The story of ancient Egypt has survived for thousands of years. Egypt was one of the greatest civilizations of the past. The monuments and tombs of their Pharaohs continue to stand intact today, some 4,000 years later!
Egypt in the Christian bible
A good portion of the Old testament takes place in or around Egypt. Egypt also plays a major role in the life of many Bible people from Moses and Joseph to Jesus.
Where in the world is Egypt?
Egypt is situated in the northeast corner of the Africa.
A large river called the River Nile flows through the country into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile enters Egypt from the Sudan and flows north for about 1545 km (about 960 m) to the sea.
Where did the Ancient Egyptians live?
The Ancient Egyptians lived along the banks of the river Nile in Egypt. Farmers first settled in Egypt along the River Nile around 5000 B.C.
Where do most people in Egypt live today?
About 95 % of Egypt's population still live in the Nile valley (the area next to the river).
Why is the River Nile important to the Egyptians today and in the past?
Egypt is mainly made up of hot deserts and receives little rainfall. Without the River Nile, the area would be entirely desert.
What is meant by "the gift of the Nile"?
All of Egypt depended on the Nile for water, food and transportation. The Nile also provided the ancient Egyptians with fertile land which helped them to grow their crops and raise their animals.
Before modern dams were built the river Nile would flood each year coating the land on either side of the river with thick back mud. This mud was ideal for growing crops on.
What is the difference between red land and black land?
The people in Ancient Egypt divided Egypt into two areas.
- The 'red land' was the deserts protecting Egypt on two sides. These deserts separated ancient Egypt from neighbouring countries and invading armies.
- The black land was the fertile land (near the Nile River) where the ancient Egyptians grew their crops.
The creation of Egypt
Two separate kingdoms (ruled by different kings) developed along the Nile River. The kingdom in Upper Egypt was known as the white crown and the kingdom in Lower Egypt was called the red crown. In about 3200 B. C. the pharaoh of the north conquered the south and Egypt became united. The pharaoh's name was King Narmer or Menes.
Menes built a new capital city called Memphis. In the Greek language the word Memphis meant "Balance of the Two Lands."
Some Other Interesting Facts About Ancient Egypt and Their Amazing Feats:
Look around you and you'll witness examples of ancient Egyptian inventions.
Many of today's household objects were invented or used by the ancient Egyptians, including the lock and keys, combs, scissors, wigs, makeup, deodorants, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Egyptians were among the very first people to invent writing, along with ink and paper.
Ancient Egyptians were the first holistic health practitioners. They treated the whole person, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Remedies ranged from herbal and magic medicine to surgery.They prescribed contraceptives, performed circumsicions and conducted pregnancy tests. The practice of mummification made them excel in Anatomy.
Ancient Egyptians knew how to cure meat and preserve food using natron, sodium bicarbonate, also used in the mummification process.
The 365 days calendar and the 24-Hour division of the day are Egyptian inventions.
Egyptians invented the art of painting on plaster.
Cement was first invented by the Egyptians.
Ancient Egyptians devised irrigation systems, reservoirs and ways of measuring the flood levels. These are called nilometers and several are located along monuments close to the river banks. Tourists can see one of these nilometers in the Elephantine island in Aswan.
The Egyptians did not invent beer, but left us with the best documentation of ancient brewing practices.
In the Valley of the Kings there is ample testimony of the ancient Egyptians ability to dig complex structures.
Egyptian workers organized the first known labor strike.
The first written international peace treaty happened between Ramses the Second of Egypt and Hattusili III of the Hittite empire.
Pharaoh Akhenaten established the first official monotheistic religious state.
Egypt was first to create glass and faience objects.
The Egyptian game of Senet is one of the world's oldest known board games.
The earliest known wine cellars were discovered in Egypt.
Ancient Egyptian mathematicians delved in equation solutions, geometric series, fractions and the decimal system.
The final Curious © phrase:
“Denial ain't just a river in Egypt”
(Mark Twain)
