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Ancient Egypt The civilization of Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest in world history. It is usually held to have come to existence in around 3000 BC in the Nile River Valley. As well as being one of the earliest, the Ancient Egyptians had one of the longest lasting civilizations in world history. The great days of Ancient Egypt fell between c. 3000 BC and c. 1000 BC. Ancient Egyptian civilization’s long lifespan throughout history was typified by three distinct stable periods - the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom - separated by Intermediate Periods when the country was weak, divided and invaded. Location Egypt is situated in the Nile Valley, in the north east of Africa. By 3000 BC, the unified kingdom of Egypt occupied the entire Nile Valley north of a series of rapids called the 1st Cataract. The life of Ancient Egypt centered around the Nile and the fertile land along its banks. The farmers in the long, narrow Nile Valley developed irrigation methods to control the flow of the river to a predictable stream through its rainy and dry seasons. The valley was fertile and rich, creating vast surpluses of crops that made possible incredible building projects such as the Pyramids and the temples of Luxor. The surpluses were also used to fund a refined lifestyle for the elite; to develop overseas trade and diplomacy; and to pay for wars of conquest. The achievements of the civilization involved innovations in writing - hieroglyphics - and administration; in quarrying and surveying, maths and architecture; irrigation and agricultural production methods; as well as some of the earliest ships. Art Much of the art which has come down to us is funery art - art designed for the tomb. The Ancient Egyptians believed that life could continue as normal in the afterlife, and so the dead were accompanied in their graves by everyday and luxury goods – including art objects - to help them enjoy their new life. Ancient Egyptian art emphasized a rigid style which changed remarkably little over the millennia. The iconic Egyptian two-dimensional style is found in tombs, temples and statues. Egyptian statues were carved from stone and rock, or wood as a cheap alternative, with paint obtained from mineral ores quarried from surrounding areas. The wall paintings in tombs often depict lively scenes of everyday life, bringing this ancient civilization vividly to life. Architecture The Ancient Egyptians built some of the most-awe inspiring structures the world has ever seen, such as the Pyramids of Giza. The construction of pyramids was in fact restricted to the earlier days of Egyptian civilization. The average Egyptian lived in a simple mud, wood or brick abode, with the elite having elaborate palaces, rich in art. Technology Mathematics The Ancient Egyptians developed high levels of mathematics to enable them to build their pyramids and temples with remarkably simple tools. Their practical mathematics must have been of a very high order indeed. Medicine Ancient Egyptian funerary practices, which involved embalming the dead, did not lead to detailed knowledge of human anatomy. Nevertheless, Egyptian medicine acquired an excellent reputation in the Ancient World. Ancient Egyptian doctors could stitch up wounds, repair broken bones and amputate infected limbs. Cuts were bandaged by raw meat, linen, and swabs soaked with honey. Opium was also used as a painkiller. Onions and garlic were used as health foods in the diet. Close to the Nile meant that water-borne diseases, such as malaria, were common. Other common ailments included physical stresses caused from a life of labor. Life expectancy was between 30 (women) and 35 (men), however about one third of infants never reached adulthood. Ship Building The long river along which Ancient Egyptian civilization was built was an ideal environment for the development of boat technology. Planks of wood were originally held together by straps with reeds or grass pushed in to seal the gaps. Soon tree nails were used to hold planks together. However, despite having the ships on which to sail, they were not renowned as great sailors and did not engage in shipping across the Mediterranean or Red Seas. Government The Ancient Egyptian civilization produced the first government to rule an entire nation. The Pharaoh was the ruler of Ancient Egypt, both politically and religiously. The Pharaoh held the title 'High Priest of Every Temple', meaning that he represented the honor of the gods on all the Earth. In Egyptian eyes, the pharaoh was a god himself, who stood between heaven and earth. Pharaoh was in charge of the army, and would go to war when his lands were threatened requesting valuable gifts from the conquered people if victory was obtained. To help the pharaoh in governing the land, an elaborate organization of officials, scribes and overseers – the world’s first civil service – developed, bringing the reach of government down to the lowliest villager. Pharaoh himself was surrounded in his palace by high officials, ministers and courtiers. Temples were used as places of worship and also as granaries and treasuries where grain and goods were stored. Economy and Society Ancient Egypt’s economy was based on farming. The great majority of the people were farmers. Because of the fertile nature of the Nile Valley, they were able to produce large surpluses of food, which sustained the pharaoh and his court, his officials, the priests and all the other members of the elite. Peasants also provided the mass labor which built the pyramids and temples along the Nile Valley. Trading inside Egypt would have been greatly successful by the presence of the River Nile. Numerous towns, cities, and markets dotted the river bank. The Egyptian ancient city of Memphis was one of the largest cities in the world, if not at the time, the largest.