ANCIENT EGYPTIANS Meaning and
Definition
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Ancient Egyptians refers to the people who lived in the northeastern region of Africa known as Egypt, during a period of time spanning over 3000 years, from around 3100 BCE to around 30 BCE. This civilization, considered one of the oldest in human history, achieved remarkable advancements in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent cultures.
The Ancient Egyptians were renowned for their distinctive culture, which was characterized by a complex religious system, impressive architectural achievements, and highly developed skills in art and craftsmanship. They were skilled builders of monumental structures, notably constructing the Pyramids of Giza, which served as tombs for their pharaohs.
The society of Ancient Egyptians revolved around a strong central authority, wielded by the pharaohs, who were considered divine rulers. Religion played a pivotal role in the lives of Egyptians, with a multitude of gods and goddesses worshipped alongside complex rituals involving mummification and the belief in the afterlife.
In addition to their religious practices, the Ancient Egyptians also excelled in fields such as medicine, mathematics, and writing. They developed a form of pictographic writing known as hieroglyphics, used primarily for writing inscriptions on tomb walls and monuments, but also found in papyrus scrolls.
Overall, the Ancient Egyptians were a civilization known for their distinguished cultural and scientific achievements, leaving a rich legacy that continues to captivate and fascinate people today.
Etymology of ANCIENT EGYPTIANS
The word "Egyptians" comes from the Latin term "Aegyptius", which was derived from the Greek "Aigyptios". The Greek word, in turn, was derived from the ancient Egyptian term "Hut-ka-Ptah", meaning "The House of the Ka of Ptah". Ptah was an ancient Egyptian deity, the god of creation, craftsmen, and architects.
The word "ancient" originates from the Latin term "antiquus", meaning "old" or "ancient". It was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "anti", which means "before" or "against". "Antiquus" was used to refer to things or people from a distant past, before the current time.
