egyptian culture. In fact, Egyptian men and women used to wear makeup since it was thought to have healing powers.
- Ancient Egyptians refer to their country as “Kemet” or Black Land due to the rich dark soil that is found along the Nile River where the first settlements can be traced. It was later named as “Misr” which means country.
- Memphis became the first capital of Egypt. It was most famous for its trade centers and religious temples.
- Organized farming in Ancient Egypt began around 6000 B.C. It also paved for communities such as the Badarian Culture to flourish within the area.
- In 3400 B.C., Ancient Egypt was divided into two Kingdoms specifically the Red Land and the White Land. The Red Land which was located to the north was based in the Nile River Delta and extends along the Nile to the Aftih while the White Land stretches from Aftih to Gebel.
- King Menes unified the White Land and the Red Land at around 3100 B.C. when he became the first King of the first dynasty.
- Ancient Egypt was also considered as one of the first civilizations to develop writing. It made use of ink to write and a paper that is known as the papyrus.
- Historians consider Ancient Egyptians to be among the first scientists and mathematicians in the world. Old Egyptians developed ways to produce cosmetics and medicine as well as come up with a calendar.
Who founded the first capital city of Egypt?
Memphis which was the first capital city of Egypt was founded by King Menes.
What are the three major Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt?
The Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom are the three primary Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt.
What are the main sources of the history of Ancient Egypt?
Egyptologists and scholars primarily used monuments, artifacts, and objects with hieroglyphs as sources of information about the history of Ancient Egypt.
How long did the Ancient Egyptian Empire last?
According to most historians, Ancient Egypt lasted for almost 30 centuries, starting from its unification in 3100 B.C. to 30 B.C.
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