On our blog, we’ve talked about iconic Egyptian sites, tours, Egyptian traits, and even recommended the pictures you should take during your tour in Egypt! This time we’ve decided to highlight a different aspect of Egypt’s rich history and shed light on the pioneering side of the Land of Pharaohs.
Calendar
Ancient Egyptians were the firsts to introduce the 12-month/365-day calendar that we still use today. They divided the year into three main seasons, based on the Nile River’s flood cycle. The Ancient Egyptian calendar was mainly used to guide farmers towards the best time for planting their crops. The three seasons were Akhet, in which they plant the seeds; Peret, during which the actual growth of crops happen; and finally there was Shemu, in which they harvested their crops.
Makeup
Ladies, now you know who you should thank for the marvelous invention that is makeup! Ancient Egyptians, especially royalties, were very keen on appearances and looking their best, which shows in the various art crafts and drawings. Back then, eye makeup was a must for both genders, and Kohl was commonly used.
Wigs
Yep, you read it right! The ornamented hair pieces you’ve seen on Ancient Egyptian statues are actually wigs and not just an exaggeration by the sculpture! During the hot season of summer, Ancient Egyptians used to shave their heads as a sign of hygiene to keep the pests away, and covered their heads with wigs, because it wasn’t widely acceptable to be bald.
Writing Language
Ancient Egyptians were the firsts to document their lives and communicate in writing, using the iconic Egyptian Hieroglyphs’ system. Ancient Egyptians also invented black and multicolored ink that marvelously managed to last till our present time! Moreover, they used to write on Papyrus, the first form of papers known to man.
Medicine and Surgical Instruments
The foundation of medicine is rooted in Egypt. Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in several medicine fields and numerous cures, all while using natural basic ingredients. Ancient Egyptians had futuristic revelations when it comes to human anatomy, and we have mummification as a timeless proof for that. Moreover, the oldest medical document known to man was written on papyrus during the Ancient Egyptians era, in which the structure of human brain is discussed, marking the initiation of neuroscience.
Construction Tools
One word: Pyramids! Archaeologists and historians still stand in awe in front of the spectacular constructions of Ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramids of Giza, The Great Sphinx, The Karnak Temple Complex, are just few examples of the constructional and architectural wonders that the Ancient Egyptians built.
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