Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was a civilization of Ancient Near East, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the country of Egypt. This civilization began around 3100 BC with the political unification of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh, and it continued until the conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.
History
- Pre-Dynastic Period: This period saw the formation of Egyptian culture through the merging of various local cultures in Upper and Lower Egypt, with the earliest known evidence of organized religion and writing.
- Early Dynastic Period: Marked by the unification of Egypt under the first two dynasties, setting the stage for the monumental building projects of the later periods.
- Old Kingdom: Known for the construction of the Pyramids of Giza, this era is often considered the "Age of the Pyramids" where the power of the pharaoh was at its peak.
- First Intermediate Period: A time of political instability and fragmentation, leading to the rise of local rulers.
- Middle Kingdom: Egypt was reunited and experienced a revival in art, literature, and monumental building, including the construction of Memphis as the capital.
- Second Intermediate Period: Characterized by foreign invasions, notably by the Hyksos, leading to a period of foreign rule.
- New Kingdom: This era is considered the peak of Egyptian power, with military conquests into Nubia and the Levant, and the construction of monumental temples like those at Karnak and Luxor.
- Third Intermediate Period: Saw the decline of central power and the division of Egypt into several smaller states.
- Late Period: Egypt was ruled by foreign powers including the Persian Empire, until the arrival of Alexander the Great.
Religion and Culture
Egyptian religion was polytheistic, with gods like Amun, Ra, and Osiris playing central roles. The belief in the afterlife led to elaborate burial practices and the construction of tombs and pyramids. The culture was rich in art, with hieroglyphics, papyrus, and frescoes depicting daily life, religious ceremonies, and the afterlife.
Architecture and Art
The architecture of Ancient Egypt is renowned for its monumental structures such as pyramids, obelisks, and temples. Art was highly symbolic, with a strong emphasis on preserving the human form and maintaining order (Ma'at).
Legacy
The legacy of Ancient Egypt includes not only its monumental architecture but also significant contributions to science, mathematics, and medicine. Their hieroglyphic script and the Rosetta Stone played a crucial role in deciphering ancient languages.
Sources
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