15 interesting ancient Egyptian facts
1. Mummification was before believing in the afterlife.
The first of the 15 interesting ancient Egyptian facts is Mummification. The Egyptians practiced mummification even before the belief in the afterlife. Indeed, the ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife because of mummification. Anubis (the Jackal) taught them mummification, and they eventually realized the rationale: there must be another life.
Steps Involved in the Mummification Process
Mummification was a meticulous and ritualistic procedure in ancient Egypt. The following steps outline the process:
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Removal of Organs: They carefully extract the internal organs, such as the stomach, liver, lungs, and intestines, typically making an incision on the left side of the body.
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Dehydration with Natron: They covered the body and the removed organs in natron salts. Natron, a naturally occurring substance, effectively dehydrated the tissues and prevented decay.
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Wrapping in Linen: Once dehydration was achieved, the body was cleansed and anointed with special oils and resins. The final step involved wrapping the body in multiple layers of linen cloth, sometimes accompanied by amulets for protection in the afterlife.
By meticulously following these steps, ancient Egyptians believed they could prepare the deceased for the journey to the afterlife.
The Significance of Mummification and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, mummification was far more than a method of bodily preservation; it was a profound spiritual practice integral to their beliefs about the afterlife.
Transformation of the Body
Egyptians saw the mummification process as a vital transformation. By preserving the body, they aimed to create a suitable vessel for the soul’s journey. This transformation was necessary because they believed that the soul needed a preserved body to recognize and inhabit the afterlife.
Belief in the Afterlife
The afterlife was a central tenet of Egyptian religion. They envisioned an existence beyond death where the soul could live on, provided it had a well-preserved body to return to. This belief underscored the importance of meticulous mummification techniques, which were designed to protect and maintain the body’s integrity for millennia.
- Journey of the Soul: The Egyptians believed in a complex journey the soul would undertake after death, involving various trials and encounters with deities.
- Reincarnation: The possibility of reincarnation added another layer to the importance of mummification, as a well-preserved body could influence the soul’s fate in future lives.
By meticulously preserving the body through mummification, ancient Egyptians sought to secure a favorable and eternal existence in the afterlife, reflecting their deep-seated spiritual convictions.
How Was Mummification Viewed as a Transformation Process?
In ancient Egyptian culture, mummification was perceived as a vital transformation process. Indeed, this elaborate procedure wasn’t simply about preserving the physical body; rather, it was fundamental in preparing the deceased for the afterlife.
Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians believed that transforming the body into a mummy was essential for the soul’s journey. By undergoing this meticulous process, the deceased was ensured a seamless transition to the next world. Consequently, the mummified body acted as a durable vessel, safeguarding the soul against earthly decay and spiritual dissolution.
Moreover, the rituals involved in mummification, such as the removal of internal organs, the wrapping of the body in linen, and the use of sacred amulets, were seen as ways to equip the deceased with the necessary tools for their new existence. These practices were deeply symbolic, signifying the rebirth and eternal life that awaited the soul.
Key Elements of Mummification as Transformation
- Preservation: Ensuring the body did not decay, symbolizing immortality.
- Sacred Rituals: Performing rites to equip the deceased for the afterlife.
- Symbolism: Using amulets and other artifacts to protect and guide the soul.
In essence, mummification was a holistic transformation, turning the physical body into a vessel capable of supporting the soul’s eternal journey.
2. The Ancient Egyptians didn’t have actual beards.
The pharaohs were often shown with lengthy braided beards, yet they were almost certainly always clean-shaven. The false beards were worn to emulate Osiris, the Egyptian pharaoh, who is pictured with a magnificent beard. A different form of a beard (curly beard) is worn by kings to symbolize the God Osiris.
Face hair was so fashionable that Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, wore a false beard. “Rulers in ancient Egypt were given false beards to make them seem wise and older, especially when some kings were extremely young, such as Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt at the age of nine.”
3. Makeup was used by Egyptians of both sexes.
Vanity dates back to the dawn of civilization, and the Egyptians were no exception. “People were known to put on a lot of cosmetics, believing that it would protect them from the gods Horus and Ra.”
These cosmetics were created by crushing ores like malachite and galena into kohl. It was then lavishly smeared around the eyes using wooden, bone, and ivory implements.
It not only protected their skin from the sun’s rays, but they also thought it had therapeutic properties. They wore green and black makeup most of the time. Copper was used for the green, while lead was used for the black!
4. Many of the items we use now were invented by the Egyptians.
The Egyptians had a knack for creating! Medicine, musical instruments, paper, pencils, locks, keys, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, board games, and even toothpaste were all developed by the Egyptians.
5. Hundreds of ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses existed.
Even the Nile River was revered in ancient Egypt. They gave considerable attention to every valuable thing/creature, elevating them to the status of deities. Many of these gods and goddesses were depicted as humanoid figures with animal heads. Among the most well-known were:
- Osiris is the King of the Kings of the Afterlife.
- Thoth is the God of Wisdom and Knowledge.
- Ra is the Sun and Radiance God.
- Anubis is the patron saint of embalmers and gravediggers.
- Isis is the goddess of beauty and love.
6. Board games originated in Ancient Egypt.
Egyptians would frequently unwind after a hard day of labor along the Nile River by playing board games. Several games were played, including “Mehen” and “Dogs and Jackals,” but “Senet,” a chance game, was arguably the most popular. This ancient game was played on a large board with 30 squares and dates back to 3500 B.C.
Each player had their own set of pieces that were moved about the board based on dice rolls or throwing sticks. Historians are still debating Senet’s precise rules, but the game’s popularity is undeniable. Queen Nefertari is seen playing Senet in paintings, and pharaohs like Tutankhamun had game boards buried with them in their tombs.
7. Slaves did not construct the pyramids.
Graffiti surrounding the monuments indicates that they gave their workers amusing titles like the “Drunkards of Menkaure” or the “Friends of Khufu.” The claim that slaves constructed the pyramids at the snap of a whip was initially proposed by Herodotus in the fifth century B.C., but most historians today consider it fiction.
While the ancient Egyptians were not opposed to maintaining slaves, it seems that they mostly used them as field laborers and household servants.
8. Women had a broad variety of freedoms and privileges.
Egyptian women had a considerable measure of legal and financial freedom while being socially and publicly seen as inferior to males. They had the legal authority to purchase and sell land, serve on juries, create wills, and even engage in legal contracts.
Egyptian women seldom worked outside the house, but those who did were frequently paid equally to males for performing the same duties. Egyptian women, unlike the women of ancient Greece, who were practically owned by their husbands, enjoyed the right to divorce and remarry.
An ancient prenuptial agreement was even negotiated by Egyptian spouses. These contracts stated all of the property and money brought into the marriage by the lady and ensured that she would be rewarded for it in the event of a divorce.
9. Typically in Ancient Egypt, brothers and sisters marry.
This is one shocking fact of the 15 interesting ancient Egyptian facts! Egyptian pharaohs, like many other royals throughout history, were not opposed to marrying within the family to protect royal lineages. It was fairly uncommon for sisters and daughters to marry.
Tutankhamun’s mummified remains have indicated that he was the result of incest, which would have surely resulted in health problems and unpleasant traits such as an overbite, feminine hips, abnormally enormous breasts, and a club foot. Tutankhamun died when he was 19. Ramses II weds four of his daughters.
10. All of the ancient Egyptian tombs are found on the Nile’s western bank.
Because they believed in the sun god, the side of the Nile River where the sun rises symbolized their first life, while the side of the Nile River where the sun sets represented the afterlife, which explains why all of the tombs are on the western bank.
11. Pyramids in Egypt are tombs.
The pyramids are one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Egypt. They were erected as the last resting place for the Egyptian monarchy by the Ancient Egyptians. Pyramids represent the descent of light from the sun to Earth in the same manner that a pyramid falls from its pinnacle to the bottom.
All of the pyramids of the Ancient Egyptians were erected along the west bank of the Nile, about the setting sun. In Egyptian mythology, this represents the afterlife.
The Enduring Symbolism of the Pyramids
Majestic Engineering Feats
Firstly, the pyramids of Egypt have stood the test of time, showcasing ancient engineering skills that continue to awe modern architects and engineers. These colossal structures were built with remarkable precision, reflecting the advanced knowledge and meticulous craftsmanship of their creators.
Spiritual Significance
Moreover, beyond their architectural marvel, the pyramids hold deep spiritual meaning. They were constructed as grand tombs for pharaohs, believed to facilitate their journey to the afterlife. Consequently, this connection to the divine imbues the pyramids with eternal significance, intertwining them with the religious and cultural fabric of ancient Egypt.
Cultural Impact
In addition, the iconic shape and grandeur of the pyramids have seeped into global consciousness, becoming synonymous with ancient Egypt. Movies, literature, and art across the world frequently reference these structures, keeping their legacy alive. From the massive tourism they attract to their frequent portrayal in popular culture, the pyramids remain vivid reminders of an illustrious past.
Symbol of Mystery and Discovery
Finally, the pyramids also embody mystery and intrigue, drawing historians, archaeologists, and adventurers. Each discovery within or around these structures uncovers more about ancient civilization, sparking curiosity and wonder. As a result, this perpetual allure ensures that the pyramids continue to captivate and inspire.
In essence, the pyramids endure as symbols of ancient Egypt through their remarkable engineering, deep spiritual significance, profound cultural impact, and the enduring sense of mystery they evoke.
12. Egypt’s pyramids aren’t the world’s largest.
This is one of the 15 interesting ancient Egyptian facts. Egypt’s pyramids may be the most well-known, but they are far from the world’s largest. The Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent in Mexico, which covers an area of nearly 200 km2, is the largest. The Great Pyramid of Giza, on the other hand, is just around 21 km2 in size. The Great Pyramid, however, is higher than the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, which stands at 66 meters.
13. Beer is a product of ancient Egypt.
Beer was the most popular and widely consumed alcoholic beverage among the Ancient Egyptians. In fact, in Ancient Egypt, the minimum salary for employees was one gallon of beer every day. Figures of brewers, as well as beer recipes, were found in the tombs of the wealthy and powerful, providing for their comfort in the afterlife.
14. Toothpaste was created by the Ancient Egyptians.
Powdered oxen hooves, charred eggshells, and volcanic ash were used to make toothpaste by the Ancient Egyptians. Toothpicks and toothbrushes have also been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs, demonstrating that they took oral care very seriously.
15. Cleopatra wasn’t very beautiful at all.
The last of the 15 interesting ancient Egyptian facts. Cleopatra is shown in wall carvings and on coins as having average features and a big nose in historical records and pictures. Because of her brilliance and appealing nature, she was able to get the backing of strong individuals like Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. Augustus’ hesitation to see her in person was due to his worry that she would divert and mislead him if they met.
