Lecture Three : The Ancient Civilisations

Part 2 : Ancient Egypt’s Cultural Aspects

Intro :
Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in history, known for its remarkable

cultural achievements that make it one of the most captivating societies ever. Ancient Egypt

passed through several dynasties, each with its unique contribution in the development of the

civilisation. Occupied by matters of government, however, the First and Second dynasties were

considered times of consolidation, during which the culture of the final predynasities continued.

It was only during the Third and Fourth dynasties that "the new state was stable and secure

enough to express itself in a distinctively new and ‘Egyptian’ way". From thhe ancient

Egyptian’s perspective, the universe held three main inhabitants ; the gods, the living, and the

dead.

1. Religion

Ancient Egyptian artifacts, ranging from statues and temples to intricate wall

paintings—are among the most recognizable and revered remnants of both past civilizations

and contemporary culture. These artifacts not only showcase the remarkable artistry and

architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians but also provide deep insights into their cultural

and religious values. Understanding religion is essential for grasping the complexity of the

ancient Egyptian cultural landscape, as it influenced every facet of daily life, from governance

to social interactions.

Religion served as a unifying force within ancient Egyptian society, binding individuals

together through shared beliefs and rituals. Ancient Egyptians perceived the gods as present on

earth through various physical manifestations, such as the pharaoh, statues, and sacred animals.

This belief system created a direct connection between the divine and the mortal, instilling a

sense of purpose and community among the people. Additionally, they believed in the
immortality of certain humans, further reinforcing the idea that one’s actions in life had

consequences beyond death.

The religious framework of ancient Egypt encompassed a wide array of beliefs and

practices, influenced by various legends and forms of worship. Rituals and sacrifices played a

crucial role in maintaining favor with the gods, ensuring harmony and balance in both the

spiritual and earthly realms. From elaborate ceremonies to daily offerings, the Egyptians

demonstrated their devotion and sought to uphold the principles of Ma'at; truth, balance, and

order, through their religious observances.

Thus, ancient Egyptian religion was not only a system of beliefs but also a

comprehensive way of life, shaping their laws, art, and social structures. The enduring legacy

of these artifacts serves as a testament to the profound influence of religion in ancient Egyptian

culture, illustrating how deeply intertwined faith was with their identity and worldview.

1.1.Ancient Egyptian’s Gods and Goddesses

 RA : Ra was revered as the god of the sky and held the position of the most important deity

in ancient Egyptian mythology. His significance extended beyond mere sky deity; he

embodied the sun itself, representing light, creation, and the cycle of life. Ra was known by

many names, including Amun-Ra, a fusion with the god Amun that emphasized his supreme

status, and Ra-Horakhty, which highlighted his role as a sky god who united the horizon

and the sun. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, Ra was born anew each morning in the

East, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of life. Conversely, as the sun set in the West, it

was said that Ra died, marking the end of the day and the descent into the underworld.

 Osiris : Osiris is the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life,

and vegetation in ancient Egyptian religion. He is traditionally depicted as a green-skinned

deity, symbolizing rebirth and regeneration, with a pharaoh's beard. Osiris is often shown

partially mummy-wrapped at the legs, which signifies his association with death and the
 afterlife. He wears the distinctive Atef crown, a symbol of his authority, and holds a crook

and flail, representing his role as a protector and ruler. This imagery underscores his

importance in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, making him a central figure in the

Egyptian pantheon.

 Isis : As a central figure in Egyptian mythology, Isis was regarded as the mother of every

pharaoh, due to the pharaoh's association with her son, Horus. This maternal link reinforced

her importance in the royal lineage and underscored her role as a protective and nurturing

deity within the ancient Egyptian pantheon.

 Ptah : Considered the god who created all the other deities, Ptah is worshipped as the patron

of craftspeople and architects. He is credited with inventing masonry. The famed architect

Imhotep claimed to be his offspring.

 Thoth : Thoth was the ancient Egyptian Keeper of the Mysteries. He was the god of the

moon, sacred texts, mathematics, the sciences, magic, messenger and recorder of the deities,

master of knowledge, and patron of scribes. Thoth was credited with creating the art of

writing, inventing the calendar, and controlling space and time.

2. The Hieroglaphs Writing

As one of the earliest cultures to develop writing, the Ancient Egyptians created over

700 hieroglyphs representing sounds, words, and ideas. They referred to writing as "Medu-

netjer," meaning "words of the gods." For their inscriptions, they used papyrus, a plant that

grew along the banks of the Nile (Fig. 1).

 Figure 1 : Fragment of a Mythological Papyrus Scroll, 950 – 730 BC, papyrus and

tempera.

Source: Virginia Museam of Fine Arts

3. Architecture

The ancient Egyptian civilization has left behind some of the world’s most magnificent

landmarks, each telling a story of their remarkable achievements and enduring legacy.

3.1.The Pyramids

Rooted in their religious beliefs, the pharaohs held a profound conviction in the concept

of life after death. To prepare for the afterlife, pharaohs commissioned elaborate tombs, starting

with mastabas (Fig. 2) then pyramids , which were designed to serve as their eternal resting

places. These structures were filled with valuable artifacts, food, and offerings, reflecting their

status and providing for their needs in the afterlife.

 Figure 2 : Mastaba

It was not until the Old Kingdom that the Ancient Egyptians changed from Mestaba to

the Pyramids. There are about one hundred pyramids in Egypt. The following are the most

famous ones :

 The Step Pyramid : The mastaba developed into the step pyramid. There were a series of

mastabas placed one on top of the other; each smaller than the one beneath. The first step

pyramid was designed by the architect Imhotep for King Djoser ca. 2780 BC. This pyramid

still stands today on the west bank of the Nile River at Saqqara near Memphis.

 The Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaure pyramids : The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and

Menkaure (Fig. 3), located on the Giza Plateau, are some of the most iconic monuments of

ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2580 BCE, is the largest and most

renowned, originally standing at 481 feet and showcasing remarkable engineering skills.

Khafre's pyramid, slightly smaller but perched on a higher plateau, features the remnants of

its original casing stones, giving it a distinct, gleaming appearance. Menkaure's pyramid,

the smallest of the three, is notable for its unique construction materials and the impressive

mortuary temple associated with it. Together, these pyramids serve as a testament to the

pharaohs' power, religious beliefs, and the advanced architectural techniques of ancient

Egypt, symbolizing their enduring legacy.

Figure 3 : The Pyramids of Giza

3.2. The Great Sphinx

Considered most instantly recognizable statue associated with ancient Egypt and among

the most famous in the world, the Great Sphinx was carved out of limestone on the Giza plateau

in the shape of a recumbent lion with the head of an Egyptian king (Fig. 4). It is highly assumed

that the sculptured was made during the reign of the king Khafre (2558-2532 BCE- the period

of the Old Kingdom).

Figure 4 : The Great Sphinx of Giza

 4. The Mummification Process
Based on their religious belief ensuring human existence in the afterlife, Ancient

Egyptians were concerned about preserving the body as a place for the `soul' to return to. With

much debate and controversy over the mummification process, the best literary account of the

mummification process is given by Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian. He records that the

entire process took seventy days. The internal organs, apart from the heart and kidneys, were

removed via a cut in the left side. The organs were dried and wrapped, and placed in canopic

jars, or later replaced inside the body. The brain was removed, often through the nose, and

discarded. Bags of natron or salt were packed both inside and outside the body, and left for forty

days until all the moisture had been removed from the remaining body tissue. The body was

then cleansed with aromatic oils and resins and wrapped with bandages, often household linen

torn into strips.