Egypt's history has always been holding a fascination for many of us - take a look at some interesting and surprising facts here!
Egyptian Women enjoyed freedom and a wide range of rights!
Women in Ancient Egypt may have appeared socially inferior to men in public but women were not denied any financial or legal independence.
The Egyptians saw animals as incarnations of the Gods!
Hawks, lions, baboons and dogs were animals that were extremely popular among ancient Egyptians. Animals were mummified and buried with their owners after they had died.
Cleopatra was originally part of a long line of Greek Macedonians
Cleopatra traced her families origins back to Macedonian Greece and Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Ptolemy ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander in 323 B.C. .
Women also ascended the throne in Ancient Egypt
Few women made it into the highest office and into the highest position of Pharaoh. Women who were believed to have royal blood were considered by Ancient Egyptians as divine.
The first Ancient Egyptian unified kingdom surfaced around 3,200 B.C
In Ancient Egypt there were three primary kingdoms, the Old Kingdom 'Age of Pyramids', Middle Kingdom 'Golden Age' and the New Kingdom 'Imperial Age'.
Egyptian Society consisted of a descending hierarchy of the gods, the king, the blessed dead and humanity!
There were two forms of writing in Ancient Egypt, Hieroglyphs and Hieratic Writing
Hieroglyphs were often used for decorative display on monuments/tombs.
Hieratic script was used from the 1st dynasty until about 200 BCE. Hieratic script is a cursive form of writing. Priests used hieratic writing in the transcription of religious texts for more than several centuries.
Ancient Egyptians were mathematicians and scientists
The Ancient Egyptians developed ways to measure time and distance. They applied their scientific and mathematical knowledge to the construction of monumental architecture.
The River Nile was the source of the Ancient Egyptians wealth
Ancient Egyptian cities were located along the River Nile. The Nile was used for irrigation and water grew rich and profitable crops.
Egyptian Pharaohs were both heads of state and the religious leaders of their people
Pharaohs of the Ancient Egyptian people held two remarkable titles, 'Lord of the Two Lands' and 'High Priest of Every Temple'. The gods were represented by the Pharaoh's presence on on Earth. The ruling pharaoh built temples and performed many rituals that honored the gods.
Read more about Ancient Egypt and the Valley of Kings
Sources:
https://www.history.com/news/11-things-you-may-not-know-about-ancient-egypt