Egyptology has really shed light on things in ancient Egypt, many of which are things not known in other ancient civilizations. However, it wouldn’t have been made possible without the discovery of many artifacts. These artifacts are what allow us to know ancient Egypt’s culture, religion, literature, art, and most importantly its history. There are countless artifacts that have definitely left a mark on the world. Artifacts are the way of learning history, from the first historical document in the world, to the creation of wigs, and the forgotten tomb overflowing with history

Narmer Palette

Long before ancient Egypt existed, humans developed settlements along the Nile River, forming different kingdoms. There was an upper and lower kingdom, and they were unified due to many social, political, and economic factors. However, it wouldn’t have been initiated without the help and reign of King Narmer (3150 BCE). “SCHOLARS NOW BELIEVE THE FIRST KING MAY HAVE BEEN NARMER WHO UNITED UPPER AND LOWER EGYPT AT SOME POINT C. 3150 BCE.” This Pharaoh, he also went by the name Menes, was the first to rule in the Dynastic Period. Menes literally means “he who endures” which made archaeologists come to the understanding that Menes and Narmer are the same being. The Narmer Palette, also known as Narmer’s Victory Palette, is a picture engraved in a siltstone. This engraving depicts King Narmer defeating his enemies and uniting both kingdoms. These types of small detailed stone engravings were used for ceremonial tablets and it is said to be the earliest document ever discovered. This artifact symbolizes the change both kingdoms experienced whilst King Narmer ruled. In addition to that, archaeologists discovered the Narmer Palette in 1897-1896 CE, and it gave many people studying Egypt some peace of mind, regarding the beginning of a united Egypt. There were other stories that told tales about a king named Menes who united, but the Narmer Palette gave a more detailed description. This artifact not only has immense historical significance, it contributed a lot to Egyptology, and resembles the cause and consequence of being a united kingdom. As many are already, there was no other civilization more stable than ancient Egypt.

The Creation of Wigs

This form of adornment and way of concealing baldness, was very prevalent in ancient Egypt. People at the time invented and used wigs (artificial hair) for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, It was very common for both men and women to remove their natural hair to make themselves free of vermin (parasites and insects). However, Egypt had a very hot climate, so wigs were essentially seen as a form of protection from the scorching sun. This wigs also denoted one’s rank in the society and was viewed as means of displaying religious piety. People of high rank were seen wearing real human hair, and would look more elaborate. People of lower status would wear wigs created from palm fibers and wool. In addition, people who were more religious and pious would also wear wigs. This comes to show that, majority of ancient Egypt’s population were quite fond of wigs. It’s also important to notice how widespread wigs are in this day and age. The concept of wigs today are not only restricted to Egypt, but rather known and used around the world. Wigs have become more complex and closer to real hair. Wigs have become fashion for women, and also a way to conceal bald parts for men. Although, it’s very rare to see men wearing full wigs nowadays. The popularity of wigs increased substantially in the 20th century for women around the globe, and its popularity continues to increase even in the 21st century.

The Tomb and Mask of Tutankhamun

When someone would pass away, their body was preserved by being mummified so their soul would have somewhere to return to. However, if the deceased was an important figure in Egypt, their body after being mummified would be placed in a special coffin, known as the sarcophagus. Pharaohs and people who possessed a lot of wealth, would have coffins made out of gold. Tutankhamun’s Tomb and Mask was very important for the people at his time, and only ruled from 1332 to 1323. His father, Akhenatan tried his best to change ancient Egyptian beliefs and insisted on everyone to worship one god, Aten (sun God). In other words, he was trying to show his people the true way, whilst destroying centuries of Egyptian tradition. Many people resented this and grew resentment for him. However, after Akhenatan’s death in 1334 B.C.E, his son, Tutankhamun (living image of the god Amun) became Pharaoh, who changed his name which was previously Tutankhaten (living image of the god Aten). Tutankhamun also allowed people to go back to their polytheistic worship, and he didn’t want people to view him nor resent him like his father. Tuthankhaten’s reign was very short but also very significant in ancient Egyptian history. He only reached 19, but he managed to bring back the majority of  Egyptian’s tradition. After his death, people preserved his body extremely well, placing him in not ONE but THREE coffins, and accompanied it with more than 5000 artifacts/items. This comes to show, his mask signified the revival of their tradition at the time, impacting almost everyone. Tutankhamun’s tomb was the most intact tomb ever discovered by archaeologists, found under a lot of rubble. His tomb which consisted of his coffin and countless artifacts which was a big contribution to Egyptology, the study of ancient Egypt. 

It’s honestly extremely difficult to look for and confine my  research to only three artifacts that left the greatest legacy in ancient Egypt. This ancient civilization was by far one of the greatest, if not the greatest civilization studied. In terms of its stability, power, and the preservation of its culture and the mark it had on the world. There are many artifacts that may have even greater legacy than those I’ve mentioned. However, I felt it important to mention these three because of their relevancy. People write documents (just like i’m writing one right one) almost every week of their life, so it’s great to read and learn about the first, if not one of the earliest documents discovered. Women around the globe wear wigs to cover their natural hair, and many men fill their bald spots with artificial hair. Thus, showing the ancient Egyptian wigs had on the world, revolutionizing fashion in some ways. Lastly, Egyptology continues to become more complex and bigger, and Tomb of Tutankhamun helped tremendously to this study.

Sources used:

1. Mark, Joshua J. “Narmer.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, May 11, 2020. https://www.ancient.eu/Narmer/.

2. “Wigs.” Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. Encyclopedia.com, May 13, 2020. https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/fashion-and-clothing/clothing-jewelry-and-personal-adornment/wigs.

3. Parkes, Veronica. “Did You Know That Tutankhamun Was Buried in Not One but THREE Golden Sarcophagi?” Ancient Origins. Ancient Origins. Accessed May 14, 2020. https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/did-you-know-tutankhamun-was-buried-not-one-three-golden-sarcophagi-007543.

4. Young, Sarah P. “The Boy King Behind the Mask: Tutankhamun’s Life and Legacy.” Ancient Origins. Ancient Origins, April 19, 2020. https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/tutankhamun-0012309.

Illustration Citation 

5. “Wig: British Museum.” The British Museum. Accessed May 14, 2020. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA2560.

6. Dorman, Peter F. “Tutankhamun.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., January 31, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tutankhamun. 

7. “Cast; Palette: British Museum.” The British Museum. Accessed May 14, 2020. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA35714. 

Ancient Egypt may once have been a powerful stable civilization, but climate change, followed by the invasion of multiple empires, and eventual loss of culture and religion, caused great suffering and decline.

Three Artifacts that have significance in terms of the decline of ancient Egypt, displaying change and, or continuity.

In this picture, it’s clear people are tackling climate change, showing how people grow their agriculture. When the environment changes, humans must also change to ensure their resources don’t deplete. However, despite all the cautions one can take, sometimes climate change just can’t be overcome. According to Michael McCormick, a medieval historian at Harvard University, “civilizations that lasted a long time, that were just as smart and able and enterprising as we are. And yet, they were sometimes dealt devastating blows by the environment. Sometimes they were able to overcome them, but sometimes they were overcome by them.” During the Ptolemaic age(305 – 30 B.C), ancient Egypt was flourishing, had a great economy and military. Unfortunately, the people at the time primarily depended on the Nile River floods, because of the lack of rain. It was during this time that the flooding never occurred for multiple years. The Egyptians at the time were probably clueless to the volcanic eruption in this same period. This eruption is what changed the atmosphere and lowered the water levels of the Nile River. Despite all the actions the Pharaoh did, the citizens became unhappy and a civil war took place. Joseph G. Manning, a historian at Yale University stated, “It shows there are real political and societal consequences to environmental changes like global warming and disasters.” Although civil war won’t necessarily result in food, the people tend to become desperate, and political conflicts arise. This comes to show that once the change occurred, Egyptians simply couldn’t survive after being deprived of the flooding of the Nile River. They suffered famine and political instability, which are both very negative changes. Although this never caused the civilization to fully decline, it was a major factor for weakening the empire, allowing it easier for invasion.

This picture depicts a Pharaoh holding his enemies, somewhat as if he is in control of them. It’s not known to us which Pharaoh is being resembled in this picture. However, the other men are said to be Libyans, who were also said to have been composed of more than one race, as seen in the picture. Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs would have to fight and prevent major invasions from the Libyans, which caused them to be an enemy. Although the Libyans didn’t cause their decline, they are still very important, because they were one of the first people who started a series of major invasion attempts on Egypt. The traditional enemy of the Egyptians were Nubians and Libyans, and they became a symbol of the Pharaohs’ military prowess. It’s seen through the history of ancient Egypt that, foreign invasion was very crucial to their decline, presumably the biggest cause of it. This picture resembles a lot of change that would happen. In this picture, it shows the power of a strong Pharaoh, which in the coming centuries would begin to slowly disappear. It also shows them being superior in a way. However, towards the last few centuries before Ancient Egypt fell, their enemies were much stronger in terms of military, economy, etc. Let’s take a look at who these enemies were. In the last 700 years B.C.E, Ancient Egypt was invaded by three different huge empires. War with Assyrians in 692 BCE, then Persia invaded in 525 BCE, seizing control and making it a colony for more than 100 years. After Persia was defeated by Alexander the Great, he made Egypt a province and the Egyptians welcomed him. Lastly, the last foreign invasion by Rome and the arrival of Christianity, is mainly what caused Egypt to lose most of its culture and religion

Bibliography:

Delta. “Pharaohs In Trouble: Climate Change And Natural Disasters Led To Political Uprisings In Ancient Egypt.” Ancient Pages, October 17, 2017. Accessed March 05, 2020.

http://www.ancientpages.com/2017/10/17/pharaohs-trouble-climate-change-natural-disasters-led-political-uprisings-ancient-egypt/.

Wan, William. “Ancient Egypt’s Rulers Mishandled Climate Disasters. Then the People Revolted.” The Washington Post. WP Company, October 17, 2017. Accessed March 05, 2020.

ttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/10/17/climate-change-sparked-revolts-in-ancient-egypt-study-says/.

Un. “How Climate Change and Population Growth Threaten Egypt’s Ancient Treasures.” UN Environment. Accessed March 5, 2020. https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/how-climate-change-and-population-growth-threaten-egypts-ancient-treasures.

“Climate Change in Ancient Egypt.” The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, October 4, 2011. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Green-Economics/2011/1004/Climate-change-in-ancient-Egypt.

Dun and Fox. “Tour Egypt.” The Enemies of Ancient Egypt. Accessed March 16, 2020. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/enemies.htm.

Scala. “Ancient Egypt Gave Rise to One of the World’s Oldest Christian Faiths.” Coptic Christianity originated in Egypt shortly after the death of Jesus, April 26, 2019. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2019/03-04/coptic-christianity-ancient-egypt/

“Tour Egypt.” A History of Christianity in Egypt – Birth and Early Growth. Accessed March 16, 2020. http://www.touregypt.net/chiste1.htm.

This decree was issued to the people of Kadesh, which was part of the Hittite Empire at the time. Although Ramesses failed to conquer Kadesh, this decree was written to show an example of how the people of a conquered country would be addressed. Archaeologists found evidence that he believed he was a God to his people, and he was to be worshiped just like all the other Gods and Goddesses.

O people of Kadesh, you are now remetch en Kermet(People of the Black Land). I, Ramesess II, The God of this Land, command you to abide by the law and value the ma’at. The Goddess of harmony, justice, and balance. It is crucial for you to live peacefully, in accordance with the ma’at.

I find it necessary to address that law is not a  matter that should be taken lightly. As for the transgressors and wrongdoers, they will be punished harshly. One charged with crimes is guilty unless he/she is proven innocent. If one was to steal something, they could be dealt with in many ways. The punishment could be amputation of the hand, returning the item and a fine double its worth, 100 hits with a cane, or 5 bleeding cuts. People who are consistent transgressors will be branded, to be a sign of dishonor. It’s also commanded for you to respect the government officials, those wearing a gold Ma’at pendant. Any crime against the government is death by decapitation, burning alive, drowning, or by impalement by a stake. Aside from law, we value education and religion. Our scribes teach everything from reading, writing, medicine, mathematics, to astronomy. Religion and morals are taught by our temple priests to locals and nobles. As the people of Kadesh, you have the choice of placing your children in two schools. One being for commoners and villagers, and the other for those who wish to become a priest or scribe. School begins in the morning, with a break midday, and continues till afternoon. Your children will attend school at the age of 8, except girls, they are to be taught by the mother. Things such as reading, sewing, cooking, cleaning, and writing if possible. We value both girls and boys, and things such as infanticide will not be allowed. Young boys are expected to follow their father’s occupation and provide for their family. People living here marry young and as soon as possible. Young men from the age of 16-20, and women after they get their first menses. On the subject of men looking for jobs, most jobs are inherited. Those who still have jobs in the Kadesh region, are required to pay a certain amount of goods, just like all remetch en Kermet. However, enrollment in the army is always an option, in order to provide for one’s family. 

1. Papyri
2. Rosetta Stone
3. Plow

Papyri (Papyrus Sheets)

We’re all familiar with the word paper and its benefit in today’s time. However, we never really care to think about its origins and creation. Papryi in ancient Egypt came from a water plant, which would grow near the Nile River, specifically the Nile Delta. [1] These water plants were used as natural vegetation , until they found an alternative use. Once the citizens realized it could be used to write and read, they cultivated and grew it in abundance, to an extent, it almost went extinct. [2] They didn’t just use it for writing and reading, they also used it as a material to make ropes, sandals, boxes, etc. There are still some water plants found in present Egypt, but significantly less than before. This development helped ancient Egyptians in many ways and is historically significant, because it helps us understand how civilizations began writing. Furthermore, the use of papyri allowed ancient Egyptians to teach and learn more efficiently.

Rosetta Stone

It’s a black irregularly shaped stone inscribed with ancient writings. These writings are divided into three different systems of writing, greek, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Egyptian demotic. This stone was created at the time of Plotemy V and was simply made to show the citizens the law which gives the right of kingship. [3] In this case it was Pharaoh Plotemy V Epiphanes, and this stone was displayed in temples all across Egypt, to celebrate the noble deeds of their Pharaoh. [4] Moreover, this artifact not only made the citizens have more love and respect for their pharaohs at the time, but it also changed Egyptian archeology forever. Prior to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian archeologists found it extremely hard to decipher cave paintings, hieroglyphics, and understand ancient Egyptian culture. However, through this stone, archeologists were finally able to crack the code.

Plow

Agriculture has constantly developed over the course of the years. People may not have too much control over the quality of crops and animals. However, tools and machinery have helped humans grow crops in abundance, effectively, and efficiently. Plows has increased crop growth in unimaginable ways, and also reduced the amount of labour required to maintain crops. “Plow, also spelled plough, most important agricultural implement since the beginning of history, used to turn and break up soil, to bury crop residues, and to help control weeds.” [5] The plow is still used today but with a few modifications. In ancient Egypt, they began using animals to move their plow and get the soil ready for planting seeds. However, with the use of machinery, we have tractors that do most of our work.

Footnotes

1. Saugat Adhikari, “Top 10 Most Iconic Pieces of Art in Ancient Egypt,” Ancient History Lists, May 31, 2019, https://www.ancienthistorylists.com/egypt-history/top-10-iconic-art-ancient-egypt/)

2. Saugat Adhikari, “Top 10 Most Iconic Pieces of Art in Ancient Egypt,” Ancient History Lists, May 31, 2019, https://www.ancienthistorylists.com/egypt-history/top-10-iconic-art-ancient-egypt/)

3. Egypt Tours Portal, “Ancient Egyptian Artifacts – The Most Famous Ancient Egyptian Artifacts,” Egypt Tours Portal (Mohamed Othman, August 10, 2019), https://www.egypttoursportal.com/ancient-egyptian-artifacts/)

4. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “What Does the Rosetta Stone Say?,” Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopedia Britannica, inc.), accessed December 16, 2019, https://www.britannica.com/story/what-does-the-rosetta-stone-say)

5. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Plow,” Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopedia Britannica, inc., March 6, 2014), https://www.britannica.com/technology/plow)

Bibliography.

Adhikari, Saugat. “Top 10 Most Iconic Pieces of Art in Ancient Egypt.” Ancient History Lists, May 31, 2019. https://www.ancienthistorylists.com/egypt-history/top-10-iconic-art-ancient-egypt/.

Mark, Joshua J. “Egyptian Papyrus.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, December 9, 2019. https://www.ancient.eu/Egyptian_Papyrus/.

Egypt Tours Portal. “Ancient Egyptian Artifacts – The Most Famous Ancient Egyptian Artifacts.” Egypt Tours Portal. Mohamed Othman, August 10, 2019. https://www.egypttoursportal.com/ancient-egyptian-artifacts/.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “What Does the Rosetta Stone Say?” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed December 16, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-does-the-rosetta-stone-say.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Plow.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., March 6, 2014. https://www.britannica.com/technology/plow.

Pictures URLS

Papyri – https://www.ancient.eu/Egyptian_Papyrus/

Rosetta Stone – https://www.globalresearch.ca/rosetta-stone/5693571

Plow – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_agriculture