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Welcome to Ancient Egypt Online; a site dedicated to the culture, language, religion and history of ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians did not call their home “Egypt” (that name is based on the Greek pronunciation of the name of Ptah’s temple in Memphis – “Hwt-ka-Ptah”), instead they referred to it as Kemet (or Kem – the black land) or Ta Mery (the beautiful land).

Upper and Lower Egypt

Ancient Egypt was divided into Ta Shemau (Upper Egypt) and Ta Mehu (Lower Egypt). Click on the hieroglyphs to view a map of Upper Egypt or Lower Egypt.

The division between upper and lower Egypt was retained after the unification of the kingdom in the Pre-dynastic Period and the pharaoh was often known as the King of Upper and Lower Egypt. This concept of duality is a constantly reoccurring feature of the Egyptian civilisation and was echoed in the pairing of different gods and goddesses to represent upper and lower Egypt.

History

The Egyptian Civilisation survived, in a relativley stable form, for a staggering three and a half thousand years. Find out more about the different periods of ancient Egyptian history and learn about the kings, queens and nobles who shaped this amazing culture on our Ancient Egyptian Timeline.

Hieroglyphs

The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language is both fascinating and beautiful. For many hundreds of years their meaning was lost, but thanks to the hard work of egyptologists hieroglyphs can again be read and enjoyed. Ancient Egypt Online features a full hieroglyphic sign list along with detailed tutorials to teach yourself hieroglyphs, and fun quizzes.

Religion

The ancient Egyptians were polytheistic (they had many gods) and their religion was both complex and fascinating. At Ancient Egypt Online you can learn more about Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and find out more about mystical symbols such as the Ankh and the Eye of Horus.

Pyramids, Temples and Tombs

The Great Pyramid and the Sphinx are perhaps the most famous monuments associated with Ancient Egypt. Yet, numerous other pyramids were constructed during the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom and Egypt also has a wealth of beautiful temples, palaces and tombs. Find out more in our section on Ancient Egyptian Monuments.

Society

Visit our Ancient Egyptian Society pages if you want to learn about burial and mummification or ancient Egyptian warfare. You can also learn about ancient Egyptian clothing, crowns and regalia, and jewelery or find out more about the role of animals in Egyptian society.

Mysteries

The Mysteries of Ancient Egypt have inspired people for centuries. Who was the pharaoh of the Exodus?, Was tutankhamun’s tomb cursed?. Can you find the answer to these questions, and many more?

Library

In our Library you can find links to primary sources about Egyptian history. Read the translations of tablets such as the Dream Stele (or sphinx stele) or find out more about Egyptian Literature such as the famous Story of Sinuhe – arguably the world’s first historical novel.

copyright J Hill 2008