Egypt - Unsurpassed as a Civilization
Ancient Egypt is the most successful civilization ever.
Their society and culture spans over 3,000 years, more than twice as long as the Roman
Empire. Today, their architectural achievements still exist for all to see, including the last
remaining wonder of the world: the Great Pyramid at Giza.
What was their secret of success?
Although there are a number of obvious factors why Egypt civilization was successful, such as a national
defense or the natural resources of the Nile Valley, one of the more important reasons is that as a people
they were philosophically united. History has demonstrated that oppressive regimes do no last. Empires
that are built on military conquest never last. Egypt, which was never known for military might, out
lived both the Greeks and the Romans.
Egypt has been remembered for their hospitality and knowledge. Among the Greeks it was a place of
learning for sages and philosophers. The biblical characters of Abraham and Joseph (Jesus' father)
sought refuge in Egypt. Joseph (Jacob's son) became a member of Egyptian nobility after being sold
into slavery. Moses, who was Egyptian himself through his upbringing and education, is credited with
writing the first five books of the Bible, which has been the most influential of all ancient texts.
What Egypt is most remembered for is their sophistication in art, architecture, and grandiose construction
particularly temple complexes, monuments, and of course pyramids. No other civilization built so extravagantly
so long ago. One of the more fascinating aspects of their culture and history is that their most impressive work
was performed early on between 3000 and 2000 BC. During this time, according to a general consensus of
academic Egyptologists, the pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for the Fourth Dynasty Pharaohs Khufu,
Khafre, and Menkaure. However, not everyone thinks so.
The Great Pyramid, Still a Mystery
Everyone can agree that the Great Pyramid is an ancient as well as modern marvel of construction.
Built from 2,400,000 stones, ranging in size from 10 to 50 tons, it is a solid structure with three chambers,
five passageways, and four shafts carved on the inside; not a simple design to implement given the size
of the structure and material used.
Various estimates exist on how long it may have take to complete. The traditional belief is that it took less
than 30 years to complete, the logic being it had to be ready by the time of Khufu's death. By those
standards a stone block would have had to been put into place every three minutes - quite an accomplishment
for any time.
Clearly, detailed plans must have been made and resources acquired to build such a massive structure. With
mixed success, some researchers have attempted to place heavy stone blocks atop other blocks with the
idea of duplicating the ancient Egyptians techniques. Needless to say, exactly how they built it is still a mystery.
What is more the mystery is its purpose. Although the tomb theory has been the mainstay for society's standardized
programs of learning, there is no evidence to suggest it was a tomb. Why would any society at any time waste so
much time, effort, and resources on a mausoleum of such gargantuan proportions? Why would Khufu, who is supposed to
be the commissioner of the project, change his mind not once but twice where his body was to be laid to rest?
He wouldn't have.
