Survey 1 – Ancient Egypt

Architecture – Pyramids

Pyramids are the most notable architecture in Egypt. I have always found ancient Egypt interesting due to its mythology. Its pyramids are no different as they display the relationship between people, gods, and the afterlife. They were built to protect kings and their spirits in the afterlife, as they were believed to be connected to the gods. The angled sides pointing upward were believed to help the king’s spirits travel to heaven. It is intriguing how deeply involved mythology and gods played into architecture and culture.

Out of all the pyramids, Giza Pyramids are the most well-known pyramids, being part of the seven wonders of the world it’s a place I have on my bucket list of places I would love to visit. Although the most notable of the pyramids is Pharaoh Khufu’s, the largest of the 3 Pyramids, standing at 481 feet. I find Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid the most interesting due to its giant 240-foot-long 66-foot-high limestone sphinx that sits inside the pyramid. Sphinx are known in Egyptian Asian and Greek mythology and would eventually be worshiped by Egyptians in later eras. Mainly known in Greek mythology for guarding the city of Thebes, riddling travellers in order for them to pass.

The fall of king’s power and wealth ultimately lead to the fall of pyramids. As the notion of kings not being as godlike or connected to gods fell so did the usage of pyramids. Due to the fact pyramid usage of connecting kings to gods and the afterlife wasn’t needed anymore they lost popularity. After pyramids declined architecture continued with temples, columns and monuments.

Agriculture

Agriculture is an important factor and foundation for Egypt’s civilization. Due to flooding of the Nile river, waters brought nutrient-rich soil and plenty of mythological stories like the death and resurrection of the God Osiris and the Goddess of the Nile, Hapi. Without the flood, civilization would not have formed. Crops were the main food source as the meat wasn’t able to be stored due to a lack of refrigeration.

Some notable crops are emmer, a wheat grain, used for bread and beer. Papyrus which used for paper rope, baskets, and other craft items. Also, flax which created rope and clothing. The most interesting one being opium poppy. It was used medically and recreationally and created a profitable trade.