15 Facts About Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt was one of the most fascinating and significant civilizations in human history.

It flourished along the banks of the Nile River in northeastern Africa for thousands of years, from around 3100 BC to 30 BC.

During this time, the Egyptians developed a rich culture, language, art, religion, and political system that left a lasting impact on the world.

In this context, here are some facts about ancient Egypt, covering various aspects of its history, society, religion, and achievements.

Ancient Egypt Facts

1. Ancient Egypt is considered one of the earliest civilizations in the world

Ancient Egypt is considered one of the earliest civilizations in the world, with its history dating back to around 3100 BC, when King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt into one kingdom.

Also Read: Ancient Egypt Accomplishments

However, there were earlier cultures in the Nile Valley that preceded the rise of Egypt, such as the Badarian culture, which dates back to around 4500 BC.

The myth of Ra and the serpent Apep

Nevertheless, the unification of Egypt under a single ruler marked the beginning of a new era of Egyptian civilization that lasted for several millennia, with various dynasties and periods of political, social, and cultural development.

2. The ancient Egyptians believed in polytheism

The ancient Egyptians believed in a polytheistic religion, which means they worshiped many gods and goddesses.

Also Read: Ancient Egypt Timeline

The ancient Egyptian religion was complex and evolved over thousands of years, and the gods and goddesses played a central role in every aspect of life, from birth and death to the natural world and the afterlife.

Anubis and the Weighing of the Heart

The ancient Egyptian pantheon consisted of hundreds of deities, each with their own attributes, functions, and symbols. Some of the most important gods and goddesses included:

  • Ra the sun god,
  • Osiris the god of the afterlife,
  • Isis the goddess of fertility and motherhood
  • Horus the god of the sky and kingship

The ancient Egyptians believed that the gods and goddesses controlled every aspect of life and could influence the natural world and human affairs. They also believed in the existence of an afterlife, where the souls of the deceased could be judged by Osiris and other gods and achieve eternal life.

Also Read: Egyptian Pharaohs Facts

The ancient Egyptian religion was also characterized by elaborate rituals, ceremonies, and festivals, which were meant to honor and appease the gods and goddesses. The temples and other religious structures were the centers of the community and served as the focal point of religious life.

3. The Nile River was the backbone of Ancient Egyptian civilization

The Nile River was the backbone of Ancient Egyptian civilization and played a crucial role in the survival and prosperity of its people.

The Nile River is the longest river in the world, flowing over 6,650 kilometers through eleven countries in northeastern Africa.

In Ancient Egypt, the Nile provided the people with water for irrigation, fertile soil for agriculture, and a means of transportation for goods and people. The annual flooding of the Nile, which occurred between June and September, deposited nutrient-rich silt along the riverbanks, which made the land ideal for farming.

The ancient Egyptians developed a sophisticated system of canals, dikes, and reservoirs to manage the floodwaters and distribute the water to different parts of the country.

The Nile also played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of the ancient Egyptians, who considered it a sacred river and worshiped various river gods and goddesses.

4. The pharaoh was considered a god on Earth

In Ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was the king and ruler of the country, and was believed to be a living embodiment of a god on earth. The pharaoh was regarded as the supreme political and religious authority, responsible for maintaining order, justice, and harmony in the society.

The pharaoh was also seen as a mediator between the gods and the people, and was believed to have the power to control the forces of nature, such as the floods of the Nile River.

Tutankhamun's Mask

The pharaoh was surrounded by a court of high officials, priests, and advisors, who assisted him in the governance of the country and the execution of various rituals and ceremonies.

The pharaoh was often depicted in art and sculpture wearing various symbols of his power, such as the crown, the scepter, and the flail.

The concept of the pharaoh as a divine ruler was central to the ideology and culture of Ancient Egypt, and shaped the society and the religion for thousands of years.

5. The pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom

The pyramids were monumental tombs built during the Old Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt, from around 2686 BC to 2181 BC. The pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs and their queens, and were meant to protect their bodies and possessions for eternity.

The construction of pyramids required immense resources, labor, and engineering skills, and was a testament to the power and wealth of the pharaohs and the state.

Pyramid of Khafre

The most famous pyramids are located at Giza, near modern-day Cairo, and include the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

Also Read: Great Pyramid of Giza Facts

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and the oldest of the three, and was built over a period of 20 years using an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing up to 80 tons.

The pyramids were also surrounded by various temples, causeways, and other structures that served religious and administrative functions. The pyramids continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world, and are considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of human history.

6. The Great Sphinx is a sculpture of a mythical creature

The Great Sphinx is a massive limestone statue located near the pyramids at Giza, which was built during the reign of the pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from around 2520 to 2494 BC during the Old Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt.

The Great Sphinx is a sculpture of a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body, and is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in the world.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

The statue is 20 meters high and 73 meters long, and was carved out of a single block of limestone. The purpose and symbolism of the Great Sphinx is a subject of much debate and speculation among scholars and archaeologists.

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Some believe that it was built as a guardian of the pyramids and the royal necropolis, while others suggest that it was a symbol of the pharaoh’s power and divine status. The Great Sphinx continues to inspire awe and wonder among visitors and remains a symbol of the grandeur and mystery of Ancient Egypt.

7. Hieroglyphics were the writing system used by the ancient Egyptians

Hieroglyphics were the writing system used by the ancient Egyptians, and it was a combination of pictures and symbols that represented words and ideas.

The word “hieroglyphics” comes from the Greek words “hieros,” meaning sacred, and “glyphein,” meaning to carve, indicating the religious and artistic significance of the writing system.

Nemes Headdress

The hieroglyphic script was used for inscriptions on temples, tombs, and monuments, as well as for administrative, legal, and literary texts.

Also Read: Ancient Egyptian Symbols

The hieroglyphs were usually read from right to left, and the direction of the writing was determined by the orientation of the human and animal figures in the glyphs.

The deciphering of hieroglyphics was a major breakthrough in understanding the culture and history of Ancient Egypt, and it allowed scholars to access a wealth of knowledge and information about the society, religion, and daily life of the ancient Egyptians.

8. The ancient Egyptians had a strong belief in the afterlife

The ancient Egyptians had a strong belief in the afterlife and developed a complex system of burial rituals and mummification to ensure the preservation of the body for the journey to the afterlife.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the soul of the deceased would continue to live in the afterlife and would require a preserved and recognizable body to do so.

The process of mummification involved the removal of the internal organs, except for the heart, which was believed to be the seat of the soul, and the wrapping of the body in linen bandages. The mummification process could take up to 70 days and involved several stages of preparation and ritual.

The Legend of the Sun Boat

The burial of the mummified body was also accompanied by various funerary rituals, such as the opening of the mouth ceremony, which was meant to restore the deceased’s ability to eat, drink, and breathe in the afterlife.

The tomb and the grave goods were also considered important for the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife, and were often filled with food, clothing, jewelry, and other items needed for the journey to the afterlife.

The belief in the afterlife and the elaborate burial practices were an integral part of the ancient Egyptian culture and religion, and have left a lasting impact on the world’s cultural heritage.

9. The ancient Egyptians were skilled in medicine

The ancient Egyptians were skilled in medicine and developed a wide range of treatments for various illnesses and injuries, including surgery. The ancient Egyptian medical practices were based on observation, trial and error, and a deep understanding of the human body and its functions.

The ancient Egyptian physicians were trained in various medical disciplines, such as dentistry, surgery, gynecology, and pharmacology, and used a combination of herbal remedies, surgery, and magic to treat their patients.

Some of the most significant medical achievements of the ancient Egyptians include the use of sutures for wound closure, the treatment of fractures and dislocations, and the use of prosthetic limbs. The ancient Egyptians were also skilled in the treatment of eye diseases, such as cataracts, and developed surgical techniques to remove the lens of the eye.

The medical knowledge and practices of the ancient Egyptians were highly advanced for their time and have had a lasting impact on the development of medicine and healthcare in the world.

10. The ancient Egyptian calendar was a solar calendar

The ancient Egyptian calendar was a solar calendar based on the cycles of the sun and the Nile River, and was used by the Egyptians for thousands of years.

The calendar was divided into 12 months, each consisting of 30 days, and an additional 5 days at the end of the year, known as the “epagomenal days.” The ancient Egyptians named each month after a significant event or deity, and used the calendar for agricultural purposes, such as predicting the annual flooding of the Nile and planning the planting and harvesting of crops.

The ancient Egyptian calendar was also used for religious and administrative purposes, such as determining the dates of festivals, rituals, and court sessions. The calendar was based on a system of astronomical observations and was adjusted periodically to account for the discrepancy between the solar year and the lunar year.

The ancient Egyptian calendar had a lasting influence on the development of calendars in other cultures and civilizations, and its legacy can still be seen in the modern Gregorian calendar, which is also based on the solar year.

11. There were few female pharaohs

Hatshepsut was one of the most successful and influential pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, and one of the few female pharaohs who ruled the country. She ascended to the throne during the New Kingdom period, around 1478 BC, after the death of her husband and stepbrother, Thutmose II.

Hatshepsut adopted the title of pharaoh and ruled the country for more than 20 years, during which she oversaw significant political, economic, and cultural achievements.

She commissioned numerous building projects, including the construction of temples, palaces, and obelisks, and sponsored expeditions to Punt, a land of exotic goods and animals.

Hatshepsut also implemented economic reforms, such as promoting trade and increasing the production of luxury goods, which contributed to the wealth and stability of the country.

Also Read: Hatshepsut Facts

Despite her accomplishments, Hatshepsut’s reign was controversial and was often challenged by her stepson, Thutmose III, who later succeeded her as pharaoh.

After her death, her memory and legacy were erased from official records and monuments, but her achievements and influence were rediscovered and celebrated in modern times.

12. The ancient Egyptians were skilled in mathematics

The ancient Egyptians were skilled in mathematics and developed a sophisticated numerical system based on the decimal or base 10 system. The ancient Egyptian numeral system used hieroglyphs to represent numbers and was used for various purposes, such as accounting, taxation, surveying, and architecture.

The system was based on multiples of 10, and used different symbols to represent units, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on. The ancient Egyptians used mathematical concepts and techniques to solve practical problems, such as the calculation of areas, volumes, and proportions, as well as more abstract problems, such as the investigation of prime numbers and the discovery of Pythagorean triples.

The ancient Egyptians also developed various mathematical tools, such as the use of fractions, the calculation of pi, and the construction of geometric shapes, which were instrumental in the design and construction of monumental structures, such as the pyramids and temples.

The ancient Egyptian mathematics had a lasting impact on the development of mathematics and science in the world, and their legacy can still be seen in the modern numerical system and the use of mathematical concepts in various fields of knowledge.

13. The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their artistic achievements

The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their artistic achievements, and their art is considered one of the most distinctive and influential in the world.

The ancient Egyptians created a wide range of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art, which were characterized by their attention to detail, realism, and symbolic meaning.

The art of ancient Egypt served various purposes, such as religious, funerary, and commemorative, and was often commissioned by the pharaohs, nobles, and high officials.

Some of the most famous examples of ancient Egyptian art include the Great Sphinx, the bust of Nefertiti, the murals in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and the various sculptures and reliefs in the temples and tombs of the pharaohs.

The ancient Egyptians used a variety of materials for their art, such as limestone, granite, gold, and precious stones, and developed advanced techniques for carving, painting, and gilding.

The art of ancient Egypt had a lasting impact on the development of art and architecture in the world, and its influence can still be seen in the works of modern artists and designers.

14. Ancient Egypt had a complex social structure

Ancient Egypt had a complex social structure that was hierarchical and based on the occupation and status of individuals. At the top of the social hierarchy were the pharaohs, who were considered divine rulers and had absolute power over the country.

The pharaohs were surrounded by a court of high officials, priests, and advisors, who assisted them in the governance of the country and the execution of various rituals and ceremonies.

Below the pharaohs were the nobles, who held high-ranking positions in the government and the military, and were often appointed as governors of provinces or overseers of large estates.

The nobles were followed by the priests, who were responsible for the worship of the gods and the performance of religious ceremonies, and were held in high esteem by the people.

The scribes, who were responsible for the administration of the state, including record-keeping, taxation, and legal proceedings, occupied a high status in ancient Egyptian society and were highly trained in reading and writing.

The artisans, who were skilled in various crafts, such as sculpting, painting, weaving, and jewelry making, played an important role in the economy and culture of ancient Egypt, and were organized into guilds.

At the bottom of the social hierarchy were the farmers and laborers, who made up the majority of the population and were responsible for the cultivation of the land and the construction of public works.

The social structure of ancient Egypt was rigid and hierarchical, and the occupation and status of an individual determined their access to resources, education, and opportunities.

15. The decline of Ancient Egypt began around 664 BC

Despite its long and impressive history, Ancient Egypt eventually declined and fell to foreign invaders, including the Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

The decline of Ancient Egypt began in the Late Period, around 664 BC, when the country was invaded by the Assyrians and other foreign powers. The country was weakened by political instability, economic decline, and internal conflicts, which made it vulnerable to foreign aggression.

In 332 BC, Ancient Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great of Greece, who founded the city of Alexandria and introduced Greek culture and language to the country.

After Alexander’s death, the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was of Greek origin, ruled Egypt for almost 300 years, until it was conquered by the Romans in 30 BC. The Roman conquest marked the end of Ancient Egypt as an independent and powerful state, and the country became a province of the Roman Empire.

Despite its decline and fall, Ancient Egypt left a lasting legacy in the world, through its art, architecture, literature, religion, and science. The achievements and innovations of Ancient Egypt have influenced and inspired countless generations of people, and continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.