Comparison and Contrast between Egyptian and Greek History - Essay Example

16th November Comparison and Contrast between Egyptian and Greek History Contrasts The ancient Greek had a form of art same as the ancient Egyptians. However, these two types of art differed in that Greek art was essentially meant to eliminate chaos and bring order to the environment. This was achieved by using materials such as rocks and noises and organizing them into meaningful and orderly pieces of art. For instance, Greek architects, sculptors and painters brought haphazard materials such as rocks into meaningful and attractive buildings, sculptures and paintings.

Conversely, ancient Egyptians viewed art as a way to please their dead in the afterlife. Egyptian art was not meant for the living but the dead and it was mostly done in tombs. Some of Egyptians best artifacts were found in or near tombs (Bell). The social organizations and governments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians differed. Ancient Egypt was ruled by dynasties such as the Old Kingdom Dynasty while Greeks had an aristocratic form of government. Ancient Greece was divided into provinces called polis.

The few rich landowners, who owned slaves ruled their territories. The more slaves a land owner had, the more powerful they were (Finlay). The form of literature between these two was also different since Greeks introduced vowels to the alphabetic system. This formed the basis for the modern day English language. The Egyptians developed their own form of writing which used pictures and symbols to communicate. Greek were highly engaged in trade activities. This was favored by their easy access to the Mediterranean Sea which made it easy for them to import and export goods.

This also facilitated slave trade as well as fishing activities that formed a major part of their economy. The Egyptians had a different type of economic system which relied on supply function. Producers of different commodities would deliver their produce to the ruling administration and temples. These commodities would then be distributed to other citizens on a need basis. Any surplus that was available after distribution would be supplied to neighboring states in exchange of commodities that were not available in the exporting state.

Comparisons Greeks introduce vowels the alphabets. This formed the basis for modern day English. Egyptians created their own form of writing that used pictures and symbols. The basis for this literature was based on the type of art they had. Both used art to express themselves and different types of art was targeted a different recipients or audiences. It was through art that both Egyptians and Greeks had a traditional identity. Both the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures had polytheistic religious beliefs where they believed in many gods such as Amon-Ra.

They also believed that some animals such as the ox and the crocodile were holy among Egyptians while goats and sheep were holy among the Greeks. Thy both believed that their relationship with their gods was based on exchanges and they would offer sacrifices. Usually the holy animals were offered sacrifices to the deities. Both the Greek and Egyptians engaged in economic activities. It was through these activities that they were able to acquire commodities that were not available locally Works Cited Bell, Barbara.

"The dark ages in ancient history: Thefirst dark age in Egypt." American Journal of Archeology (1971): 1-26. Finlay, Moses I. Ancient Hitory: evidence and models. London: Chatto & Windus, 1985.