The document discusses how environmental factors influenced the development of ancient Egyptian civilization. Specifically, it analyzes how the flooding patterns and geography of the Nile river valley contributed to Egyptians developing centralized governance, urbanization, and constructing monumental pyramid structures during the Old Kingdom. While the Nile's floods enabled agriculture and unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, the irregular flooding also necessitated coordination between communities and establishment of bureaucracy to manage resources. Over time, this bureaucratic system expanded and perpetuated itself, though later architectural styles of pyramids and tombs had more to do with cultural traditions than the environment. A comparison is also drawn to the slower urbanization of Iron Age Europe, which lacked similar geographical pressures or incentives for large
Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted over 3000 years, showing incredible continuity and consistency. Egyptian imagery, concepts, and perspectives have had immense influence on later cultures, providing building blocks for Greek and Roman culture and influencing the Western tradition. The annual flooding of the Nile river shaped Egyptian culture, creating fertile land and influencing their concept of cyclical time. Egyptian art styles and royal imagery remained remarkably consistent over millennia, which Egyptians viewed as representing stability and the correctness of their culture.
The document discusses the history of ancient Egypt from the decline of the Old Kingdom due to a lack of central rule and famine, to the Middle Kingdom led by Mentuhotep II that reunited Egypt, to the New Kingdom being the height of Egypt's power through conquests and trade under rulers like Hatshepsut and Ramses II who fought off invaders like the Hyksos and Hittites, though Egypt was eventually weakened.
- Ancient Egypt encompassed around 10,000 square miles along the fertile Nile river valley, which was much narrower than neighboring Mesopotamia.
- Egyptian civilization was already highly distinctive by the time of unification around 3000 BC under King Menes, with a theocratic government and religion centered around the pharaoh.
- Key aspects of early Egyptian civilization included its centralized administration, highly skilled art and architecture like the pyramids, and its solar calendar and belief in an afterlife that gave Egyptian culture great stability and continuity.
The document summarizes the history and culture of the Middle Kingdom dynasties in Ancient Egypt. It describes how Nehepetra Montuhotep unified Egypt after the First Intermediate Period, establishing the 11th dynasty and centralized rule from Thebes. It then discusses the art, architecture, and burial practices that developed during the 12th dynasty, including pyramid complexes, temples, and tomb paintings that emphasized royal power and religious ideology.
The document discusses several key pharaohs who contributed to Egypt's New Kingdom period of power and expansion. Ahmose rid Egypt of the Hyksos and established trade, expanding Egypt's borders. Amenhotep expanded further into Nubia and built a new capital. Thutmose fully established the warrior pharaoh concept and took control of Nubian resources. Hatshepsut encouraged trade instead of warfare and sent trading expeditions. Tuthmosis III organized soldiers to defeat enemies and created Egypt's largest empire. Religion greatly influenced Egyptian society and culture.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greece from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the rise of Alexander the Great. It discusses key periods and events, including the development of Greek city-states and governments, the Persian Wars between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BC, and the influence of geography on Greek trade and colonization. Major city-states like Athens and Sparta are compared in terms of their governments, societies, and roles in conflicts like the Persian Wars. The document also introduces Greek mythology and its lasting impacts.
Ancient Egypt The New Kingdom And The Third InSam Law
During the New Kingdom period (1550-1069 BCE), ancient Egypt expanded its territory into Nubia, Syria-Palestine, and Turkey. The capital moved from Thebes to Akhetaten and back. Egypt was ruled by theocratic pharaohs and powerful priests. Art flourished in pottery, sculpture, and paintings in temples and the Book of the Dead. Architecture evolved from mud bricks and stone temples to carved tombs in valley walls.
The document summarizes key aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization including its modern location, timeline of colonizers and rulers, and contributions to science, mathematics, and medicine. It provides details on Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, funerary art designed for tombs, their polytheistic religion worshipping over 2,200 gods and goddesses, and inventions like the pen, ink, and inkpot.
Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted over 3000 years, showing incredible continuity and consistency. Egyptian imagery, concepts, and perspectives have had immense influence on later cultures, providing building blocks for Greek and Roman culture and influencing the Western tradition. The annual flooding of the Nile river shaped Egyptian culture, creating fertile land and influencing their concept of cyclical time. Egyptian art styles and royal imagery remained remarkably consistent over millennia, which Egyptians viewed as representing stability and the correctness of their culture.
The document discusses the history of ancient Egypt from the decline of the Old Kingdom due to a lack of central rule and famine, to the Middle Kingdom led by Mentuhotep II that reunited Egypt, to the New Kingdom being the height of Egypt's power through conquests and trade under rulers like Hatshepsut and Ramses II who fought off invaders like the Hyksos and Hittites, though Egypt was eventually weakened.
- Ancient Egypt encompassed around 10,000 square miles along the fertile Nile river valley, which was much narrower than neighboring Mesopotamia.
- Egyptian civilization was already highly distinctive by the time of unification around 3000 BC under King Menes, with a theocratic government and religion centered around the pharaoh.
- Key aspects of early Egyptian civilization included its centralized administration, highly skilled art and architecture like the pyramids, and its solar calendar and belief in an afterlife that gave Egyptian culture great stability and continuity.
The document summarizes the history and culture of the Middle Kingdom dynasties in Ancient Egypt. It describes how Nehepetra Montuhotep unified Egypt after the First Intermediate Period, establishing the 11th dynasty and centralized rule from Thebes. It then discusses the art, architecture, and burial practices that developed during the 12th dynasty, including pyramid complexes, temples, and tomb paintings that emphasized royal power and religious ideology.
The document discusses several key pharaohs who contributed to Egypt's New Kingdom period of power and expansion. Ahmose rid Egypt of the Hyksos and established trade, expanding Egypt's borders. Amenhotep expanded further into Nubia and built a new capital. Thutmose fully established the warrior pharaoh concept and took control of Nubian resources. Hatshepsut encouraged trade instead of warfare and sent trading expeditions. Tuthmosis III organized soldiers to defeat enemies and created Egypt's largest empire. Religion greatly influenced Egyptian society and culture.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greece from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the rise of Alexander the Great. It discusses key periods and events, including the development of Greek city-states and governments, the Persian Wars between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BC, and the influence of geography on Greek trade and colonization. Major city-states like Athens and Sparta are compared in terms of their governments, societies, and roles in conflicts like the Persian Wars. The document also introduces Greek mythology and its lasting impacts.
Ancient Egypt The New Kingdom And The Third InSam Law
During the New Kingdom period (1550-1069 BCE), ancient Egypt expanded its territory into Nubia, Syria-Palestine, and Turkey. The capital moved from Thebes to Akhetaten and back. Egypt was ruled by theocratic pharaohs and powerful priests. Art flourished in pottery, sculpture, and paintings in temples and the Book of the Dead. Architecture evolved from mud bricks and stone temples to carved tombs in valley walls.
The document summarizes key aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization including its modern location, timeline of colonizers and rulers, and contributions to science, mathematics, and medicine. It provides details on Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, funerary art designed for tombs, their polytheistic religion worshipping over 2,200 gods and goddesses, and inventions like the pen, ink, and inkpot.
Ancient Egypt was a civilization along the lower Nile River that lasted from around 3150 BC to 30 BC. It began as independent kingdoms that eventually were united and experienced stable periods under powerful rulers, such as the Old Kingdom and New Kingdom. The civilization was able to thrive due to stable agriculture supported by annual Nile River floods. Ancient Egyptian architecture featured post and lintel construction with columns decorated to resemble plants. The major religion was polytheistic and centered around gods controlling nature and important myths like that of Osiris and Isis. Egyptians had an elaborate concept of the afterlife involving mummification and tombs to preserve the soul.
How Did Geography Affect The Civilizations Of Thetkester
The geography of ancient civilizations greatly impacted their development. Along the Nile River, yearly floods provided fertile soil for agriculture but also required flood control structures like dikes. Settlements occurred within 10 miles of the river, and the desert boundaries limited Egypt's expansion. In Mesopotamia, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers provided fertile soil and attracted other groups, leading to cultural exchange. Floods necessitated centralized government to manage irrigation. Overall, access to water and arable land through major rivers supported population growth and urbanization in these early civilizations.
Introduction to art chapter 16 ancient africa 172 chapssuser47f0be
This document provides an overview of ancient African civilizations, including their origins, art, and major cultures. It discusses early rock paintings from 7000 BCE depicting domesticated animals in Sahara and southern Africa. Later, the Nok culture in Nigeria produced sophisticated terracotta sculptures from 500 BCE to 200 CE. Many ancient urban cultures arose south of the Sahara after 1000 CE, including cities along the Niger River like Jenne-jeno. Egypt is also discussed in depth, noting its immense influence and over 3000 years of cultural continuity and stability along the Nile River.
Ancient Egypt developed along the fertile banks of the Nile River from around 3900 BCE. Key periods included the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Egyptian civilization was unified by the river for transportation and enriched by annual flooding. The Egyptians built monumental structures like the pyramids and temples from stone using skilled labor. Their highly organized society was led by pharaohs who ruled as divine kings and heads of state and religion. Agriculture, trade, and a rigid social hierarchy supported the population.
Daily life in ancient Egypt revolved around the Nile River. People lived in mudbrick homes and farmed the fertile land, growing food and trading goods. Most people worked as farmers, craftsmen, or scribes, while a small group were nobles. When people died, their bodies were mummified to preserve them through removing water and using chemicals or natural preservatives. The Great Sphinx statue from ancient Egypt depicted the pharaoh as a powerful god in the form of a mythical creature. Hieroglyphics were the written language used to keep records and communicate in ancient Egypt, and were the first written alphabet ever invented.
Ancient Egypt was located along the fertile Nile River valley. The predictable flooding of the Nile provided rich silt that made the land ideal for agriculture. Farming was based around the seasonal flooding of the Nile. Egypt was united under a dynastic system in which power was passed down families. Major construction projects like the pyramids were built during stable periods like the Old Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom saw Egypt become a world trade power. The New Kingdom expanded Egypt's borders through military campaigns.
The Greek civilization originated in the Balkan Peninsula in the 8th century BC. They lived in independent city-states called polis, with Athens and Sparta being two important ones. Polis were initially governed by aristocracies but some later transitioned to democracies. Due to overpopulation, many Greeks migrated and founded colonies around the Mediterranean, spreading Greek culture. Greek society was divided between citizens, who had rights, and non-citizens like foreigners, slaves, and women who had few to no rights. The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, science, theatre, and architecture.
The document provides background information on Athens during its Golden Age from 477-431 BC. It describes Athens' powerful democracy and navy, as well as cultural and intellectual achievements in art, architecture, drama, and philosophy. However, tensions grew between Athens and Sparta, leading to the 27-year Peloponnesian War, which devastated Greece and marked the end of the Athenian Golden Age.
Ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt were heavily influenced by their environments. In Mesopotamia, the unpredictable Tigris and Euphrates rivers led to volatile flooding and unpredictable, angry gods. In Egypt, the stable Nile river allowed for predictable flooding and kinder, calmer gods. These environmental factors shaped religion, agriculture, technology, political structures, trade, gender roles, and cultural traditions in both civilizations.
The document discusses the key features and importance of the Nile River to the development of Egyptian civilization. It describes how the annual flooding of the Nile provided fertile soil that allowed for agriculture. Egyptian society was organized around the flooding cycle of the Nile. Key periods of Egyptian history saw the construction of pyramids and the rise and fall of powerful pharaohs and kingdoms. The Nile Valley provided an environment conducive to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the emergence of one of the earliest civilizations.
1. Ancient Greece had a geography conducive to developing a maritime culture, with islands and coastlines throughout the Mediterranean. Greek civilization expanded greatly under Alexander the Great.
2. Greek history is divided into periods - Bronze Age, Dark Ages, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic. Important city-states included Athens and Sparta, which dominated Classical Greece through military achievements but eventually rivaled each other in the Peloponnesian War.
3. Greek society was stratified, with citizens, foreigners, slaves. Citizens had political rights and duties like military service. Religion was personal and present in all aspects of life, with the Olympian gods central. Greek culture made major contributions to philosophy, literature
Greece historically in Katharevousa and Ancient Greek, Hellas, officially the Hellenic Republic is a country in Southern Europe, politically considered part of Western Europe.
1) Ancient Greece was a highly influential civilization that reached its peak from 500-336 BCE during the Classical Period.
2) The government was comprised of independent city-states, with Athens known for establishing the first democracy and Sparta renowned for its militaristic culture.
3) In addition to influential philosophy and science, Greece was also known for its elaborate mythology and sculptures that were foundational to Western culture.
The geography of Greece shaped Greek life. As a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, Greece had many natural harbors. It was difficult to travel overland due to mountains, but the sea allowed Greeks to become skilled sailors and traders who established colonies around the Mediterranean. Two early civilizations, the Minoans and Mycenaeans, influenced Greek culture. The Minoans traded extensively by sea from their base on Crete, while the Mycenaeans built fortresses on the mainland and aggressively expanded their territory through attacks. Both civilizations declined around 1200 BC, plunging Greece into a dark age.
Ancient Egyptian cities were carefully planned according to the geography and climate of Egypt. Cities were typically located near the Nile River and built in a rectangular layout with orthogonal streets and walls surrounding the city. Housing and buildings were organized by social class, with wealthier residents living closer to the center. Some notable planned cities included Tell el-Dab'a, Lahoun, and Deir el-Medina. Urban planning principles involved drainage systems and cul-de-sacs. The ancient Egyptians also constructed massive pyramids and invented writing, math, boats, and other technologies that demonstrated advanced planning and engineering skills. Overall, the document discusses the urban planning methods of ancient Egyptian cities and civil engineering achievements.
Thirty Centuries of History: from Menes to Cleopatra
When people think of ancient Egypt, they think perhaps of pyramids or pharaohs, or of names like Nofretete* or Tutankhamun*, or most likely of the river Nile. Apart from the name Nile all other words and names refer to a period of time which began about 5000 years ago. The time of the history of the kings (pharaohs) in Egypt covers a period of about 3000 years, longer than any other civilisation in world history.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greek history from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the rise of Alexander the Great. It covers early Aegean cultures like the Minoans and Mycenaeans, the development of city-states and Greek mythology. Major topics include the Persian Wars, the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles, and the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta that resulted in Sparta's victory. The document contains 10 sections and provides a table of contents to guide the reader through the various topics in ancient Greek history.
Ancient Egypt was home to pharaohs like Tutankhamun. Papyrus was made from reeds along the Nile and used as paper. The Sphinx has a human head and lion's body. Flooding of the Nile provided fertile soil for farming.
Ancient Greece invented tragedy, philosophy, and democracy in Athens. Famous Greek myths included the Trojan War. Originally having kings, Greece developed democracy allowing all citizens to vote.
Legend says Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched over 100 days travel. Rome transitioned between kings, elected officials, and emperors. Latin was widely spoken throughout the Empire.
1) Egypt developed a highly successful civilization along the fertile banks of the predictable and reliable Nile River.
2) The pharaoh was viewed as a living god and ruled as an absolute divine monarch over a prosperous unified kingdom for around 2,000 years.
3) Egyptian culture produced spectacular monuments and artworks made possible by its isolation, stable environment, and centralized divine government under the pharaoh.
The document discusses aspects of ancient Egyptian culture from several periods. It notes how the Nile River influenced Egyptian culture throughout its history by enabling agricultural success through regular flooding and fertilization of the land. The reliable food production allowed Egyptian society to prosper.
The document discusses differences between ancient Egypt and modern Egypt. It notes that around 5000 years ago, Egypt consisted of two kingdoms along the Nile River, which were later unified by King Menes. Western historians later divided Egyptian records into 33 dynasties over 3 periods for simplification, whereas Egyptians saw their land as eternally unified under the pharaoh. The concept of harmony was also important to ancient Egyptians.
First civilizations of africa and asiaryandavidcox
This document provides a summary of Chapter 2 from a World History textbook. It covers the early civilizations that emerged in Africa and Asia between 3200 BC and 500 BC. The chapter is divided into 5 sections that discuss the ancient kingdoms of the Nile River Valley, Egyptian civilization, the city-states of ancient Sumer, the rise of empires in Mesopotamia through invaders and trade, and the roots of Judaism. Key topics covered include the importance of geography in influencing civilizations, religious beliefs and social structures in Egypt and Sumer, technological and cultural advances made, and the spread of ideas through conquest and migration.
Ancient Egypt was a civilization along the lower Nile River that lasted from around 3150 BC to 30 BC. It began as independent kingdoms that eventually were united and experienced stable periods under powerful rulers, such as the Old Kingdom and New Kingdom. The civilization was able to thrive due to stable agriculture supported by annual Nile River floods. Ancient Egyptian architecture featured post and lintel construction with columns decorated to resemble plants. The major religion was polytheistic and centered around gods controlling nature and important myths like that of Osiris and Isis. Egyptians had an elaborate concept of the afterlife involving mummification and tombs to preserve the soul.
How Did Geography Affect The Civilizations Of Thetkester
The geography of ancient civilizations greatly impacted their development. Along the Nile River, yearly floods provided fertile soil for agriculture but also required flood control structures like dikes. Settlements occurred within 10 miles of the river, and the desert boundaries limited Egypt's expansion. In Mesopotamia, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers provided fertile soil and attracted other groups, leading to cultural exchange. Floods necessitated centralized government to manage irrigation. Overall, access to water and arable land through major rivers supported population growth and urbanization in these early civilizations.
Introduction to art chapter 16 ancient africa 172 chapssuser47f0be
This document provides an overview of ancient African civilizations, including their origins, art, and major cultures. It discusses early rock paintings from 7000 BCE depicting domesticated animals in Sahara and southern Africa. Later, the Nok culture in Nigeria produced sophisticated terracotta sculptures from 500 BCE to 200 CE. Many ancient urban cultures arose south of the Sahara after 1000 CE, including cities along the Niger River like Jenne-jeno. Egypt is also discussed in depth, noting its immense influence and over 3000 years of cultural continuity and stability along the Nile River.
Ancient Egypt developed along the fertile banks of the Nile River from around 3900 BCE. Key periods included the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Egyptian civilization was unified by the river for transportation and enriched by annual flooding. The Egyptians built monumental structures like the pyramids and temples from stone using skilled labor. Their highly organized society was led by pharaohs who ruled as divine kings and heads of state and religion. Agriculture, trade, and a rigid social hierarchy supported the population.
Daily life in ancient Egypt revolved around the Nile River. People lived in mudbrick homes and farmed the fertile land, growing food and trading goods. Most people worked as farmers, craftsmen, or scribes, while a small group were nobles. When people died, their bodies were mummified to preserve them through removing water and using chemicals or natural preservatives. The Great Sphinx statue from ancient Egypt depicted the pharaoh as a powerful god in the form of a mythical creature. Hieroglyphics were the written language used to keep records and communicate in ancient Egypt, and were the first written alphabet ever invented.
Ancient Egypt was located along the fertile Nile River valley. The predictable flooding of the Nile provided rich silt that made the land ideal for agriculture. Farming was based around the seasonal flooding of the Nile. Egypt was united under a dynastic system in which power was passed down families. Major construction projects like the pyramids were built during stable periods like the Old Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom saw Egypt become a world trade power. The New Kingdom expanded Egypt's borders through military campaigns.
The Greek civilization originated in the Balkan Peninsula in the 8th century BC. They lived in independent city-states called polis, with Athens and Sparta being two important ones. Polis were initially governed by aristocracies but some later transitioned to democracies. Due to overpopulation, many Greeks migrated and founded colonies around the Mediterranean, spreading Greek culture. Greek society was divided between citizens, who had rights, and non-citizens like foreigners, slaves, and women who had few to no rights. The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, science, theatre, and architecture.
The document provides background information on Athens during its Golden Age from 477-431 BC. It describes Athens' powerful democracy and navy, as well as cultural and intellectual achievements in art, architecture, drama, and philosophy. However, tensions grew between Athens and Sparta, leading to the 27-year Peloponnesian War, which devastated Greece and marked the end of the Athenian Golden Age.
Ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt were heavily influenced by their environments. In Mesopotamia, the unpredictable Tigris and Euphrates rivers led to volatile flooding and unpredictable, angry gods. In Egypt, the stable Nile river allowed for predictable flooding and kinder, calmer gods. These environmental factors shaped religion, agriculture, technology, political structures, trade, gender roles, and cultural traditions in both civilizations.
The document discusses the key features and importance of the Nile River to the development of Egyptian civilization. It describes how the annual flooding of the Nile provided fertile soil that allowed for agriculture. Egyptian society was organized around the flooding cycle of the Nile. Key periods of Egyptian history saw the construction of pyramids and the rise and fall of powerful pharaohs and kingdoms. The Nile Valley provided an environment conducive to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the emergence of one of the earliest civilizations.
1. Ancient Greece had a geography conducive to developing a maritime culture, with islands and coastlines throughout the Mediterranean. Greek civilization expanded greatly under Alexander the Great.
2. Greek history is divided into periods - Bronze Age, Dark Ages, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic. Important city-states included Athens and Sparta, which dominated Classical Greece through military achievements but eventually rivaled each other in the Peloponnesian War.
3. Greek society was stratified, with citizens, foreigners, slaves. Citizens had political rights and duties like military service. Religion was personal and present in all aspects of life, with the Olympian gods central. Greek culture made major contributions to philosophy, literature
Greece historically in Katharevousa and Ancient Greek, Hellas, officially the Hellenic Republic is a country in Southern Europe, politically considered part of Western Europe.
1) Ancient Greece was a highly influential civilization that reached its peak from 500-336 BCE during the Classical Period.
2) The government was comprised of independent city-states, with Athens known for establishing the first democracy and Sparta renowned for its militaristic culture.
3) In addition to influential philosophy and science, Greece was also known for its elaborate mythology and sculptures that were foundational to Western culture.
The geography of Greece shaped Greek life. As a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, Greece had many natural harbors. It was difficult to travel overland due to mountains, but the sea allowed Greeks to become skilled sailors and traders who established colonies around the Mediterranean. Two early civilizations, the Minoans and Mycenaeans, influenced Greek culture. The Minoans traded extensively by sea from their base on Crete, while the Mycenaeans built fortresses on the mainland and aggressively expanded their territory through attacks. Both civilizations declined around 1200 BC, plunging Greece into a dark age.
Ancient Egyptian cities were carefully planned according to the geography and climate of Egypt. Cities were typically located near the Nile River and built in a rectangular layout with orthogonal streets and walls surrounding the city. Housing and buildings were organized by social class, with wealthier residents living closer to the center. Some notable planned cities included Tell el-Dab'a, Lahoun, and Deir el-Medina. Urban planning principles involved drainage systems and cul-de-sacs. The ancient Egyptians also constructed massive pyramids and invented writing, math, boats, and other technologies that demonstrated advanced planning and engineering skills. Overall, the document discusses the urban planning methods of ancient Egyptian cities and civil engineering achievements.
Thirty Centuries of History: from Menes to Cleopatra
When people think of ancient Egypt, they think perhaps of pyramids or pharaohs, or of names like Nofretete* or Tutankhamun*, or most likely of the river Nile. Apart from the name Nile all other words and names refer to a period of time which began about 5000 years ago. The time of the history of the kings (pharaohs) in Egypt covers a period of about 3000 years, longer than any other civilisation in world history.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greek history from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the rise of Alexander the Great. It covers early Aegean cultures like the Minoans and Mycenaeans, the development of city-states and Greek mythology. Major topics include the Persian Wars, the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles, and the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta that resulted in Sparta's victory. The document contains 10 sections and provides a table of contents to guide the reader through the various topics in ancient Greek history.
Ancient Egypt was home to pharaohs like Tutankhamun. Papyrus was made from reeds along the Nile and used as paper. The Sphinx has a human head and lion's body. Flooding of the Nile provided fertile soil for farming.
Ancient Greece invented tragedy, philosophy, and democracy in Athens. Famous Greek myths included the Trojan War. Originally having kings, Greece developed democracy allowing all citizens to vote.
Legend says Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched over 100 days travel. Rome transitioned between kings, elected officials, and emperors. Latin was widely spoken throughout the Empire.
1) Egypt developed a highly successful civilization along the fertile banks of the predictable and reliable Nile River.
2) The pharaoh was viewed as a living god and ruled as an absolute divine monarch over a prosperous unified kingdom for around 2,000 years.
3) Egyptian culture produced spectacular monuments and artworks made possible by its isolation, stable environment, and centralized divine government under the pharaoh.
The document discusses aspects of ancient Egyptian culture from several periods. It notes how the Nile River influenced Egyptian culture throughout its history by enabling agricultural success through regular flooding and fertilization of the land. The reliable food production allowed Egyptian society to prosper.
The document discusses differences between ancient Egypt and modern Egypt. It notes that around 5000 years ago, Egypt consisted of two kingdoms along the Nile River, which were later unified by King Menes. Western historians later divided Egyptian records into 33 dynasties over 3 periods for simplification, whereas Egyptians saw their land as eternally unified under the pharaoh. The concept of harmony was also important to ancient Egyptians.
First civilizations of africa and asiaryandavidcox
This document provides a summary of Chapter 2 from a World History textbook. It covers the early civilizations that emerged in Africa and Asia between 3200 BC and 500 BC. The chapter is divided into 5 sections that discuss the ancient kingdoms of the Nile River Valley, Egyptian civilization, the city-states of ancient Sumer, the rise of empires in Mesopotamia through invaders and trade, and the roots of Judaism. Key topics covered include the importance of geography in influencing civilizations, religious beliefs and social structures in Egypt and Sumer, technological and cultural advances made, and the spread of ideas through conquest and migration.
The essay discusses the history of ancient Egypt over three major time periods - the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. During these periods, Egyptian rulers faced the challenge of maintaining control over their people and lands. The pharaohs established various rules and tactics to ensure loyalty to centralized authority, though power fluctuated between the kingdoms. The New Kingdom pharaohs were able to exert the strongest control and expand Egyptian territory before it began to decline. The essay examines how the pharaohs' approach to governance evolved over these three Egyptian kingdoms.
This document provides a comparison of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. It discusses how both civilizations developed along major rivers, and how the rivers impacted geography, politics, social structures, and the roles of women. Key differences discussed include the irregular flooding in Mesopotamia versus the predictable flooding of the Nile in Egypt. Political structures are also contrasted, with Mesopotamia experiencing more turmoil and Egypt characterized by stability under a single ruler, the Pharaoh.
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The document provides an overview of ancient Egyptian civilization and its history of architecture. It describes how early inhabitants settled along the fertile banks of the Nile River around 5000 BC. The annual flooding of the Nile provided rich soil for agriculture, allowing people to transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers. They began building permanent houses and villages. Kingdoms formed as some towns took control of surrounding areas. Major periods included the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. Important structures included pyramids like the Pyramids of Giza and Khufu, as well as temples such as the Temple of Amon at Karnak. The Egyptians also engaged in practices like mummification and used hieroglyphic writing
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The document provides information on four early river valley civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. It discusses the geographic features and advantages of each civilization's river valley location. The document also summarizes some of the social, political, and economic developments that arose in these river valley societies, including the development of cities, systems of government, writing systems, and trade.
The document provides information about early dynasties in ancient China, including the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. It notes that the Xia dynasty was the first, located along the Yellow River around 2000 BC. The Shang dynasty then rose to power between 1700-1027 BC, establishing its capital at Anyang. The Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang in 1027 BC and instituted a feudal system of governance. Key developments included the early use of bronze, oracle bone scripts, and a polytheistic folk religion with ancestor worship.
Here are a few key ways ancient Egyptians interacted with their environment along the Nile River:
- The annual flooding of the Nile provided fertile soils for agriculture, allowing Egyptians to develop one of the most productive farming civilizations in the ancient world. They relied heavily on irrigation and developed advanced systems to control and direct the Nile's waters.
- Settlements were concentrated along the Nile River valley, as the river provided fresh water, transportation, and resources to support large populations. Egyptians lived in symbiosis with the river that was essential to their survival and way of life.
- Religious beliefs and mythology reflected the importance of the Nile, with gods like Hapi personifying the river's life
1. Patrick Bones
Classics 176
Professor Roncaglia
Urban and Rural Spaces in the Ancient World
Term Paper
Land of the Pharaohs or of the Nile?
The Environmental Impact of Geography on the Development of Egyptian
Urbanized Civilization
Bones 1
2. Part One
! The field of environmental determinism has run into major obstacles during the
last century and has even been accused of attempting to legitimize racism and
European imperialism. Yet despite the controversy, the initial premise remains quite
alluring. How do environmental factors influence the development of civilization,
particularly in the context of the ancient world? To what extent can modern scholars
attribute a civilization’s accomplishments to the ingenuity of its people and not to
specific environmental advantages? This paper will trace the development of the
Egyptian state and the effect of geographical determinants on the land’s most famous
constructions projects; specifically Egypt’s pyramidal structures built during the during
the Old Kingdom in the third millennium B.C.E. Additionally, this paper will also briefly
discuss the concept of urbanization by comparing Egyptian cities and Iron Age Gallic
Oppida of the La Tene culture.
! Herodotus is attested to have once said that Egypt was the ‘gift of the Nile’ and
although this oversimplifies and quite possibly demeans the ingenuity and
accomplishments of its people, there is some level of validity to his statement.
Historically, at least before the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s,1 the annual
flooding of the Nile provided both fertilized soil and irrigation for the land along its bank.
This “dependable” source of arable land allowed for the development of agricultural
surpluses which in turn enabled Egypt’s culture to flourish. Unfortunately, the
dependability of the Nile as a water source was offset by its irregular pattern of flooding.
Bones 2
1 Rosenberg, Matt. Aswan High Dam
3. “The rate of siltation is not uniform and has varied dramatically through time.”2 Over
flooding would result in damage to crops and infrastructure while limited inundation
would decrease the amount of arable land, leading to food shortages. This apotropaic
river flooding cycle necessitated cooperative management, at least at a local or regional
level. Additionally, river transit linked the entire country and acted as a constant unifying
theme. “The channel of the Nile was also essential for navigation, serving as an artery
circulating food and goods from one part of Egypt to another, and linking Egypt with its
neighbours to the south, north and east.” 3 The linear nature of the Nile forced early
peoples into frequent contact which facilitated the spread of ideas and the refinement of
Egyptian culture. “From the earliest times, boats were used to transport people between
villages during the inundation, ferry across the channel and haul cattle, grain and other
substances from one place to another. They were also used in military campaigns.
Boats thus played a major role in unifying the country. Besides the donkey, which was
used for overland transport, boats made possible the economic integration of the
country. Food from one district could be delivered to another struck by famine. Food
stored from several districts in a central granary could be used to secure the welfare of
people in the region. The emergence of kingship in Egypt might have been linked with
coordinating the collection of grain and relief activities as the most viable strategy to
cope with unpredictable crop failures in any of the districts.”4 Thus the regular
unpredictability the Nile’s flooding theoretically directly contributed to the establishment
of lower tier bureaucracy throughout Upper and Lower Egypt to combat the river’s
Bones 3
2 Hassan p.60
3 Hassan pg.54
4 Hassan pg.62
4. destructive capability. The Nile also served as an ideological basis for the early Egyptian
people. Their worldview was dualistic in nature; Kemit versus Deshret,5 the Pharaoh
above the commoners, Egypt against Sea Peoples, and life before the afterlife.
! Even though, in holistic sense, ancient Egypt was rich in natural resources, they
were not distributed evenly. Upper Egypt had magnificent mineral resources, particularly
in stone types: granite, sandstone, limestone, quartzite, hematite and porphyry.6
Additionally, it had access to the gold and ivory from what is now present day Sudan.
On the other hand, Lower Egypt had papyrus, overseas trade via the Mediterranean,
access to turquoise from the Sinai Peninsula and trading caravans from Mesopotamia
via Palestine. This uneven distribution of resources, paired with a centralized means of
travel and agriculture, lend to a competition over resources and to eventual centralized
authoritarian control. Therefore it is unsurprisingly that the two halves were united by
Menes/Narmer around 3150 B.C.E. and Egypt became a single kingdom. “The first
royal house numbers eight kings, the first of whom Menes, of this reigned for 62 years.
He was carried off by a hippopotamus and perished.”7 This quotation from Manetho, a
Ptolemaic Egyptian priest from the third century B.C.E. demonstrates the lasting cultural
memory of the Egyptian people. But his history of ruling dynasties should be
approached critically since there was a span of nearly 2800 years separating him from
Menes. Nevertheless, the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt did occur and led to the
creation of some of the most impressive structures of antiquity; the pyramids.
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5 Peck p.9
6 Peck p.13
7 Manetho’s Aegyptiaca Fr. 6, p.29
5. ! The agricultural wealth of Egypt, paired with its mineral resources enabled the
existence of a large scale state bureaucracy and the flourishing of literary and artistic
works. But because of the system of governance, pharaonic authoritarianism, the
monumental structures built were largely single purposed. They served to glorify the
pharaoh and preserve him or her in the afterlife. If Egypt’s government had developed
differently, into a more communal and less stratified system, like that of Neolithic Britain,
its monuments might have been similarly geared towards the benefit of the people at
large. The key shift in Egyptian monumental building came with the Pharaoh Djoser/
Netjerikhet. Around 2650 B.C.E. he constructed a stone step pyramid at Saqqara.
“There were pressing practical reasons for the tomb makers to abandon mud-brick
architecture, for the superstructures of some of the contemporary mastabas were
reaching sixes close to the limits of mud brick as a building medium.”8 This transition to
stone building materials marked a drastic shift from the traditional predynastic style of
architecture. The following thousand years saw an increasing of imitations of Djoser’s
step pyramid.
! One notable exception to the theory of environmental determinism which must be
address when considering Egyptian pyramids is humanity’s tendency for the
perpetuation of tradition. The construction of later pyramidal structures, such as the
Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid, or the Pyramids of Giza built by Khufu, Khafre, and
Menkaure can be attributed to the practice of dynastic tradition rather than
environmental influences. Once one ruler establishes the trend of building a specific
type of monumental structure the pattern tends to stick. This is proven by the trends of
Bones 5
8 Romer 284
6. ruling classes throughout the Mediterranean and specifically by the building projects of
Roman Emperors. Trajan build a much larger and more elaborate set of baths right next
door to the Baths of Titus, This was likely done to compare himself to the earlier Flavian
dynasty and prove that he was deserving of their legacy. Dynastic building projects, in
the ancient world, frequently became a competition of legacies. Additionally, the later
shift of royal Egyptian tombs to the Valley of the Kings is further evidence of practical
adaptation. Egyptian rulers realized that if they wanted their tomb to remain undisturbed
for all eternity, then it wasn’t the best idea to place a giant pyramid shaped “rob me” sign
above their tomb. In summation, the type of government was in large part dictated by
the environment. But the subsequent stylistic choices chosen by Pharaonic rulers was
due to social and cultural practicalities.
! In conclusion, urbanization of ancient Egypt began long before the dynastic
period, “as early as Naqada I, powerful centres had developed at this, Naqada and
Hierakonpolis.”9 Although paling in comparison to later Ptolemaic and Roman periods,
“the population of Ancient Egypt that could be supported by basin irrigation and cereals
is estimated at 1.2 million during the Old Kingdom (3000-2200 BC), 2.1 million in the
New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC) and 3.2 million in the Graeco-Roman period from 332
BC to AD 395 (Hassan 1993:170),”10 they still act as a useful gage on the effects
geography has on riverine civilizations. The annual unpredictability of the Nile’s flooding
necessitated localized coordination between towns and settlements. But the integration
of these various communities would have inevitably led to an increase in regional
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9 Wilkinson p.49
10 Hassan p.56
7. conflict and competition over power. Therefore “the emergence of mediators to resolve
conflicts probably developed eventually into an organizational structure that served as
an element in the making of early states.”11Since, once in place, bureaucracies are self
perpetuating, they would have expanded to include religious and administrative duties.
“In addition, the role of the state in transporting food by boats from one place to another
was essential...”12 The significance of these predynastic urban centers cannot be
overlooked because they laid the foundation for the later unification of Upper and Lower
Egypt and the foundation of the Egyptian state.
! But this begs a return to the original question. Did Pharaonic Egypt, with all its
wonders, come about because of the ingenuity of its people or because preset
environmental determinants decided its fate? Clearly there were social and
geographical pressures which made large scale urbanization and the establishment of a
permanent bureaucratic system advantageous to early Egyptians. “The rise and
sustainability of Egypt as a nation-state with great intellectual and artistic achievements
was based primarily on cultivating cereals on the floodplain of the Nile.”13 But it remains
possible that technological innovation and development don’t necessarily lead to mass
urbanization. Since organized local agriculture predates centralized governance in
ancient Egypt, it is clear that “Egyptian civilization was not a function of centralized
management of irrigation.”14 Perhaps while Egypt’s environment may have propelled it
away from a rural focus, the resulting endpoint was a unique Egyptian culture.
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11 Hassan p.60
12 Hassan p.57
13 Hassan p.69
14 Hassan p.69
8. ! A comparison with the Iron Age, European La Tene culture may provide a better
perspective. In Greg Woolf’s article, Rethinking the Oppida, he states that “Iron Age
settlement does lack many features normally associated with urbanization, such as a
differentiated settlement hierarchy, large scale intra-site zoning of activities and clear
evidence of central place functions on the highest order settlements.”15 This delay in
major city development is quite odd considering that by the late Iron Age, technological
and cultural diffusion into central Europe via trade routes through Italy, the Baltic and
Black Sea regions would have exposed those of the La Tene to “advancements” in
social organization and stratification. Since “the chronological gap between
Neolithicisation and urbanism is much greater in Europe than in most parts of the
world,”16 there must be an underlying reason why Europe didn’t begin to truly urbanize
until “1500 and 1800 AD.”17 Woolf postulates that, “continental Europe is a world of
plentiful resources but poor internal communications,”18 therefore in Iron Age Europe,
there was no need to urbanize, nor were their social pressures pushing for population
densities greater than that of the existing villages and small towns. Whereas in the east,
“both good communications and scarce resources are thought to have contributed to
the development and spread of Mediterranean urbanism, as to the development there of
stable, large scale political structures. The absence of those factors may provide part of
the explanation for the absence of states and cities from Iron Age Europe.”19 It is clear
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15 Greg Woolf p.223
16 Woolf p.233
17 Woolf p.233
18 Woolf p.233
19 Woolf p.233
9. that geography, climate change and resource distribution all contribute heavily to the
initial development of urban centers. Yet these factors cannot fully explain the individual
innovations societies made nor their final developments and cultural achievements. A
more nuanced approach is necessary when approaching the study of how and when
‘civilization’ occurs. Environmental Determinism remains as ever, an alluringly elusive
subject.
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10. Works Cited
I. Hassan, Fekri. The Dynamics Of A Riverine Civilization: A Geoarchaeological
Perspective On The Nile Valley, Egypt. 1st ed. Taylor & Francis, Ltd., 2015. Web. 19
May 2015.
II. Lloyd, Alan B. A Companion To Ancient Egypt. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-
Blackwell, 2010. Print.
III. Manetho., and W. G Waddell. Manetho. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University
Press, 1940. Print.
IV. Peck, William H. The Material World Of Ancient Egypt. New York: Cambridge
University Press, 2013. Print.
V. Rice, Michael. Egypt’s Making. London: Butler & Tanner Ltd Frome, 1990. Print
VI. Romer, John. A History Of Ancient Egypt. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2012. Print.
VII. Rosenberg, Matt. Aswan High Dam. About.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 20 May 2015.
VIII. Wilkinson, Toby. Early Dynastic Egypt. London: Routledge, 1999. Print.
IX. Woolf, Greg. Rethinking The Oppida. 1st ed. Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 1993.
Web.
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