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fandomhigh2005-10-24 07:56 pm
the-ascended.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2005-10-24 07:56 pm
Egyptian Archaeology
*Daniel's possibly had too much coffee already today. He's not quite bouncing around the classroom, but it's a near thing*
"Right. Sorry about the interruption in classes, uh, class. I really hope it won't happen again, or if I do have to make any more trips, I'll be able to give you more warning and perhaps arrange for a substitute.
Now. We looked at four theories of the unification of Egypt last week. I sincerely hope you all remember what they were - anyone?
Right. So, contuing on with theories, we have trade with outside centers. It's possible that increased trade may have given one area an advantage over the others, in terms of prestige, power and support. There was trading up and down the Nile Valley, which explains the spread of copper and stone. The Egyptians at the time also traded with Palestine and northern Syria, as well as coming in contact with the culture of Mesopotamia.
Another theory is population pressure leading to expansion. THe general increase in size and number of settlements at this time led to more burials being observed and these burials gradually contain more and more varied goods. This is perhaps due to calmer Nile floods, increased land reclamation and development of basin irrigation to produce more agricultural products. More people led to mass-movements to new places with resultant pressure on areas already settled.
There's the possibility of a dynastic union occuring, which resulted in political and administrative structures. This can be seen in the development of documentary (written) evidence after ‘unification’ circa 3,100 BC. It may have come about by bilateral agreements, marriages, ritual and cultic exchanges.
The last theory we're looking at is political ambition and individual charisma. Basically, one person got up and unified the country. In Egyptian myth this was King Menes who joined Upper and Lower Egypt and founded a new capital at Memphis. From the archaeological record contenders are: King Scorpion and especially King Narmer.
Now, for homework, I want you to write me an essay, based on readings and your own thoughts, on which of these you think were most likely, or had the most impact on unification.
Thank you, guys. I'll see you on Wednesday."
"Right. Sorry about the interruption in classes, uh, class. I really hope it won't happen again, or if I do have to make any more trips, I'll be able to give you more warning and perhaps arrange for a substitute.
Now. We looked at four theories of the unification of Egypt last week. I sincerely hope you all remember what they were - anyone?
Right. So, contuing on with theories, we have trade with outside centers. It's possible that increased trade may have given one area an advantage over the others, in terms of prestige, power and support. There was trading up and down the Nile Valley, which explains the spread of copper and stone. The Egyptians at the time also traded with Palestine and northern Syria, as well as coming in contact with the culture of Mesopotamia.
Another theory is population pressure leading to expansion. THe general increase in size and number of settlements at this time led to more burials being observed and these burials gradually contain more and more varied goods. This is perhaps due to calmer Nile floods, increased land reclamation and development of basin irrigation to produce more agricultural products. More people led to mass-movements to new places with resultant pressure on areas already settled.
There's the possibility of a dynastic union occuring, which resulted in political and administrative structures. This can be seen in the development of documentary (written) evidence after ‘unification’ circa 3,100 BC. It may have come about by bilateral agreements, marriages, ritual and cultic exchanges.
The last theory we're looking at is political ambition and individual charisma. Basically, one person got up and unified the country. In Egyptian myth this was King Menes who joined Upper and Lower Egypt and founded a new capital at Memphis. From the archaeological record contenders are: King Scorpion and especially King Narmer.
Now, for homework, I want you to write me an essay, based on readings and your own thoughts, on which of these you think were most likely, or had the most impact on unification.
Thank you, guys. I'll see you on Wednesday."
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