Image found from history.com
Essential Question
What were the major developments of the ancient Egyptian world?
Today, I looked at ancient Egyptian records and learned about some major developments that took place and when they occurred.
What major change, to ancient Egypt, did Hatshepsut make? What effect did it have on the civilization?
There were many rulers in ancient Egypt. These rulers were called pharaohs. One important pharaoh was named Hatshepsut. Born around 1508 B. C., she was one of the very few female pharaohs. Perhaps what made her different from other pharaohs is the fact that, "unlike other rulers in her dynasty, she was more interested in ensuring economic prosperity and building and restoring monuments throughout Egypt and Nubian than in conquering new lands." (Hatshepsut Biography) Hatshepsut changed Egypt by constructing many new buildings and temples. One example of this was when "she renovated her father's hall in the Temple of Karnak, erecting four great obelisks nearly 100 feet (30m) tall, and added a chapel. But her greatest achievement was her mortuary temple at Deir el Bahri, one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt." None of this would have been built if it weren't for Hatshepsut. (Millmore)Not only did Hatshepsut create many new buildings, she was also known for her greatness by "conducting successful military campaigns..." (Ancient History) Overall, Hatshepsut ensured that Egypt would still prosper even without her guidance.
This is a picture of what Hatshepsut was thought to look like. Image found from unbridledfreedom.com
Why was the Middle Kingdom period a "golden age" for Egypt?
Historians separated the history of Egypt into three kingdoms and intermediate periods. the kingdoms were called the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom, while the intermediate periods were in between the kingdoms. The Middle Kingdom, which lasted from 2052-1778 BC, was referred to as a "golden age." This was because "art (especially statuary and jewelry) and literature reached a high point of development." (The Flow of History) There were also major developments in Egypt's science, architecture, the work of sculpture, and mathematics. Borders were extended in the Middle Kingdom as well. (The Middle Kingdom) Many advancements were made in important subjects during the Middle Kingdom, and that is why it was called the "golden age."
Why can the exchange of "envoys" be considered a major development in ancient Egypt?
The exchange of envoys (representatives) can be considered a major development in ancient Egypt because it "marked the first time in history that a group of nations tried working together to reach common goals." (McTighe) This would probably influence the decisions of Egyptians later on. They might look back and think, "If we teamed up with another nation before and good came out of it, we can team up again instead of fighting each other pointlessly." Just this simple action could stop fights or even wars. It would help create unity between nations.
One theory considering how the Egyptian pyramids were built is basically that the Egyptians used ramps to haul the heavy stone blocks up to each level of the pyramid. (How Were the Egyptian Pyramids Built?) There wouldn't have to be a lot of technology for simple ramps, and there might not have even been any math involved. The Egyptians could have just tested out multiple ways on how to best drag the blocks up to the pyramid, and found that the ramp worked the best. However, if the Egyptians didn't just use the trial and error method, they would have had to figure out the concept of physics to work out which method worked best.
One primary source, called Pen-ta-tur: The Victory of Ramses II Over the Khita, is a poem about Ramses II. It states, "Halt! Take courage, charioteer. As a sparrow-hawk swoops down upon his prey, So I swoop upon the foe, and I will slay, I will hew [cut] them into pieces, I will dash them into dust." This shows how the Egyptians had a lot of confidence, pride, and probably strength as well. Ramses II wants to show this charioteer that he/she should not be afraid, because the Egyptians can protect themselves, and are not in danger of being attacked. This could mean that the Egyptians have developed new weapons that other nations have not thought about yet, and so they should be feared, or the Egyptians are just very powerful.