Egypt-Culture & Tradition

INTRODUCTION
Egyptian culture and Tradition are the core of Egyptian society.The culture of Egypt has
thousands of years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was among the earliest civilizations in
the world. This culture is often misunderstood as having been obsessed with death but,
had this been so, it is unlikely it would have made the significant impression it did on other
ancient cultures such as Greece and Rome. The Egyptian culture was, in fact, life-affirming.
Language
Arabic is currently Egypt's official language. It came to Egypt in the 7th century, and it is the
formal and official language of the state which is used by the government and newspapers.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Arabic dialect or Masri is the official spoken language of the
people. Of the many varieties of Arabic, the Egyptian dialect is the most widely spoken and
the most understood, due to the great influence of Egyptian cinema and the Egyptian media
throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
Today many foreign students tend to learn it throughout Egyptian songs and movies, and the
dialect is usually labelled by the general public as one of the easiest and fastest to learn,
mainly due to the huge number of accessible sources (movies, series, TV shows, books, etc.)
that contribute to its learning process.
Religion
Religions in Egypt include:
Egypt's state religion is Islam, and the majority of the population is Sunni Muslim, with
estimates ranging from 85–95%.
Coptic Orthodox Christians: Estimates range from 5–15%. Christians claim that they have
been undercounted in censuses.
Shia Muslims: Scholars and NGOs estimate that 1% of the population is Shia Muslim.
Egypt's constitution protects freedom of belief and the practice of religious rituals, but
regulates the establishment of worship places. It also criminalizes discrimination and
incitement to hatred based on religion.
Clothing
Everyone in Egypt wore clothing made from a fabric called linen. Linen fabric is strong and
doesn’t trap heat next to the body like heavy wool. For that reason, linen is comfortable and
cool to wear. It is the perfect fabric for a hot climate. Egyptian clothing is almost always
white, the natural color of flax, because it was hard to dye linen.
In ancient Egypt, if you were a boy or girl, you would not have to worry about clothes
because children did not wear clothes for most of the year. Children were usually naked until
the age of six!
The most common piece of clothing worn by men was called a kilt. A kilt is a skirt that
wraps around the body and is tied with a belt. It is cool and easy to wear in a hot climate.
Women’s clothing was also made from linen. Wealthy women wore linen that was much
lighter weight. It was much more expensive to make. Wealthy women also wore dresses
made from beads.
 What is mummy?
A mummy is a dead human or an animal whose soft tissues and organs have been preserved
by either intentional or accidental exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, very low humidity,
or lack of air, so that the recovered body does not decay further if kept in cool and dry
conditions. Some authorities restrict the use of the term to bodies deliberately embalmed
with chemicals, but the use of the word to cover accidentally desiccated bodies goes back to
at least the early 17th century.
Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings discovered by Howards Carter in an excavation expedition in 1922, one of
the most important tombs found in the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Pharaoh
Tutankhamun and all of his treasures.
The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor. It is the most
famous site for having unique collections of tombs and breathtaking ancient ruins. That
location makes it one of the hottest spots for exploring ancient Egyptian history.
About Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun, often referred to as the "Boy King," was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who
ruled during the 18th Dynasty, around 1332-1323 BCE. He ascended to the throne at a
young age, possibly around nine or ten years old, and reigned for approximately nine years.
Despite his short reign, Tutankhamun is one of the most well-known pharaohs due to the
discovery of his largely intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings by Howard Carter in 1922.
Tutankhamun's parentage remains uncertain, although he is believed to be the son of
Akhenaten, the "Heretic Pharaoh," and one of Akhenaten's sisters. During his reign,
Tutankhamun oversaw the restoration of traditional Egyptian religious practices, which had
been suppressed during his father's reign. Tutankhamun's tomb, designated KV62,
contained a wealth of treasures, including his famous golden funerary mask, jewellery,
chariots, and other artifacts. The discovery of his tomb provided invaluable insights into
ancient Egyptian burial practices and daily life. Despite his relatively minor historical
significance during his lifetime, Tutankhamun's tomb has made him one of the most famous
and studied pharaohs in history, sparking enduring fascination with ancient Egypt around
the world.
Or
King Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was a pharaoh who ruled Egypt from 1332 to 1323 B.C.
He ascended to the throne of Egypt as a child, when he was eight or nine years old, and was guided
by several key figures including Ay, the Grand Vizier and potentially Tut’s maternal grandfather, and
Horemheb, the commander-in-chief of the military.
Despite the boy king’s importance in our history today, his reign was short and relatively unimportant
in the history of ancient Egypt. He became an important figure only in death with the discovery of his
tomb and mummy in 1922 both of which were incredibly preserved, and provided valuable insights
into the history of ancient Egypt.
Tut’s most important achievement in life was restoring the cult of Amun-Ra and returning Egypt to
polytheism, which overturned the religious reforms of his father, Akhenaten.
Tut’s Family History
Pharaoh Akhenaten, King Tut’s Father
Akhenaten, King Tut’s father reigned over Egypt for about 17 years until King Tut took over
after his death. King Akhenaten was a controversial figure in his time for moving the capital
to Amarna and revolutionizing the ancient Egyptian religion by eliminating all the gods of the
Egyptian pantheon and elevating Aten, previously a minor god, to the role of the only and
supreme god. The decision to change the state religion was extremely controversial and not
well received by the public, and was quickly reversed after King Tut ascended to the throne.
King Tut’s Mother
The identity of King Tut’s mother is still up for debate, but there are three primary suspects:
Kiya, Queen Nefertiti, and a figure known as the “younger lady.” Kiya and Nefertiti were both
known wives of Akhenaten during his lifetime, so it is plausible that either of them could
have been King Tut’s mother. Additionally, an unidentified mummy of a woman was
discovered inside tomb KV35 alongside the mummy of Queen Tiye, King Tut’s grandmother.
DNA evidence suggests that this unidentified mummy may have been the mother of King
Tut, although this topic is still hotly debated amongst Egyptologists.
King Tut’s Grandparents
King Tut’s paternal grandparents were King Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. Amenhotep III
reigned during the first half of the 14th century, and he may have been one of the most
successful pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history, reigning during a period of peace and
prosperity at the height of Egyptian civilization.
Discovery of King Tut’s Tomb-Role of Howard Carter
The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb is one of the most significant archaeological finds
in history. British archaeologist Howard Carter played a pivotal role in this discovery. In 1922,
after years of systematic exploration funded by his patron, Lord Carnarvon, Carter unearthed
the tomb in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. The tomb, designated KV62, was remarkably
intact and contained a vast array of artifacts, including the pharaoh’s gold mask, which have
provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization.
Carter's meticulous approach to excavation and documentation set new standards in
archaeology. On November 4, 1922, he discovered the first step of a staircase leading to the
sealed entrance of the tomb. Upon entering the antechamber, Carter famously described
seeing "wonderful things" as the light from his candle revealed the treasures within. His
efforts ensured the careful preservation and study of the tomb's contents, contributing
immensely to our understanding of Egypt's 18th Dynasty and its cultural heritage.
Burial treasures of Tut
The burial treasures of King Tutankhamun, discovered in his tomb (KV62) in 1922, are among
the most famous and valuable artifacts from ancient Egypt. These treasures include:
1. Golden Death Mask: The most iconic artifact, this mask, made of solid gold inlaid with
semi-precious stones, covered the head and shoulders of Tutankhamun's mummy. It is
celebrated for its craftsmanship and beauty.
2. Inner Coffin: Tutankhamun's mummy was encased in three nested coffins, with the
innermost one made of solid gold.
3. Sarcophagus: The stone sarcophagus held the three nested coffins, each decorated with
intricate carvings and inscriptions.
4. Jewellery: The tomb contained a vast array of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets,
rings, and earrings, many adorned with precious stones and intricate designs.
5. Chariots and Weapons: Several chariots, bows, arrows, and daggers, some made of gold,
were found, highlighting the young king's royal status and possibly his interests.
6. Furniture: Beautifully crafted furniture, including thrones, beds, and chairs, some gilded
and inlaid with ebony and ivory, were part of the burial goods
7. Canopic Shrine and Jars: These held the king’s internal organs, each jar topped with a lid
in the shape of the pharaoh's head, placed within a gilded shrine.
8. Statues and Figurines: Numerous statues of gods, goddesses, and the king himself, crafted
from various materials like wood, gold, and stone, were discovered.
9. Miscellaneous Items: Daily life objects such as games, food, wine, and clothing, intended
to provide for the king in the afterlife, were also included.
These treasures, now primarily housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, offer profound
insights into the wealth, artistry, and beliefs of ancient Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign.
The role of Science and Technology in the discovery of Tut
Science and technology have played crucial roles in the discovery, excavation, and analysis of
Tutankhamun's tomb:
Radiography: X-rays and CT scans have provided detailed images of Tutankhamun's mummy,
revealing insights into his health, age, and possible causes of death without damaging the
remains.
DNA Analysis: Genetic testing has identified familial relationships, confirming Tutankhamun's
lineage and identifying potential genetic disorders.
Conservation Techniques: Modern preservation methods have stabilized artifacts, preventing
deterioration and allowing for safer handling and display.
Photographic Documentation: High-resolution photography and 3D imaging have created
accurate records of the tomb's layout and artifacts, facilitating virtual tours and detailed
study.
Chemical Analysis: Techniques like mass spectrometry have analyzed the composition of
artifacts, providing information on the materials and methods used by ancient Egyptians.
Remote Sensing: Ground-penetrating radar and other non-invasive technologies have helped
locate hidden chambers and structures around the tomb site.
CT scan results
CT scan results of Tutankhamun's mummy have yielded valuable insights into the ancient pharaoh's
life and death:
Physical Condition: The scans revealed that Tutankhamun was approximately 19 years old when he
died and stood around 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Injuries: Evidence of several injuries, including a fracture in his left leg, suggests he may have suffered
a fall or been involved in a chariot accident.
Health: Analysis of Tutankhamun's bones and teeth indicated he had several health issues, including
a clubfoot and a severe case of malaria.
Causal Factors: While the exact cause of Tutankhamun's death remains debated, CT scans ruled out
some theories, such as a blow to the head, suggesting he likely succumbed to a combination of
factors, including infection and genetic disorders.
Mummification: Detailed imaging of the mummification process provided insights into ancient
Egyptian embalming techniques and burial practices.