Ancient Age: Egyptian Civilization four thousand five hundred years before Christ to one thousand ninety years before Christ

Ancient Age: Egyptian Civilization four thousand five hundred years before Christ to one thousand ninety years before Christ

Geographical Position

If the art of a civilization exists without wearing out, even after thousands of years have elapsed; it is because of the geographic location that nation is blessed with. A notable example is the Egyptian civilization. In the north-east corner of Africa, lies Egypt. Due to it being geographically situated with large deserts and mountainous regions on its west and south, and oceans on the north-east, there was never any possibility of foreign invasion on Egypt. Thus, the art there has remained in the same condition for thousands of years. The division of Egypt's terrain is done in two parts, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt. The tapering part of land in the East on both sides of the river is called 'Upper Egypt'. The Nile flows towards the North into the Mediterranean Sea. The northernmost region of Egypt, near the mouth of the Nile where it enters the sea is known as 'Lower Egypt'. The yearly flood that occurs in the Nile deposits rich alluvial soil and that has made the region fertile. Hence, since the Neolithic period, inhabitation has come to be witnessed here. Egypt's climate is hot and dry. Hence, the artefacts have not worn out and have remained intact even through thousands of years. The deposits on the banks of the river Nile are very useful in producing mud bricks. The papyrus plant that is grown there is quite helpful in the building of houses. There are gigantic accumulations of sandstones available in the mountainous terrains. Similarly, various kinds of stones, like diorite, granite, etc. are available in abundant proportions. Therefore, the production of huge buildings and grand idol-sculptures became possible in this land.

Historical Backdrop

Since the Neolithic Age, there were human dwellings in Egypt. Around the year three thousand four hundred years before Christ there was a king named 'Menes'. A most ancient rock inscription referring to this very king is found to be seen in Egypt.

Altogether, thirty-one dynasties ruled Egypt, beginning with 'Thinite' family. from which the political tenures began. 'This' or 'Thinis', was the capital city. The name of the dynasty 'Thinite' may have derived from this. There is not much information available on the ancient age royal dynasties. The regimes of the royal dynasties in Egypt are classified into four monarchies. namely the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the New Kingdom and the Saite period. Around the period two thousand six hundred years before Christ during the Old Kingdom reign, the huge pyramids were built; excellent artworks and sculpture were produced. In the period between two thousand and one thousand seven hundred years before Christ, during the Middle Kingdom regime, i.e. when the eleventh and twelfth royal dynasties ruled, the idols of the mighty and great icons of the dynasty were erected. At the same time, the construction of buildings too got an impetus. Around this time, ruled the famous king, Ramases the second. This period is known as the golden age. The famous temples and tombs of Karnak and Luxor were built during the reign of Ramases.