ANCIENT EGYPTIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Ancient Egyptian refers to the civilization that existed in the Nile Valley from around 3100 BCE to 30 BCE. It was a civilization that thrived in northeastern Africa and left a lasting impact on history and culture.
The Ancient Egyptian civilization was characterized by its advanced and sophisticated culture, notable achievements in architecture, art, literature, science, and religion. One of the defining features of Ancient Egypt was its emphasis on divine pharaohs who were considered both religious and political leaders. They believed in an elaborate system of gods and goddesses and dedicated much of their resources to building monumental structures such as pyramids and temples.
The society of Ancient Egypt was made up of different social classes, with the pharaoh and the royal family occupying the highest position. Below them were high-ranking officials, priests, and scribes, while at the bottom of the social ladder were farmers, laborers, and slaves.
The Ancient Egyptians developed a system of hieroglyphic writing, which consisted of pictorial symbols that conveyed meaning. They also made significant advancements in mathematics and engineering, developing techniques for construction such as the use of ramps and pulleys.
The civilization had a rich funerary culture, with elaborate burial rituals and the belief in an afterlife. The mummification process played a significant role in preserving the bodies of the deceased. The Ancient Egyptians also believed in various gods and goddesses, such as Ra, Isis, and Osiris, and practiced religious rituals and ceremonies to appease and honor them.
Overall, Ancient Egyptian civilization is considered one of the most influential and significant cultures in human history, leaving behind an extensive legacy of art, architecture, religion, and cultural practices.
Etymology of ANCIENT EGYPTIAN
The word "ancient Egyptian" derives from the combination of two distinct elements: "ancient" and "Egyptian".
The word "ancient" comes from the Latin word "antiquus", meaning old, aged, or ancient. It entered English through Old French and has been in use since the 14th century.
The term "Egyptian" pertains to the people, culture, or language of Egypt. It traces back to Ancient Greek, where it is rendered as "Aigyptios" or "Aiguptos" (Αἴγυπτος). The Greeks derived this term from the ancient Egyptian name for their own country, "Hwt-ḥr.t" (pronounced as "Hwt-ka-Ptah"), meaning "the palace of the ka of Ptah".
