5. Name and explain the mainstays of Egyptian civilization
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The longevity of the civilization of Ancient Egypt is a testament to the strong foundation provided by the mainstays of Ancient civilization upon which the first pharaohs built up their culture. The Nile was one key factor in the formation of the great power in Egypt. The Nile has been providing people in the area with water, an accessible trade route, and easy transportation ever since the first humans inhabited the Nile valley. Ancient Egyptian economics revolved around agriculture in the Nile's floodplain and the abundant amount of natural resources like granite, gold, and copper. Because of this, economics can be considered a mainstay of the Ancient Egyptian's civilization. In addition to the prosperity generated by their environment and the Nile, the Ancient Egyptians also made intense religious faith one of the most recognizable traits of their civilization. The pharaoh during that time was seen as a living representation of a god. The Egyptians differed from other cultures of their time because of their optimism as a result of their religion. Another key belief of the Egyptians was that everything in the universe had a predictable pattern; the Ancient Egyptians were very rational and systematic thinkers. The historian Ibn Khaldun studied the many facets of human civilization. He found that while areas often cycle between prosperity and depression of civilizations, those civilizations, under the right circumstances, can develop what the "habit of civilization," meaning that civilizations in that area are more likely to have a long lifespan and leave a memorable impact on humanity. The continuity and longevity of the Ancient Egyptian society is a result of the strong and unwavering trust they had in the basic mainstays of their traditions and culture, and the civilization of Ancient Egypt was the perfect model for the "habit of civilization."
By Jack Curtin
Sources:
Origins Manual pg. 123, 127, 128, 129, 131
http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-egypt
http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/great-pharaohs-of-ancient-egypt.html (image)
For further reading:
http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egcivile.shtml
