What do we know about the Egyptian civilization?
You must have heard of the pyramids or mummies (scary dead people wrapped in bandages). But do you know anything about the culture that made them?
The Egyptian civilization grew in the region of northeastern Africa. It lasted for 3000 years, from 3100 to 30 BCE. The flow of the river Nile through this region allowed the Egyptians to grow cereal crops like wheat and barley. This was their main source of wealth.
Most Egyptians lived in towns and villages in the Nile Valley or near its deltas. They built their houses with the help of mud bricks.
Ancient Egyptian society was divided into four groups – the gods, the king, the dead, and the humans. The king (or the Pharaoh) was seen as the ‘god on earth’. He was the owner of all land and exercised great power over the people of Egypt.
The Egyptians are famous for their architectural skills, e.g. the Great Pyramids of Giza. They are also known for inventing Egyptian hieroglyphics, one of the earliest writing systems in the world.
Were there any other ancient civilisations?
Yes, ancient civilizations developed in other parts of the world as well, such as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Kuwait), the Indus River valley (parts of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan), and China (Huang He or Yellow River valley).
Agriculture allowed ancient hunter-gatherers to settle near river valleys and live in permanent houses. Gradually, these permanent societies developed into civilizations, with a government, a ruler, social divisions, writing systems, large cities, etc.
Why is the discovery of Aten important?
The lost city of Aten is believed to be the largest administrative and industrial settlement in Egypt during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s rule (1300 BCE). During this time, Egypt became the wealthiest empire in the world.
Archaeologists have found the city in good condition, with standing walls and rooms with daily-use items. This discovery will help them know more about the lives of ancient Egyptians.
Why should we know about the lives of ancient people?
Learning about ancient people and their lifestyle is important because our past influences our present in many ways. Our languages, clothes, food, religion, and culture – have evolved from ancient civilizations. Knowing about these civilisations helps develop respect for different cultures of the world.
What did we learn from this article?
The discovery of the lost city of Aten will give us a more in-depth understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. Through this article, we learn that history has a lot to teach us and that these lessons help us respect and understand different cultures.
