18. Egypt - Fall of the Pharaohs
Fall of Civilizations・2 minutes read
Al Bagdadi traveled through ancient cities and was fascinated by Egypt's history, especially the pyramids at Giza, highlighting the ancient civilization's grandeur and architectural prowess, with a focus on key figures and events shaping Egypt's legacy.
Insights
- Al Bagdadi, a medieval Arab traveler, was deeply impressed by the ancient monuments and pyramids in Egypt, particularly the Great Pyramid at Giza.
- The Nile River, crucial for human settlement and development in Egypt, played a central role in the civilization's growth and sustenance.
- The construction of pyramids in Egypt involved skilled artisans and laboring peasants working seasonally, reshaping the Egyptian government and economy.
- The Middle Kingdom of Egypt was marked by territorial expansion, brutal campaigns, and a decline into chaos and rebellion.
- Akhenaten, the first monotheist in history, faced resistance in Egypt for his new religious beliefs, leading to the construction of a new capital city.
- Ramses II, a great Pharaoh of Egypt, achieved a stalemate victory at the Battle of Kadesh and established the first written peace treaty with the Hittites.
- The decline of ancient Egypt, marked by internal unrest, economic decline, and foreign invasions, culminated in the rise of the Kushite pharaohs who adopted Egyptian culture and ruled Egypt.
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Recent questions
What inspired Al Bagdadi's journey to Egypt?
Al Bagdadi embarked on his journey to Egypt around 1200 AD after studying law, medicine, and philosophy, inspired by classical philosophers like Aristotle. His travels took him to cities like Mosul, Jerusalem, Damascus, and Aleppo before reaching Egypt in 1204, where he was struck by the ancient monuments and stories that fascinated him.
What fascinated Al Bagdadi about Egypt?
Egypt, enclosed by hills with the Nile running through it, fascinated Al Bagdadi with its temples, tomb complexes, and most notably, the pyramids at Giza. The pyramids, numerous and varying in size and material, particularly impressed Al Bagdadi, with three standing out for their immense size and inspiring poets. He marveled at the Sphinx near the pyramids, noting its buried body and elegantly portrayed features, showcasing the engineering mastery required for such constructions.
How did the Nile impact ancient Egyptian civilization?
The Nile, the longest or second-longest river globally, originating from Lake Victoria and flowing through Egypt, has been crucial for human settlement and development in the region. Human presence in Egypt dates back to ancient times, with migrations along the Nile leading to the establishment of settlements, towns, cities, and kingdoms, shaping the civilization of ancient Egypt. The annual Nile flood, timed by the rising of the star Sirius, refreshed the land for agriculture, with the Egyptian year divided into flood, growing, and harvest seasons.
What challenges did pyramid builders face?
Pyramid builders faced challenges such as completing pyramids within 30 years, with only kings with long reigns seeing the final capstone placed. Unfinished pyramids like Sekmet and Kabar's showcased the difficulties in pyramid construction. The builders were a mix of professional artisans and laboring peasants, not slaves, working seasonally in exchange for rations. The vast administrative effort of building pyramids led to a restructuring of Egyptian government, with skilled individuals promoted on merit.
How did the decline of centralized power affect Egypt?
The decline of centralized power in Egypt is evident in tomb inscriptions like Atifi's, showcasing the fracturing of Egypt. Thieves, led by Menu Hotap II, clashed with Henen Nut in the North, leading to a decisive victory and the reunification of Egypt. The Middle Kingdom of Egypt followed, marked by a lack of grand monuments but a flourishing of literature like the Tale of Sinu and the Tales of Wonder. The era of massive pyramids began to decline after Khafre's construction, with subsequent pharaohs opting for smaller structures due to changing religious beliefs and concerns over tomb robbers.
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