Since the dawn of time, the world has been fascinated with the idea of Ancient Egypt– a culture filled with riches, mythical gods, and mysterious monuments. Join us on a journey back in time to explore the wonders of a civilization where legendary Pharaohs relied on diligent servants to build pyramids that still stand today as a testament to their greatness. From the history of the Pharaohs to the extraordinary architecture of the pyramids, explore the extraordinary sights, sounds, and secrets of Ancient Egypt.
1. Unlocking the Secrets of the Pharaohs
There are countless mysteries that surround the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. From their incredible achievements in construction, art and commerce to the complex religion they practiced, archaeologists, historians and anthropologists have been piecing together the story of the Pharaohs since before the 19th century. Which secrets remain to be uncovered?
The intrigue that surrounds the Pharaohs only continues to grow. From tales of curses to deep mysteries buried beneath the sands of the desert, Pharaohs have fascinated generations.
- The Afterlife of the Pharaohs
The Egyptians had great respect for death and the afterlife, and believed that rituals and mummification would enable them to enjoy life after death in a state similar to life on Earth. As a result, Pharaohs were buried with the items they would need to live in the afterlife, and within the tombs themselves exist elaborate works of sculpture, woodwork and jewelry – all of which help to understand their culture and beliefs.
- Technological Advancements in Ancient Egypt
The manual labor required to build the incredible structures of Ancient Egypt was vast. To be able to move stone blocks weighing up to several tons across the desert, the Egyptians developed sophisticated methods of transportation and engineering. They used a system of waterways to move heavier materials, while lighter materials were transported by boats or sleds.
Some of the engineering secrets of Ancient Egypt, such as the construction of monuments and tombs, have been revealed through modern studies and excavations, while others remain a mystery. uncovers their incredible cultural and technological advancements – from the building of the Great Pyramid to the power to transform death into life.
2. The Magic of the Pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are one of the most iconic architectural feats of all time.
The structure of the Pyramids was achieved by layering two million stones measuring an average of 2.5 tons each, mortar free, and the precise angled slant allows the whole of the Pyramid to be surmounted by a single colossal limestone capstone.
The awe-inspiring strength of the Pyramids is impressive, yet it is the mysterious aspect even more so. They stand like a gateway to secrets yet to be revealed, still defying much of the 21st century technology that exists to take them apart.
The vast amount of knowledge enclosed within the Pyramids is believed to stem from a number of sources:
- The Egyptian Pharaohs, who stored their knowledge within the Pyramids
- The Nubians, who used the Pyramids to document their advanced understanding of astral events, fertility, magic, and seasonal festivals
- The Jews, who recorded their spiritual teachings in the Pyramids
Regardless of where the knowledge and secrets hidden within the Pyramids come from, the mesmerising allure of this ancient treasure continually captures the imaginations of people all over the world, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
3. Charting the Progress of Ancient Egypt
The rise of Ancient Egypt is a remarkable example of sustained progress over a period of more than two thousand years. It’s development is characterized by a remarkable combination of innovation and continuity. Ancient Egyptian civilization made significant advances in many areas of knowledge, with many developments being the direct antecedent of modern practices.
Societal Developments: Ancient Egyptians developed the earliest form of stable government, with the concept of the divine ruler in their theocratic monarchy being implemented for millennia. Ancient Egyptians also invented paper, agriculture, along with many other important advances. They established the practice of writing, setting the foundation for the development of hieroglyphic script.
Trade Connections: Ancient Egypt was an early leader in the establishment of trade connections with other civilizations. This allowed for the development of a remarkable industrial base, where workers developed a wide array of technological inventions, from agriculture and tool making to architecture and metallurgy.
Development of Religion and Culture: Ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated beliefs and associated practices in religion and culture. They believed in a cosmology of deities and developed a strong reverence for the gods within that pantheon. This led to the development of elaborate rituals, ceremonies, and mortuary practices.
With a steady accumulation of advances in knowledge, culture, and economics, Ancient Egypt is a remarkable example of progress over a long period of time.
4. Rediscovering its Treasures and Artifacts
Exploring London’s History
As one of the world’s oldest cities, London’s history spans thousands of years. Home to countless ancient artifacts and lost treasures, London is steeped in stories of its past.
The early history of this remarkable city has been unearthed in various excavations around the city; most notably along The Strand, Tower Hill and The City. Unearthing pieces of Neolithic pottery, Roman coins and mosaic paving, each unique artifact offers insight into the city’s once bustling streets.
But London is not just known for its artifacts and treasures, it is also celebrated for its remarkable art. From the National Gallery to the Tate Britain, visitors can find a wide array of internationally renowned works of art. During a visit, one can explore all kinds of artwork – from classical sculptures to modern photographs.
With its regal palaces, iconic churches and unspoiled parks, London provides a unique and captivating exploration of its past. Becoming lost in this centuries-old city exposes the rich culture, diversity and lasting contribution of its vibrant history.
5. Preserving the Legacy of the Pharaohs
Having been the rulers of Egypt since the start of the first dynasty in 3150 BC, the pharaohs of this institution have left behind a legacy that is both iconic and powerful. With the help of their descendants, archaeologists and curators in the field, the history of the dynasty is now being painstakingly kept alive.
Building a Monumental Museum
Keeping tabs on the legacy of the Pharaohs is a colossal undertaking, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located just two kilometers away from the ancient Pyramids of Giza, is pivotal in achieving that goal. Scheduled to open in 2021, the museum will house over 50,000 items and will be the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing many of the treasures from the tombs of ancient pharaohs including Tutankhamun.
Updating the Hieroglyphs
- Efforts are hampered by the centuries old hieroglyphs that fill the tombs and temples of the Pharaohs.
- Translation and interpretation of the hieroglyphs is a major component in preserving the legacies of the Pharaohs.
- Efforts are being taken to update and digitize the hieroglyphs, giving scholars unprecedented access to ancient texts not previously deciphered.
Ongoing Excavations
Archaeologists continue to discover the secrets of the Pharaohs, with new sites being uncovered and re-explored. Notable finds include the expansive tomb of Queen Seshseshet in Saqqara and the ‘Lost Golden City’ in Luxor. Excavations of the sites continue to provide abundant information about the lives and legacy of the powerful Pharaohs, with no end in sight to the discoveries.
For centuries, ancient Egypt has stood as a beacon of mystery, culture, and awe with its remarkable pyramids and royal monuments. From the time of the Pharaohs to today, Egypt’s contributions to our knowledge of the world and understanding of the human experience have been invaluable – displaying a culture and way of life that is truly remarkable.
