History of Ancient Egypt - Essay Example

History of Early Civilization: Ancient Egypt It is irrefutable Egypt comprises one of the global regions that bear remarkable early civilization accounts besides featuring in diverse readings or teachings, which usually draw their references from it, for instance, Bible. This is due to its contribution in depicting refined and early human enlightenment especially regarding immortal destination or afterlife. The anxiety regarding afterlife existence has undoubtedly been a mystery to humanity where people to date deem that, only the spiritual deities/gods have a clear explanation about it. Egypt’s thought about afterlife was an issue, which the pharaoh despite his earthly power, he had to prepare himself adequately (Strayer 123). Preparation comprised of having written texts meant for incantations, meditating and some put in the pyramids. Prayers or incantations, their core purpose entailed aiding the pharaoh or the departed to enter and enjoy the realm of the spiritual world commonly known as “Land of the West” by earthly people. In addition, prior an individual entering into the spiritual world, one has to stand before the judgment seat to give account of his or her earthly moral life. Hence, afterlife was worthy preparing, which entailed even buying written texts from the scribes to put on the tombs, though; some were expensive for the common person (Strayer 122). The material also depicts the most esteemed position (that of a scribe) among the Egyptian society, which the author encouraged the youth to undertake the office while young. Conversely, the youths were and still are busy with the worldly living besides almost being blind despite knowing its benefits. Egyptians’ perception concerning existence, death and afterlife has always remained a mystery especially the latter issue (Strayer 123). The afterlife according to the excerpts obtained from the pharaoh’s royal tomb confirms how the society considered afterlife, which was unknown to them besides what befalls people when they die. Prayers or incantations prepared and inscribed on the pyramids’ walls give a hint regarding what people thought regarding life after their lovely ones when they departed the earthly existence (Strayer 125). Hence, prayers were essential in escorting them wherever they were to reach the “Land of West” (Strayer 121). According to the prayers inscribed on the tombs, “Land of West” was the ultimate place where the departed would eternally be happy besides enjoying other services equally to that of a king. This proves how the Egyptians despite fantasizing the afterlife happiness, which to them was a mystery, still tried hard to live a life of purity (Strayer 121). Since prior one entering the “land of west”, one had to face the judgment to give an account concerning his or her earthly deeds. Early Egyptian society’s perception regarding the judgment and various responses meant to convince the deity that, one was pure depicts the continual relationships, which one had to maintain while on earth (Strayer 125). Mainly, this entailed how an individual interacted with fellow peers while on earth despite the societal class or status one belonged. Therefore, it is irrefutable that the Egyptian society seriously valued the welfare of the other people besides how low they were in the community. Since, this was the only way one could reach the esteemed “Land of West” where one will meet the higher deity after giving accounting of the earthly life and declared pure. However, it is not clear about how the Egyptians treated their neighbors or other people whom they did not share the same belief. This is because the responses meant for the deity when one was proving his or her purity, the issue of non-Egyptians was not there except the slaves who were part of the society (Strayer 123). “Be a scribe” text depicts the evident division of labor in Egypt like any other civilizations besides agriculture, which was their chief occupation (Strayer 123). Egyptians were farmers who used canals to irrigate their crops by channeling water from the Nile River, which acted as their source of livelihood. Since Egyptians besides using River Nile’s water for irrigation, they also utilized it for domestic purposes and giving their livestock (Strayer 122). Additionally, some Egyptians were merchants who used to travel to other regions to sell and even attain commodities, which they could bring to their country. These encompassed precious commodities like jewelries, precious stones, foodstuffs and even slaves. A slave despite assuming the lowest societal class in Egypt, their presence was particularly essential due to numerous activities, which they did both at home and in the fields. Conversely, not all people were able to afford slaves to work for them especially in the fields where some turned out to be peasants (Strayer 123). This is evident from the “Be a scribe” text where the author offers vivid description of each person’s role coupled with its difficulties (Strayer 123). Egypt’s the then most esteemed and adored occupation was the scribe’s position. Scribes’ significant role was to enlighten the people through their writings where prior becoming expert one had to undergo meticulous training from the youth. Hence, to numerous youths this occupation seemed very tedious due to its process and statutes one had to observe (Strayer 122). These included banned from dancing or indulging in worldly pleasures that might compromise one’s character or depriving the office its widespread respect by the natives. However, the office did lack its privileges, which encompassed commanding respect from the people and the king. Since, one in the eyes of the Egyptians was wise, which accorded him authority to draft diverse incantations prayers mainly utilized in escorting an individual to “Land of West”. However, the youths despite the author of the “Be a scribe” expounding to them diverse difficulties involved in other occupations so that they may prefer being a scribe, they were not ready (Strayer 123). Egyptians’ thought concerning afterlife issue had an immense influence on their daily deeds, which encompassed their livelihood. Despite having unclear information regarding what exactly happens when an individual desserts this present existence here on earth, they were able to imagine and amend their ways. This was to ensure that, after this short earthly existence, an individual was able to reach and enjoy pleasures evident in the “Land of West”, which was only accessible through living right besides declared pure during the judgment day. Therefore, Egyptians tried all they can emulate virtuous life coupled with consideration of one’s neighbor in all aspects. This was also evident in the occupations they usually had where people esteemed more the position of being a scribe, though hard to get. Work Cited Strayer, Robert, W. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources. Bedford/St. Martins; Ed, 1, 2010. Print. pp. 121 – 125. Read More