The Egyptian Civilisation

As one of the oldest civilisations,the Egyptian Civilisation is known for its monumental architecture, agriculture,arts, sciences and crafts at a very early age.

Geography

Egypt lies in the north-eastern corner of the African continent.It is bounded by the Red sea on the east and Mediterranean sea in the north.Egypt is irrigated by the River Nile,

Which originates in Lake Victoria in the south and flows into the Mediterranean sea in the south and flows into the Mediterranean sea in the north.Deserts are seen on both sides of the Nile River. The Egyptian Civilisation depended solely upon the flow of Nile River,and hence Egypt as called the Gift of Nile by the Greek historian Herodotu. The Nile also served as a means of transport. The Nile valley is very rich and fertile as the river deposits fresh alluvium every year.This alluvium nurtured agriculture and helped to produce surplus of food grains, leading to the development of Egyptian Civilisation.The dry regions on both the sides of the Miles, however remained deserts.
                             Egypt became initimately connected with the Sangam Age Tamilagam by the sea route.

The Hyksos were the rules of the 15th of Egypt and they were probably from West Asia.
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Pharaohs,Society and Administration

The Egyptian king was known as the Pharaoh.The people treated pharaoh as a divine form.Under the pharaoh,there was a hierarchy of officials including viziers,the governors of provinces,local mayors and tax collectors.The entire social system was supported by the work and production of artisans including stone cuttors, masons,potters, carpenters,coppersmiths and goldsmith, peasants and workers. Land belonged to the king and was assigned to the officials. Slavery was not common,but captives were used as slaves.Viziers were the high officials who administered territories under the direction of the Pharaohs.The Egyptians believed in life after death.Therefore,they preserved the dead body. The art of preserving the dead body is known as mummification.Pyramids and tombs were built to preserve the body of Pharaohs.The famous Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen’s (who ruled from 1332 to 1322 BC (BCE)) tomb with a rich variety of offerings is located near Luxor in Egypt.The mask of his mummy made of gold and decorated with precious stones is an important artefact of the Egyptian Civilisation.

Agriculture and Trade

The Egyptians cultivated wheat,barley,millets, vegetables,fruits,papyrus and cotton.

Papyrus was used for making rope mats sandals and later for producing paper.They domesticated cattle,sheep,goat and pigs,and hunted wild animals.They had pets such as dogs,cats and monkeys.The Egyptians had trade relations with Lebanon,Crete,Phoenicia, Palestine and Syria. Gold,silver and ivory were imported,and they acquired the Lapis Lazuli,a precious stone of bluish colour,from Afghanistan.

Art and Architecture

The Egyptians excelled in artan architecture.Their writing is also a form of art.Numerous sculptures,painting and carvings attest to the artistic skills of the Egyptians.The pyramids are massive monuments built as tombs of mourning to the Pharaohs.The great pyramids of mourning to the Pharaohs.The great pyramids near Cairo are known as the Giza pyramids.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a massive limestone image of a lion with a human head.It is dated to the time of Pharaoh Khatre.It is one of the largest sculptures of the world and measures seventy three metres in length and twenty metres in height.

Religion

The Egyptians practiced polytheism.Amon,Re,Seth,Thoth,Horus and Anubis are some of the gods of Egyptians. They worshipped many Gods,but the Sun God,Re,was the predominant one. Later on,the sun God was called Amon.

Philosophy, Science and Literature

The Egyptian Civilisation excelled in science, literature, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and the measurement system. Sundial ,water clock and glass were developed by the Egyptians. They devised a solar calendar that consisted of twelve months of thirty days each,with five days added to the end of the year. This calendar was introduced as early as 4200 BC (BCE). Literally works included treatises on mathematics, astronomy, medicine,magic and religion. The Egyptians also distinguished themselves in painting,art, sculpture,pottery,music and weaving.

Writing system

The Egyptians are well known for their writing system. Their form of writing is known as hieroglyphic. Hieroglyphic was used in the inscriptions on seals and other objects. The heretic, an another form of writing, was used for common purposes. This form of writing used a pictogram-based system. It was developed around 3000 BC (BCE) and many texts and books were written using this script.Now this inscription is on display in British Museum,London.

Characteristics and Contributions of the Egyptian Civilisation

1. The Egyptians developed a solar calendar system.
2. The pyramids and their designs show their mathematical and surveying skills.
3. Hieroglyphic writing system attests to their skills in handling symbols.
4. Preservation of human body in the form of Mummies.
5. They applied innovation in the use of science and technology.