Introduction
Egyptian civilization lasted for almost three thousand years, far longer than any of its counterparts in the ancient world. A combination of factors including geography, resource management, economic and political institutions, and social and cultural variables came together to enable the flourishing and longevity of Egypt. Once a collection of city-states scattered along the Nile River, Egypt unified itself into a singular political entity in about 3100 BCE (“Ancient Egypt,” n.d., Tyldesley, 2011). Concurrent with the unification of Egypt was also the transition towards agriculture and the production of surplus goods, as well as a rich tradition of art and design. The unification of Egypt also enabled it to consolidate and centralize political power on a massive scale, and through bureaucratic organization also command vast economic resources instrumental for maintaining regional dominance. Elites in Egyptian society also maintained social control via institutions like religion. Social, economic, and political forces combined to make Egypt a model of a successful, long-lasting civilization.
Geography and Economic Expediency
Much of what contributed to the success of ancient Egypt can be attributed to its beneficial geographic position. Located along the Nile River, Egyptian society flourished because of ready access to fertile lands. The Nile River valley remained the only fertile area that could sustain civilization, making it far easier to maintain control over the population and manage the local agricultural and natural resources (Allen, 1997). Moreover, the Nile River flooded and ebbed in a fairly predictable pattern throughout the year, making the management of crops and the creation of reliable surpluses relatively simple (“The World of the Ancient Egyptians,” n.d.). Sophisticated irrigation systems were not uncommon in the ancient world, but in Egypt such systems were critical to the survival of the state (“Ancient Egyptian Civilization,” (n.d.). After unification of southern and northern kingdoms under common administrative control, Egypt could boast a productive, abundant society that precluded the need for...
References
Allen, R.C. (1997). Agriculture and the origins of the state in ancient Egypt. Explorations in Economic History 34(2): 135-154.
“Ancient Egypt.” History. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-egypt
“Ancient Egyptian Civilization,” (n.d.). https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/world-history-beginnings/ancient-egypt-hittites/a/egypt-article
“The Ancient Egyptian Economy,” (2010). http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/economy/index.html
Kemp, B.J. (2006). Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization. New York: Routledge.
Tyldesley, J. (2011). Ancient Egypt and the modern world. BBC History. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/egypt_importance_01.shtml
“The World of the Ancient Egyptians,” (n.d.). The Ancient World. http://www.theancientworld.net/civ/egypt.html
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