Chapter Analysis - Egypt

Jamie Torres

Week 1

Chapter Analysis - Egypt

Chapter one is a review of ancient Egypt. The chapter begins with a review of the origin of human kind and the emergence of civilizations in early Egypt. Evidence of the first civilization was the Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamia Civilization was established in 3200. During this period in lower Mesopotamia a city called Sumer was an active area of the civilization. The civilization advanced through inventions and discoveries. These discoveries include the pottery wheel, wheeled vehicles, and seals. The Sumerians has a written writing system, this influenced Egyptians to develop their own writing system. The Mesopotamia Empire was plagued by warfare.

The next Empire was the Babylonian. Because of its fierce warriors Babylonia was able to dominate Mesopotamia. Science and mathematics also advanced during this empire. During this period rituals became very important. Thirty different types of priest and priestess existed. These rituals performed by priest and priestess would guarantee passing into the after life. Around 1595 B.C.E the empire was raided and collapsed.

The Egyptian civilization is called "the gift of the Nile" By 4800 b.c.e early farming communities were developed. As Egyptian civilization evolved religion became a major part of it people's lives. Natural events were thought to be acts of the gods and goddesses. Hundred of gods and goddesses were praised. Egyptian art was also of a religious nature. Egyptian woman enjoyed more rights than their Greek and Roman counterparts.

The achievements of all these empires influenced later civilization in the area and around the world.

In my opinion this chapter described many interesting facts about Egypt. One fact that was of most interest to me is Hammurabi's Law. Hammurabi's law was introduced during the Babylonian empire. Babylon was a city that rulers dominated Mesopotamia for 300 years. Hammurabi was a powerful King and warrior. He was best known for "Hammurabi's code", a set of 300 laws. I was impressed with the consideration the law paid to for children and women. It appears to that although women were expected to marry and obey their husbands, women were also had some protections. Woman had the right to return to their father's home if they were unjustly accused from charges made by their husband. In addition Hammurabi's Code established minimum wages. I think this implantation reflects a respect for its citizens.