Religion of Egypt

In Egypt, like many other Northern African nations, Islam is the main religion. Ninety percent of Egypt is Sunni Muslims. There are also Catholics, Protestants and Christians in Egypt. [1] However, Islam was not always the main religion of the nation. In ancient times, the beliefs of the Egyptians were very different. Before the the Egyptian nation became Islamic, there were beliefs in gods and goddess. [2] Egyptians at this time were very polytheistic. Most gods and goddesses in Egyptian culture were half animal and half human. There was a sky god, an underworld god, a sun god, and more of that nature. Their belief in gods, goddesses, and other mythical things came to affect their everyday life. Myths were told about the world around them and how it was formed. One myth says that the sun god saw a mound rise from the ocean, and then Re, also spelled Ra, the sun god, created light and everything else. [3]





The polytheism of the Egyptians also affected the death of an Egyptian. Once dead, the bodies of the deceased were taken care of in order to please the gods and goddesses. The influence of Egyptians' religion not only affected their own lives, but also the lives of others that came to Egypt. When the Romans and Greeks saw the Egyptians' religious practices, they adopted some similar ideas. However, other religions also affected Egypt. Christianity came to Egypt and was semi dominant for a small amount of time, but soon another religion would reign. Over time, Islam made itself known in the nation. Islam beat out other religions and became the prominent one in 647 A.D.[4] Today, Islam is still the leading religion. This has changed the way that Egyptians live their life in that most will not carry out the same rituals today as was done in ancient times.


[1] www.religionfacts.com/egypt
[2] http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egcr01e.shtml
[3]  http://www2.sptimes.com/Egypt/EgyptCredit.4.3.html
[4]http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/2c.%20History%20of%20Religion%20-%20powerpoint.pdf

Egyptian Unwritten Historical Record

Egypt is known for its historical cultural aspects. As one of the first civilizations, its art is widely studied. What is found in Egypt is very unique and unlike any other. In Egypt, there has been a multitude of abstract art found.[1] Painted pictures and sculptures are among this art. While Egypt is well known for its extravagant pyramids, what is in inside is also magnificent.

Inside the pyramids, hieroglyphics, the Egyptian form of writing, can be found, along with drawings that are painted. These pyramids were built as a place of rest for the bodies of deceased Egyptian pharaohs. Egyptians believed that if a body was mummified and placed in a chamber of a tomb in a pyramid with their valuables, they would be able to have those items when they reached afterlife. [2] The paintings in the chambers were created to tell the story of the pharaoh's life.[3] The pyramids, inside and out, show the rich culture that Egypt has. The pyramids show the value that these people had on life and the afterlife. The pyramid represents the huge amount of respect that the pharaohs of Egypt were given. Just buy building a special place, the pyramids show the significance. When one goes deep inside the pyramids, they will find the art of hieroglyphics with other paintings, as well as the mummified pharaohs and their belongings, proving an even deeper respect .


The pyramids as a whole represent a unwritten historical record for several reasons. The first reason being that the construction of the pyramids tells those that study it, that the Egyptians were not only hard workers, but wanted to be known. Based on the religious aspects seen, it can be clear that the Egyptians very much so valued the afterlife. Thirdly, the mummification inside the pyramids show that the Egyptians had respect for the pharaohs even after they had passed.

[1] https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/egypt-art/beginners-guide-egypt/a/egyptian-art
[2] http://www.mylearning.org/a-step-by-step-guide-to-egyptian-mummification/p-1683/
[3] http://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/inside-the-great-pyramid-75164298/?no-ist

Geography of Egypt

Egypt is a well known country in Africa. It is has a lot of ancient history that dates back to Biblical times. It was one of the first countries to be established mostly because of it's location. Egypt is located in the northwestern part of Africa. Cairo is the largest city in Egypt. The word Cairo means victorious and has been in existence for over 3,500 years.[1] It's location is 30° 3' 0" N / 31° 15' 0" E. [2] The second largest city in Egypt is Alexandria. Alexandria was founded over 2,300 years ago.[1] It is located 31° 11' 53" N / 29° 55' 9" E. [3] The climate of Egypt is typically hot due to the close range of deserts. It is sunny the majority of the year and can experience dust storms and sandstorms.[4]

A key geographic feature of the country of Egypt is the Nile River. Like other countries along side it, the Nile is prominent in the Egyptians' life. The river flows straight through the country going from North to South.The Nile River provides many things for this country. It has provided water, food, protection and transportation. Every year, the river floods which allows the soil on the bank of the river to have a rich soil that is great for agriculture.[5] The Nile has allowed new prosperity to the Egyptians by allowing others to come to their country to trade and learn from them, as well as stay in the country to live. The Nile was a positive influence, but did have some consequences. With the migration down the river, it became easier for diseases to be spread. Another negative of the Nile River is the animals that live in it. Nile crocodiles, which are huge, and venomous snakes can be dangerous for the Egyptians.[5]

[1] http://countrystudies.us/egypt/57.htm
[2] http://www.travelmath.com/cities/Cairo,+Egypt
[3] http://www.travelmath.com/cities/Alexandria,+Egypt
[4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt/Soils#toc43453
[5] http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/river-nile-facts.html