Egyptian Civilization: A Case Study

Many people focus on Egyptian cultures and civilizations from the dynastic to present, however there is a rich, and fascinating prehistory that laid the foundation for the Egyptian civilization. I will discuss a brief prehistory, followed but three major developments in the formation of the Egypt we know today. People began moving into the Nile River Valley around 11,000 to 9,300 years ago (Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 2). They formed small settlements in the Napta Plya, as they explored their new surroundings. Technological advances arose, causing these settlements to explore their livestock and cultivation options. Lush grasses and fertile soils from the periodic flooding of the Nile, brought hope. About 8,000 years ago settlements turned to villages (Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 2), and the oasis like conditions began giving way to intermittent droughts. Which by 6,000 years ago, resulted in a hyper desert in many areas away from the Nile River itself (Chandler 2006 & Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 2). Various civilizations rose and feel over

When a group becomes full time farmers they are able to benefit from an increase in population. This population increase, creates a need for a way to control (Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 4.1). One group that arose out of this population increase is the Naqada culture in Upper Egypt. Full time farming made more permeate house structures, craft goods, craft specializations (Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 4.1). In addition, burials become more detailed and thought out. This is where the idea of mummification, and pyramids with elaborate grave goods, and cattle – bulls – are seen (Smiley 2015:Unit 3 vLec 4.1). The full time farming also allowed for the Naqada culture to span through approximately 1,500 years, up into the early dynastic period of Egyptian history. The results of full time farming, show how vital of a development it is to a civilization or cultures