The Evolution of Early Egyptian Civilization - Book Report/Review Example

Egypt CivilizationIn writing the documentary, Wenke referenced the Egyptian civilization because Egypt is one among the few states in the world with cultural themes that are crucial to the study and understanding of history and cultures. This is evidenced by the fact that the theory of history in Egypt ranges from metaphysical, psychological to materialistic. These materials are the essential elements for the study of evolutionary change. It is also evident that Egypt provides detailed information about the transformations that take place in society.

For instance, there is data that expounds on the cultural integration, as well as the evolution of Egyptian as from 4000 to 2000 B.C. The complexity of culture in Egypt also makes it a good country for the study of origins of the early culture complexity. This is in tandem with the fact that culture evolution is well defined in Egypt (Wenke 284). In addition to providing facts about independent evolution, effect of culture influence is well defined by what took place in Egypt. In writing the documentary, Wenke sort to understand how the culture Egypt as a state was influenced, and as tabulated in the stored data, Egypt was influenced by Asian Western cultures during the period of its formation.

Some cultures are also claimed to have been derived from the Egyptian culture. For instance, the Classical Greek culture and black African cultures are claimed to have evolved from the Egyptian culture. Wenke is an archeologist who is interested in artifacts. It is through his interests in artifacts that he referenced Egypt in his documentary. This is evidenced by the fact that Egypt has diverse Old Kingdom pyramid constructions that enhance the study of archeological science. The data about settlement in Egypt also provides information about the position of building settlements as well as the reasons for their rise between Fifth and Sixth Dynasties.

The variation in mode of settlement in Egypt also explains why Upper and Lower Egypt vary in terms of civilization. In addition, Egypt enables one to understand how availability of resources led to the emergence of social institutions. For instance, the agricultural activities enhanced by availability of fertile land as well as competition over a small fertile land resulted in crop of state organizations in Egypt (Wenke 315). Additionally, Wenke referenced Egypt in his documentary in order to express how not only socio-economic activities enhance unity, but also used as means of artistic expression.

Similarity in the products of socio-economic activities in 3000 B.C portrayed the unity of great communities in Egypt; the Delta pottery was similar to Nile Valley’s pottery. In writing the documentary, Wenke aimed at expounding on how political powers shifted in the past. In connection with, changes in political powers are well defined in Egypt. Egypt has monumental architecture as well as mortuary cults that explain the shift of power in the past. The tombs at North Saqqara portrayed the lavish wealth of some portions of Lower Egyptian society while on the contrary Abydos was the tomb for the First Dynasty rulers.

Variation in mortuary cults also showed socio-economic hierarchies. The complexity in the institution administration in Egypt was also well evidenced by the difference in the products, as well as methods of manufacture, ; the pottery products in Upper Egypt varied significantly from those in Lower Egypt. Wenke also referenced Egypt in his documentary so as to expound on economic and political transformations. The economic activities were well practiced in Old Kingdom age compared to the Pyramid age.

The rate of taxation was also very high and efficient in the Old Kingdom age. Unlike the Pyramid Age, Old Kingdom was associated with the reorganization of administrative institutions (Wenke 316).Work CitedWenke, Robert. The Evolution of Early Egyptian Civilization: Issues and Evidence. Journal of World Prehistory, Vol. 5, No. 3 (September 1991), pp. 279-329.