If you’re interested in Ancient Egyptian culture, you may want to learn more about the gods they worshiped and their religious beliefs. You can also learn about their kings and cults. These ancient Egyptians were extremely religious and practiced a strict code of behavior.
Ancient Egyptians
The ancient Egyptians had a rich history and civilization. They cultivated fertile land for crops and lived close to the Nile River. Their civilization was characterized by peace and prosperity, and their pharaohs were the center of government. There were no major threats from outside, and there were many successful military campaigns. However, as the number of people rose and pyramid-building increased, the king’s wealth declined. In addition, his absolute power faltered against the growing influence of the priesthood, nobility, and Ra priesthood.
The building of the pyramids required teams of skilled professionals, including stone masons. Peasants worked alongside these specialists. The royal officials would require the households to provide a certain number of workers for pyramid projects. However, wealthy Egyptians could pay for substitute workers for certain jobs. Aside from the pyramids, the Ancient Egyptians were also known for their skill in building boats. Mummies were buried in the pyramids and were preserved with a resin covering.
Their kings
Ancient Egyptians were renowned for their kingship and the concept of kingship is a key element in understanding the Egyptian culture. Old Kingdom kings were considered incarnate gods, and they built magnificent pyramids as symbols of their absolute power. During the Middle Kingdom, kings were considered divinely appointed representatives of the gods on earth, and their role was to lead their people. Once they died, however, they were not allowed to enter the celestial realm.
The fourth dynasty saw an era of prosperity and peace for Egypt. The kings had absolute power, which provided the country with a stable central government. The country also enjoyed a series of successful military campaigns in neighboring countries, which further enhanced its economic prosperity. However, while this time was Egypt’s most prosperous, the king’s wealth and power steadily diminished, as he was consumed by pyramid building. Meanwhile, his absolute power was under threat from the rising influence of the priesthood, nobility, and Ra.
Their religion
The ancient Egyptians’ religion had its origins in prehistory and lasted over three thousand years. Over time, the gods changed and their worship varied. During the New Kingdom and Late Period, the sun god Ra became the most important god, while other gods were replaced by a single god. Despite this religious change, the Egyptians left behind a rich legacy of mythology and writings that have influenced modern and ancient cultures.
Interesting information about Ankha
The Egyptians believed that the gods existed in the cosmos and were part of it. The Egyptians also believed that the afterlife was similar to the present life, and that they would need possessions and bodies in order to live a full life in the afterlife.
Their cults
The Egyptian pharaohs were semi-divine beings, partly sons of the sun god Re and partially the earthly embodiment of the god Horus. Both living and deceased pharaohs had cults dedicated to them. Sacred food was brought to the temples and offerings were made for them, which was ritualistic in nature.
The cult of the living pharaoh developed during the New Kingdom and was focused on the king’s divine birth. King Amenhotep III allegedly arose from the seed of Amun. This cult may have evolved in response to the need to legitimize the king’s claim to the throne.
Their art
Until the Amarna period, Egyptian art remained in a classic style. Figures were represented in a profile with heads and bodies facing forward. They were also symmetrical, with two right feet and two left feet. They used vertical and horizontal lines as guides, which are often ruled or made with strings dipped in pigment. The proportions of human figures were set in fixed canons.
Artists in ancient Egypt used a variety of materials, including locally-sourced and imported materials. Lapis lazuli was an important material used in the creation of figurines in predynastic times, which indicates that trade routes were in existence even before this period. Artists also used a number of native stones for statues and other objects. These include soft limestone from the cliffs along the Nile, sandstone, and calcite.
Their economy
The economic development of Egypt has been characterized by a complex relationship between economics and politics. In its dynamic decades of globalization, Egypt relied on a combination of economic rent from its unique tourist sites, worker remittances from Gulf countries, and trade through the Suez Canal to generate foreign exchange and revenue. This combination of economic activity also resulted in massive land redistribution programs, and highly progressive income taxation.
While Egypt was predominantly agrarian during the first two millennia of its history, its economy was dependent on the Nile, which inundated the land along its banks and provided fertile silt. The Nile also enabled the transport of commodities throughout the land. Most of the land was cultivated by individual households, but the government controlled and financed large estates. The owners of these estates were typically royal officials.
Read also more