The basic element in the lengthy history of Egyptian civilization is geography. The Nile River rises from the lakes of central Africa as the White Nile and from the mountains of Ethiopia as the Blue Nile. The White and Blue Nile meet at Khartoum and flow together northward to the Nile delta, where the 4000 mile course of this river spills into the Mediterranean Sea . Less than two inches of rain per year falls in the delta and rain is relatively unknown in other parts of Egypt. Most of the land is uninhabitable.
These geographical factors have determined the character of Egyptian civilization. People could farm only along the banks of the Nile, where arid sand meets the fertile soil. Of course, each summer the Nile swells as the rains pour down and the snow melts on the mountains. The river overflows its banks and floods the land with fresh water and deposits a thick layer of rich alluvial soil. The land would then yield two harvests before winter. This yearly flood determined more than just the agricultural needs of early Egypt.
It also determined the lifecycle of society and helped to create the world view of ancient Egyptian civilization. The basic source of Egyptian history is a list of rulers compiled in c.280 B.C. by Manetho for the Macedonians who ruled Egypt. Manetho divided Egyptian kings into thirty dynasties (a 31st was added later) . Early Egypt was divided into two kingdoms, one in Upper Egypt (Nile Valley), and one in Lower Egypt (Nile delta). Remember, the Nile flows from south to north.
Agriculture in Egypt
One of the fundamental reasons that have given Egypt to develop, it was the fertile black soil along the Nile River flowing through Egypt. Agriculture was an important activity performed by the ancient Egyptians. Meanwhile, many farmers were experts in growing wheat, vegetables, a variety of fruits and onions.
Other items included agriculture barley, flax, leeks, garlic, beans, grapes, figs, wheat etc was used for making bread, barley for beer and flax has integral part of the textile fiber. Papyrus reeds that grow naturally on the Nile were used making sandals, boats, paper, mats and baskets. Agriculture was conducted in all seasons, except when it flooded. During floods people avoided agriculture.
Animals such as goats, cattle cattle, pigs, ducks, etc. have been preserved by the Egyptian people for their milk, meat and their use in agriculture. Irrigation in ancient Egypt was ranked sump chadouf and dikes. Chadouf was functional in areas of high altitude. Different types of irrigation helped boost both the quality and quantity of crops making Egypt a prosperous nation.
Paintings in Egypt
Egyptian paintings were mainly devoted to a dead person. Paintings were a way of expressing the intention of the author that the deceased must have a good life after death. Many tables show the whole trip after death. In addition, there was a practice of painting things on the graves of the deceased made before his death and that the deceased hoped he continues to do it forever.
Paintings were a source to keep the story alive. The paintings have also shown how the Egyptians lived their lives and their beliefs about death and the afterlife was. Another important aspect of Egyptian paintings was the depiction of animals. The primary colors used for painting were red, green, blue, gold and black.
The Egyptians considered painting as a means of providing the dead support that allows it to continue its journey after death. The essence of Egyptian paintings was his comprehensive and less importance was given to the beautification of the painting. It was very essential for the paint manufacturer to keep everything he permanently. The painting was done by the manufacturer using its memory so that it includes everything in the paint remains intact forever.
Costumes worn in Egypt
The clothes were made mainly from white linen. The Egyptian people have also used wool. However, clothes made of wool were forbidden in temples as they were made on animals. Egyptian people believed that the wool should not touch the skin and has been done this way.
The men wore loincloths or short skirts. The women wore dresses in general or tight dresses. Some dresses had some straps hiding her breasts and others have exposed. However, much depends on the way that reigned. Egyptian children while not wearing clothes until they reach adolescence.
Egyptian pharaohs
Pharaoh is a title for modern ancient Egyptian rulers. However, the Kings were not mentioned as Pharaoh by the ancient Egyptians. "Pharaoh" The term was used primarily by the Greeks and the Hebrews. The Hebrew word par'o reference to the word "pr" in the Egyptian language which means "big house." "Pharaoh" The term is always used in conjunction with the Royal Palace and what it meant for life, prosperity and health of the palace.
Since the fifteenth century BC Pharaoh was used as a synonym for king. However, the first use of "Pharaoh" the word can be traced back to the New Kingdom in the middle of the eighteenth dynasty. After 2000 BC, the pharaoh was mentioned by five names, four of them being his throne names and it was the name given to him at birth.
The word late Egyptian word par'o was rebuilt according to the ancient Greek and Latin words Late pronounced as "Pharaoh." It is from this letter that "Pharaoh", the word has been obtained. The ancient Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was God Horus, the son of God or the sun god Re. On the death of a Pharaoh, it was assumed that it must be united with the sun.