Ancient Egypt
...a nation that rose to power more than 5,000 years ago. This mighty
civilization crumbled before conquering armies after 2,500 years of triumph and
glory. The dry air and drifting desert sands have preserved many records of
ancient Egypt until modern times.
The ancient Egyptians lived colorful, active, and eventful lives. Many
were creative artists, skilled craftsmen, and adventurous explorers. Bold
Egyptian warriors won many battles, and their rulers governed wide areas of the
known world. The ancient Egyptians loved nature and had a lively sense of humor.
They were among the first people to try to find answers to questions concerning
man, nature, and God. They also considered the relationship of man to society,
but regarded other people as savages. They captured and enslaved thousands of
men and women from other lands.
The Greek historian Herodotus called Egypt the gift of the Nile, because
floodwaters of this great river deposited rich, black soil on the land year
after year. Egyptian farmers planted their crops in this fertile soil. Sandy
plateaus and towering cliffs bordered the river valley. Beyond these waters
stretched the barren wastes of the Sahara desert. On the edge of the desert,
the Egyptians built giant pyramids as burial places for their pharaohs. They
carved the Great Sphinx out of solid rock as a guardian of King CheopsÕ Great
Pyramid at Giza. The ancient Egyptians called their country Kemet, which means
black (after the land). The Greeks called the country Aigyptos, from the name
Ha-ka-ptah, the main temple of the Egyptian capital at Memphis.
Many modern beliefs and ideals, as well as much of manÕs knowledge, had
their origin in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians developed the worldÕs first
national government. Their religion was one of the first to emphasize a life
after death. They produced an expressive art and literature. The...
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