The Ancient Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River in Northeast Africa. This civilization, which thrived from around 3100 BC to 332 BC, is renowned for its monumental architecture, art, religious beliefs, and significant contributions to human history.
The society was highly stratified, with the Pharaoh at the top, followed by the bureaucracy, priesthood, and then the common people including farmers, craftsmen, and slaves. Religion played a central role in Egyptian life, with beliefs in an afterlife, extensive pantheon of gods, and complex funerary practices like mummification.
Egyptian architecture is epitomized by the pyramids, temples like Karnak and Luxor Temple, and the Sphinx. Their art, characterized by symbolism and stylized representations, depicted scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, and the afterlife.
The Hieroglyphs were one of the earliest writing systems, used for monumental inscriptions and religious texts. Later, the more simplified Hieratic script and Demotic script were developed for everyday use.
The legacy of Ancient Egypt includes advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and engineering. Their influence on subsequent civilizations like Ancient Greece and Rome is evident in art, architecture, and governance structures.