Technology is perhaps the most popular civilization of the 21 st Century. Indeed, its discovery redefined modern civilization so much that some may be tempted to think that the invention of the wheel was not a noble idea. While a child of this generation may be waiting for the next social media software to be invented, it may be difficult for them to remotely imagine that someone was once waiting for a farming tool to be invented with the same zeal and enthusiasm. Over the years, human beings have always sought ways to make their lives on earth better and more comfortable. One of the phenomena that sprouted due to this ‘ideology’ of making life better and more comfortable is civilization. Definitively, civilization is the progressive adoption or conformity to new socio-economic and political structures that are comparatively better and advantageous from the prior systems/structures. This phenomenon cuts across culture, politics, society, technology, infrastructure, and the economy. Ancient Egypt is one of the early demographic settings that had breathtaking civilizations.
Structure of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was a civilization that was experienced in Northeastern Africa. Its origin is traced to regions around the lower Nile River at around 3100BC. Today, this region is in Egypt. Ancient Egypt is one of the most spectacular civilizations because it was located in a region that is a complete desert. The Nile River and Red sea were the phenomenal markers of the extent of Ancient Egypt. Agriculture was the main activity on which ancient Egypt was instituted. Ironic as it may seem, farming in the desert was the root of historically known civilization. The Nile River facilitated agriculture. In fact, agricultural activities were given a major boost by the fertile Nile floodplains and fan deltas (Baines, 2007).
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On the Eastern side between the Nile and the Red Sea, there was an extension of the Sahara desert. However, a small nomadic population was based there. The area also contained some mineral deposits including gold. The Isthmus of the Suez was situated in the Northeastern part providing a crucial route to Sinai for trading activities. Farming activities were carried out around the Nile River through irrigation. Even though there was no equipment for plantation and extensive large-scale farming, most farmers were able to produce enough food for domestic purposes and put out surplus for trade. Wheat, barley, and cereals were some of the crops that were popularly grown. Animal husbandry was also practiced with dogs, camels, pigs, and sheep being some of the animals kept.
It is important to note that agriculture was the foundation of ancient Egypt since it paved the way for the most important civilizations that are attached to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egypt was known for a proficient military that protected its territories and reaffirmed their strength. Quarrying was also carried out with the minerals being used for construction, trade, and the making of ornaments (Brier & Hobbs, 1999). There was a bureaucratic system of leadership that was led by Pharaoh. Religious leaders, elite scribes, and other appointed administrators helped in the subsidiary leadership levels. Infrastructure was also a notable milestone that was synonymous with the breathtaking structures that were in ancient Egypt. Obelisks, temples, and pyramids were some of the remarkable infrastructures. The literary system of ancient Egypt underwent ‘evolution’ during the civilization. In essence, a writing system, mathematics, and scientific research were instituted. The first glass and planked boats are also associated with ancient Egypt.
Neolithic Revolution Contribution to Ancient Egypt
Neolithic Revolution was a transformative period for humans from a hunting and gathering culture to settlement. Throughout this period, humans were able to start agriculture, well-structured settlements, societies, and communities. A surge in population was also a defining element of Neolithic Revolution. Since ancient Egypt was primarily based on agricultural activities, Neolithic revolution contributed towards this civilization by setting the pace for agriculture. The population surge that resulted from the revolution provided more labor for agriculture, construction, and mining. Notably, also, Neolithic Revolution triggered humans to seek alternative jobs rather than the traditional hunting and gathering. Through this, many people found work in infrastructural development, fishing, mining, trading, and agriculture at large. These activities tailored a solid foundation on which ancient Egypt was fortified. The Neolithic Revolution, therefore, can be viewed as the rudimentary stage of what was later going to be ancient Egypt in Northeastern Africa (Brier & Hobbs, 1999).
Characteristics of Civilizations in Ancient Egypt
Infrastructure or architecture is one of the most significant markers of civilization. Ancient Egypt is historically known to be one of the unique entities in infrastructural civilizations. Obelisks, temples, and pyramids were some of the greatest architectural structures in ancient Egypt. They used limestone, sand, bricks, and marble in the constructions. Another critical feature of civilization is food and economy which are complimentary. The two coherently define civilization. Farming was widely practiced in ancient Egypt with both farm and animal produce being available in large quantities. Mining and trading activities also improved the economic stature of ancient Egypt. The last characteristic is leadership and a political structure. Indeed, civilization cannot be realized if people cannot live under a harmonized leadership structure. In ancient Egypt, religious leaders, elite scribes, and other appointed administrators helped in the subsidiary leadership levels while the Pharaoh led the political system.
Supporting Archaeological Evidence
Modern Egypt is famously known for the magnificent pyramids. The architecture, materials, design, and contents of pyramids form some of the most substantial archeological evidence of ancient Egypt. For instance, the pyramids of Giza date back to between 2589 and 2504 BC. This is around the time when ancient Egypt was still instituting various civilizations. Writing was also another notable milestone that was taken during ancient Egypt. Even though the writing system was not similar to that of today, there is significant archeological evidence of this phenomenon. Hieroglyphics have been discovered in the tombs of Pharaohs while hieroglyphic inscriptions have been found in other items that had historical symbolism or significance to the leaders of ancient Egypt. These items include jars and stone templates. The element of mummification and burying pharaohs in pyramids is evident of the political structure of ancient Egypt.
The Downfall of Ancient Egypt
Several factors led to the demise and eventual collapse of ancient Egypt. Before the downfall, their military started weakening perhaps due to the lack of access to natural resources such as iron. A weakened military exposed the empire to frequent attacks from more vibrant armies leading to the crumbling of the political leadership. With inadequate resources to support their armies, critical events took place significantly altering the power structure of Ancient Egypt. First, there was the murder of Pharaoh (Ramses III) that led to a power vacuum that enabled King Amenmesse to amass vast portions of the empire and ultimately dividing it into two states. The greatest blow to the entire civilization was when Asiatics took control of the leadership system (Baines, 2007). However, their leadership was dissociated and marred with disorganization. As a result, the economy shrank as trade reduced due to the political instability. Some people began migrating to safer places thus reducing the human capital that was key to boosting the economy at that time. Finally, the whole system collapsed as new leaders took power and reconfigured the entire civilization to a downward spiral.
References
Baines, J. (2007). Visual and written culture in ancient Egypt. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Brier, B. & Hobbs, H. (1999). The daily life of the ancient Egyptians . Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
