Egypt Civilization - Old Kingdom - Research Paper Example

Egypt Civilization: Old Kingdom From a historical point of view, civilization of Egypt traces back from its religious traditions that had great impacts on the life of its dwellers (Perry 12). The Old kingdom refers to the periods when Egypt contributed certain efforts towards the civilization of the world. In the views of Rice (2), the Old kingdom period witnessed the achievement of development in artistic skills, architecture, societal leadership and management promotion of religious beliefs. According to Rice (2), River Nile and its splendorous valley was among the treasures of Egypt during the Old kingdom period. Perry (8) confirms that River Nile and its valleys played the most significant role in the pursuance of civilization in Egypt. Every time volume of waters in Nile increased, the river broke its banks thereby depositing fertile black silts that were cultivated and yielded abundant food for the population. Old kingdom period lasted between 3100-2200BCE and is remarked as the most eventful period in the history of Egypt. During this period the artistic, architectural, social, economic and religion development and stability were remarkable achievements in the history of Egypt. In the reports of Rice (102), old kingdom rolled through six dynasties, and the most treasured dynasty was the third dynasty that witnessed development of rigorous events in the history of Egypt. The third dynasty rolled with development of political structure, social and techniques used in developing the country. During the third dynasty, the relationship between the king and the citizens also improved for the better of the society (Rice 102). Architectural skills improved and the craftsmen were able to sculpture the king’s image from by the use of stones. Rice (102) confirms that architects used glazes in the smoothening, shining and decoration of the temple and king’s palace. Rice (102) reaffirms that the third dynasty sprouted with plausible innovation and technologies especially from the Master builder called Imhotep. Imhotep operated under the headship of the third dynasty king who was known as Djoser Netjerykhet. Rice (103) reports that Djoser led massive building of beautiful tombs that were referred to as mastaba under the workmanship of Imhotep the master builder. Imhotep is also remembered for his creativity when he designed an impressive monument that enclosed the tomb constructed for King Djoser. Rice (103) asserts that the monument built by Imhotep for king Djoser became the most historic pyramid in the entire world as reflected from the artistic style that was used in its construction. In the reports of Spielvogel (18), building of pyramids was one of the greatest achievements driving wheels the road towards Egyptian civilization. Spielvogel (18) admits that most of the pyramids in Egypt were mainly constructed during the Old kingdom periods. Pyramids were part of large structures dedicated for the burial of the dead. Spielvogel (18) confirms that the main pyramids were meant for the burial of the kings and the pharaohs, and were surrounded by smaller tombs for the burial of the family members of the pharaohs. According to Spielvogel (18), tombs had rooms that were furnished and decorated. In addition, the tombs were supplied with plenty of chairs, boats, weapons, dishes, chests and multiple food items. Spielvogel (18) further mentions that Egyptians of the Old Kingdom periods had strong beliefs that human had two bodies and upon death one was supposed to remain and live among the community. For this reason Egyptians of the Old Kingdom periods did not bury but rather dried the bodies through a process referred to as mummification. Bodies were dried to avoid decomposition and the practice was done by specific priests. Spielvogel (19) avers that pyramids in Egypt during the Old Kingdom periods signified the powers of the pharaohs and a reminder of the perceived god of earth. The pyramid constructed by Imhotep the master builder measured 536 meters in length by 272 meters breadth. The wall was buttressed, recessed and paneled with thirteen entrances into the tomb. The pyramid also had alters designated for the continual celebration of Hed-Sed festivals in commemoration of King Djoser (Rice 104). During the fourth dynasty, King Snofru continued the construction of pyramids in Egypt, which estimates indicate to have used nine million tons of quarried stones. Sonfru’s successor Khnum-Khufu also perpetuated the construction of pyramids more so having built the largest and the first pyramid in Giza (Rice 108). The Great Pyramid at Giza had impressive decorations made through limestone that allowed it shine even at the face of sun and moon. During the fourth dynasty of the old kingdom, some wealthy individuals in the Egyptian kingdom constructed tombs and pyramids in resemblance to that of king Djoser. The pyramids at Giza symbolized the high point of pharaonic power and were surrounded by several smaller pyramids and large number of the mastabas designated for the burial of the royal families. Individuals who worked in the pyramid construction got item from their public for the support of heir families. Criminals and prisoners were forced to work in the pyramid construction but under favorable conditions. Great pyramid constructed for Khufu had an empty boat beside it and other mini pyramids for the burial of the close relatives to pharaoh (Atiya 85). The sides of the Great Pyramid were smoothened and had closely fixed blocks such that the space between successive blocks was invisible. Atiya (85) speculates that the construction of the Great pyramid could have majorly involved the4 use of tools made of bronze, topaz and sapphire. Bronze was dented lengthwise to form a saw like item used in the cutting of stones. Apart from the Great pyramid of Khufu, another pyramid perceived to be second largest was constructed in Giza by Pharaoh Chephren and named Wer-khafre (Atiya 93). The southern side of the pyramid was a small pyramid, a tomb for the wife of Chephren and a mortuary temple lain to the east of the pyramid. Mycerinus pyramid was the third largest constructed in the old kingdom period. Pharaohs in the Egypt political set up were assumed the role of king and god. Pharaoh was rulers who monitored and controlled irrigation in the kingdom. People also believed that Pharaohs had close link with heaven and could be assumed to express heaven’s will whenever he maintained justice and order in the land (Perry 14). Pharaohs had mandate and power over every sector of the economy in the country. In the reports of Perry (14), Pharaohs headed army of the country and could watch on military personnel when collecting taxes from the citizens. In addition, Pharaohs had the responsibilities of supervising construction projects in every corner of the kingdom. Moreover, Perry (14) mentions that Pharaohs governed and oversaw irrigation of the land. Pharaohs also assumed the roles of spies and could survey the land of Egypt at will. Furthermore, Pharaohs acted as secretaries who kept records of various events and items of the country. Perry (14) confirms that Pharaohs headed foreign trades that transacted between Egypt and the other parts of the world. According to Perry (140), Pharaohs also assumed the responsibilities of store keepers as they supervised and monitored activities within and without government warehouses where reserve foods were kept. Pharaohs also acted as the protectors of the people against internal and external attacks (Perry 14). Perry (12) reports that Egypt in the old kingdom period enjoyed peace and stability, which was made easier through natural barriers like lakes, rivers and mountains. Pharaohs of then old kingdom period extended their powers to the land of Nubians for the sake of obtaining gold. Trade partners of Egypt during the old kingdom periods mainly involved the Palestine, Syria and Crete (Perry 12). In the mentioning of Perry (14), Egyptian medicine men of the old kingdom period were very wise and could identify and heal various kinds of illness. Pouwels and Adler (36) report that Pharaohs worked under the assistance of priests and landowners who received magnificent respect from the society. Pouwels and Adler (38) further mentions that Egypt’s religion composed of polytheism with different gods. Among the Egyptian gods were the sun god, moon god and star god. Spielvogel (17) discloses that Egyptians had gods in the form of Osiris and Isis who had a child called Horus and were related to river Nile and the sun god. In the Egyptian community of Old kingdom period, Osiris represented the resurrection of the dead. Spielvogel (17) narrates that the war between Osiris and his brother Seth might have been the result of civilization in Egypt. Osiris died in the war but was latter resurrected back to life and that any living that identified with Osiris was unlikely to taste a permanent death. Spielvogel (17) confirms that the floods of seasonal floods that hits River Nile thereby spilling fertile soil on the banks, symbolizes the resurrection as was done by Isis the of Osiris when she gathered the body parts of her his husband and regained life. In the views of Spielvogel (16) Egyptians had many gods of natural forces, which included the sun god that was believed to be a source of life for the people. Spielvogel (16) reports that the cult of sun god assumed different forms and names depending on the specific function. The sun was worshipped as Atum in the form of human and as Re who had human’s body and a head of falcon. The Pharaohs who ruled in Egypt in the old kingdom period referred to themselves as Sons of the Re (Spielvogel 16). Additionally, Perry (20) mentions that rivers, mountains, wind, stars and lightening were seen as either gods or inhabitation of the gods. Slaves in the old kingdom of Egypt served in the houses of Pharaohs, families of pharaohs, political administrators and in the households of priests. Slaves also worked in the temple, agricultural farms and quarrying industries. Webster (477) reveals that human sacrifice was a common practice in Egypt during the old kingdom period. Human beings could be offered to the dead ancestors instead of animals. Webster (477) further states that human sacrifices among the Egyptians in the old kingdom period were designed for replenishment of communion with gods. Webster (477) confirms that slavers were the most vulnerable group who could be slaughtered to accompany the dead master to what was believed to be an afterlife. Slaves were killed and buried below the bodies of the masters. In some cases, slaves were buried a live with their masters (Webster 477). Pharaohs were placed on high ranks and had immeasurable respect and their rulings were considered to have abided by ma’at (justice, law, right and truth). Any disobedience against Pharaohs was considered as violation of the universally divined orders of ma’at (Perry 14). In conclusion, Old kingdom in the history of Egypt refers to the time when Egypt contributed certain efforts towards civilization. Old kingdom period lasted between 3100-2200BCE. Old Kingdom period consisted of six major dynasties with the third dynasty marking the historical events in the country of Egypt. It is worth recalling that third dynasty rolled along with highly experienced artists and architectures that had the potential to construct wonderful structures. Imhotep displayed exemplary and exceptional skills when he designed and constructed a unique tomb and pyramid of its kind in the entire world under the Kingship of Djoser. Upon the death of Djoser, Khufu took over the reign and imitated his predecessor by constructing the largest pyramid in Egypt called the Great pyramid. Pharaohs played several roles in the kingdom and were considered as earthly gods. Slaves were also offered as sacrifices to the ancestors whenever their masters died. It is worth noting that pyramids were mainly meant for the burial of the kings and the families around the surroundings of the main pyramid. Work cited Atiya, Farid. Ancient Egypt. Giza. Farid Atiya Publishers, 2006. Print. Perry, Marvin. Western Civilization: A Brief History, 7th Ed. Boston, MA; Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. Pouwells, Randall & Adler, Phillip. World Civilizations. Boston, MA; Cengage Learning, 2008. Print. Rice, Michael. Egypt's legacy: the archetypes of western civilization 3000-30 BC. New York; Routledge Publishers, 1997. Print. Spielvogel, Jackson. Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume 1. Boston, MA; Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Webster, Merriam. Merriam-Webster's encyclopedia of world religions. Merriam-Webster Inc, 1999. Print. Read More