Culture Differences between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt - Essay Example

Whilst the cultures of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt do have some similarities, there are several key differences that define the two cultures, one of them is different approaches to the afterlife. The afterlife can be seen as more of a continuation of the current life than the Mesopotamian views. In contrast to the elaborate preparations that the Egyptians had to prepare for the afterlife, particularly for pharaohs and the ruling classes, the Mesopotamians did not celebrate or place emphasis on death.

This is due to the fact that they held such a gloomy view of the afterlife, and perhaps saw it less as a reason to celebrate or send off the recently deceased individuals. Some have suggested that the reason that these two cultures had such different opinions of the afterlife is due to their geographical location here on earth. The Egyptians had a good relationship with the earth and had fertile lands. For this, they were thankful to their Gods and therefore believed more positively in the continuation of life.

The Mesopotamians had a land that was often flooded which led them to have a less positive relationship with their Gods and therefore the afterlife.