Origin of Complex Societies along the Nile River up till 3000 BC - Admission/Application Essay Example

The Predynastic period was divided into four phases. This was due to the advancement in technology and society becoming more complex. These phases are Early Predynastic spanning 5500 BC to 4000 BC, Old Predynastic between 4500 BC to 3500 BC, Middle Predynastic between 3500 BC to 3200 BC and Late Predynastic which lasted up to around 3000 BC.

The Early Predynastic period was also referred to as the Badarian phase. The society mainly consisted of farmers who engaged in fishing, farming and rearing of animals. Evidence of this society was uncovered in El Badari, and Fayum A. These were the first agricultural sites. Fayum A is believed to be the older of the two due to the complete lack of metal (Trigger, 483)Pottery was also made by these societies. Tombs were made from mud bricks and the people buried in animal skin. This society had social stratification as inferred from different burial location of prosperous people in the society.

The Old Predynastic phase, The Amratian, or Naqada 1 phase was based around Hierakonpolis. Evidence of this society includes cemeteries (Trigger,480), rectangular houses, clay pottery and terra cotta sculptures with pictures of animals. This society was credited with the invention of geometry.

The Middle Predynastic period or the Gerzean phase was named after Darb el-gerza the site it was uncovered. It was located east of Fayum in the area named Naqada 2. Archaeological findings of this era include a temple at Hierakonpolis. Tombs were elaborate with chambers made out of mud bricks. Symbols started to appear which closely resemble traditional hieroglyph writing.

The Naqada 3 or the Protodynastic phase appeared just before the dynasty period. This era is characterized by substantial communities, trade among them. A common language was also spoken among the community. The period was famed for political unification whereby prosperous societies extended their influence to include neighbouring communities forming kingdoms. There were two kingdoms, Nile Valley and Nile Delta.

In light of these discoveries, our understanding of these early forms of civilizations is broadened. A theoretical picture formed from the chronology of events suggests that these early societies formed due to the shift from hunting and gathering wild fruits and animals to agriculture. Agriculture enabled people to settle in one place which in turn led to the development of language and other forms of complex interactions.