Ancient Egypt

To understand the great and magnificent ancient Egypt requires great effort due to the detailed and intricate society they constructed. Full of splendour and magnitude, the ancient Egyptians created some, if not the most recognised pieces of architecture in the whole world. The pyramids and the sphinx are two such creations that still stand the test of time today as giant structures that truly take your breath away.

The society of ancient Egypt was ruled over by the kings of the time, the Pharaohs. The name itself derived from two words, house and column tipping the hat to the great houses and splendour of these kings. Often dressed in gold adorned jewellery, the Pharaohs were often regaled in splendid headdresses or hats.

The history of ancient Egypt as we know it really begins the first dynasty of Egypt, where depending on the chronology you follow begins sometime around 3000 BC. With around 26 dynasties recorded in the history of ancient Egypt we now move almost 3000 years to around 600 BC where Alexander the Great stepped into the history of Egypt.

Even after the demise of this great empire, the history of Egypt absolutely lives on. The huge stone pyramids of ancient Egypt do and will continue to show what this amazing civilisation constructed.

The Men and Women of Ancient Egypt

Living life in ancient Egypt was like many other civilizations of the time, you would work hard whether a man or a woman and of course status played a large role in your life. Men and women from lower class backgrounds would typically survive through farming, an important role in ancient Egypt just like other civilizations. If you came from richer stock of course the doors opened to other roles, including politics, high religion and government positions.

At the lowest rung of society in Egypt was slavery, where you would work for a pittance, but at least would have food and water to survive. At it’s lowest level life in ancient Egypt could be as tough as anywhere.

The Rulers of Ancient Egypt the Pharaohs

The powerful kings of ancient Egypt, the Pharaohs were the almighty, the powerful and the bold. Consider to fill many roles at once, the Pharaoh could be the high priest, the head of government and even considered part god by most of the populous.

Though to have numbered around 170 in total the Pharaohs reigned over ancient Egypt for 3000 or more years, making this magnificent civilisation what it was then, and today.

Pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Amenhotep and Cleopatra made this role as famous as it is. These rules of Egypt were not only ground breaking but true characters as well.

Architecture and Homes in Ancient Egypt

A truly fascinating part of this society is its rather splendid architecture. The Egyptians were not shy of making rather grand gestures with their architecture, constructing huge temples, pyramids and sculptures which to this day still continue to enchant and enthral.

Like many parts of the civilization of ancient Egypt, the architecture was inspired by religion, and in turn the materials used were controlled by the local environment. Stone was the primary choice with limestone the most common material used by the Egyptians.

The Culture and Religion

The culture and religion of Egypt go hand in hand, without one the other would not exist. Death was given such high important that huge grand gestures were made for important people to aid them into their journey in the afterlife that the Egyptians so strongly believed in.

The religion of Egypt was a grouping of polytheistic beliefs that had attached rituals and processes. Due to their polytheistic beliefs the Egyptians had many gods and goddesses that had various power over aspects of nature or life itself. This even extended to the Egyptians believing the Pharaohs were actually descendants of the gods themselves.

The Art and Hieroglyphs

The hieroglyphs of Egypt were simply put the formal writing system of ancient Egypt and were interpreted using multiple methods. The hieroglyphs however give way to the very visual style of ancient Egypt which permeated throughout its artwork.

Art in ancient Egypt took many forms from painting to sculpture. The Egyptians would decorate buildings and structures with their art, often founded on their strong connection with their religious beliefs.

The Pyramids

Of all the structures in Egypt, none come close to the grandeur of the pyramids. The most famous the Great Pyramid of Giza is the most magnificent of all, and was originally built by the Pharaoh Khufu and is rumoured to have took over 20 years to complete.

The main purpose of these magnificent structures was simply a burial chamber for the most elite in ancient Egyptian society, the Pharaohs.

Ancient Egypt in Summary

With such a rich and unique history, ancient Egypt was full of colour and life, from the decadent lifestyle of the almighty Pharaohs to the majesty of the powerful structures of Egypt like the pyramids.

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