Ancient Egypt
Elements of its Cultural History

  by Sjef Willockx

 
 


Culture and Language
 

This section explores, from a variety of standpoints, the culture and language of ancient Egypt.

Lotus, papyrus, and the heraldic plants of ancient Egypt
About the various applications of lotus and papyrus in the script, the arts and architecture, and as symbols for Upper and Lower Egypt. Includes an analysis of the concept of "Tawy", which is shown to consist of two different divides: "the Two Lands" and "the Two Kingdoms". With a detailed historic overview of the development of the Sma Tawy vignette: from the 1st till the 19th dynasty. Includes fine photographs of the white, blue and pink lotus, papyrus, and several types of sedges.

The spelling of ancient Egyptian names in modern languages
In modern languages, the names of Egyptian kings and gods can be rendered in a variety of ways. Especially for a beginner, this is most confusing, and may cause utter frustration. Amenophis, Amenemmes, Amenemhat, Amenhetep and Amenhotep: please, who-is-who??

Those ancient Egyptian tenderhearts
When we look at the reliefs and paintings from Egyptian tombs and temples, we see a world of peace and tranquility, of order and harmony. When we read the Teachings of Ptahhotep, we are struck by their subtlety and wisdom. Surely, this was an elevated people, well aloof of their contempories! Or was it?...

The formative period of pharaonic Egypt
This short article first examines the defining characteristics of the ancient Egyptian culture, and then inquires into their first appearance in history. How old exactly is that culture, that we feel we know so well? (And are we right in that?) (In PDF format).

10 theses about culture
What is a culture? How does it affect us? How should we study it? And how can it change?


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