Egyptian Culture: the Secrets of the Pyramids of Giza and the History of the Nile River

Without a doubt, Egypt will attract anyone who investigates its history. The Egyptian culture was developed in a harsh environment and managed to create an incredibly advanced society, in medicine, art, sculpture, engineering, and, above all, architecture. However, in this article, we will only focus on the Pyramids of Egypt and then the famous Nile River.

The Origin of the Pyramids of Giza<a id="the-origin-of-the-pyramids-of-giza"></a>

To know the origin of the Pyramids of Giza, we have to go back 3000 years BC. We will have to travel to that time to know the very beginning of the history of Egypt.

Along the banks of the Nile River, there were a series of settlements that prospered as their tools became more effective and precise. They were no longer just collecting grain: they now hunted, explored mining, and improved the security of the settlement.

You cannot understand the pyramids without knowing Egyptian beliefs, since both are closely related. The Egyptians believed in life after death, so they dedicated their entire lives to preparing for that momentous moment. "The Book of the Dead" is proof of this: a guide on how to prepare the body and soul for that moment.

This is where the urgent need to create lasting and eternal constructions arises since the soul of the deceased "will live eternally." Burials included furniture, jewelry, food, and entertainment, reflecting the belief that the deceased would continue a similar life in the afterlife. For this reason, the buildings of the pharaohs were so colossal.

Various theories have emerged throughout history, but there is no doubt that part of the success of building the pyramids is due to organizational capacity and innovation in the creation of tools such as sleds and ramps.

To obtain reliable data, we are guided by drawings found in tombs. They are known to have used squared stones, adobe, and uncut stones, as well as construction techniques such as stacking blocks and walls filled with rubble. However, we are still intrigued by how they managed to build buildings the size of the pyramids at that time.

It is believed that Egyptian technicians first studied the terrain, choosing the flattest and closest to the river. When the terrain was rocky, the work area was flattened. The first known architect was Imhotep, responsible for the design of the first and oldest step pyramid, located in Sakkara, commissioned by Pharaoh Djoser around 2750 BC. Picture of Spencer Davis on Unsplash

A Little Bit of the History of the Nile River<a id="a-little-bit-of-the-history-of-the-nile-river"></a>

The Nile River is a very long African river that originates in Burundi and runs through eastern Africa in a south-north direction until it empties into the Mediterranean Sea (in Egypt) in the middle of a large and fertile delta. At approximately 6,853 kilometers in length, the Nile is the second longest river in the world, after the Amazon (7,020 km).

To the ancient Egyptians, the Nile meant "life," for without it, Egypt would have been a barren desert. It provided water for drinking and irrigating fields, depositing fertile soil along its banks during its annual floods, allowing farmers to grow wheat, barley, flax, fruits, and vegetables.

The Nile River also served as a means of communication and transportation of goods throughout the Egyptian empire. Thanks to it, much of the raw material used to build the pyramids of Giza was transported. The Greek historian Herodotus described ancient Egypt as the "gift of the Nile."

Without the irrigation provided by the waters of the Nile, Egyptian civilization would probably have been short-lived. This river was fundamental for the flowering and development of a great civilization that lasted three thousand years. Picture of Mo Gabrail on Unsplash

Discover the Fascinating History of Egypt<a id="discover-the-fascinating-history-of-egypt"></a>

Through the majestic Pyramids of Giza and the vital Nile River, Egypt offers a fascinating glimpse into an incomparable ancient civilization. 

From the monumental structures that defy time to the waters that fuel a thriving culture, every aspect of Egypt invites you to explore and understand its enduring legacy. 

We encourage you to immerse yourself in this journey into the past and discover for yourself the mysteries and wonders of this unique land. Dare to know Egypt!