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...
Egyptian resource management through the extraction of natural stone and other materials also enabled elites to consider planning the monumental architecture and urban planning that characterized the society. Clever resource management also allowed those in positions of power to construct harbors and ports, as well as large wooden ships that could be used for regional trade (“Ancient Egyptian Civilization,” n.d.). The use of local raw materials to create a legacy of visual arts also gave Egypt the means by which to generate strong material culture that could be used both to maintain social control domestically and also to generate trade surpluses with economic partners. From the earliest mastabas—stone burial mounds—to the massive pyramids that continue to make Egypt the most famous ancient society, local resources allowed the civilization to create visible symbols of its power and endurance. Pyramid building flourished especially during the period known as the Old Kingdom: when the pyramids of Giza were constructed (“Ancient Egypt,” n.d.). To execute their ambitious plans for tombs, temples, and statuary, pharaohs depended on strict social hierarchies, bureaucratic organizational cultures, and organized planning and accounting methods.
The Importance of Social Control
Ancient Egyptian society never would have lasted as long as it did had its rulers not practiced systematic and effective means of controlling the population through religious propaganda. As important as Egyptian religion was to identity and culture, religion was also the most critical component of social control. Religion offered the means by which to unify the otherwise disparate and dispersed populace under one cultural rubric, and provided the symbols and superstitions needed to ensure conformity with social norms. With visible symbols of religious power, like temples and pyramids designed on a massive, impressive scale, the ordinary population of Egypt would…
