Download The civilization of the ancient Egyptians PDF Book by Bothwell Gosse (with Illustrations) 1915





Very interesting book with high-quality illustrations





The most striking characteristic of the civilizations of the world, especially of the West, is their evanescent nature. A State, to some extent primitive, comes to the front, evolves rapidly, reaches its zenith and then declines. A few hundred years covers the whole process. Carthage, Greece and Rome '' have their day and cease to be." There is no stability, no permanence. On the contrary, however, the most notable quality of Egyptian civilization is its permanent character. Instead of lasting only a few hundred years, it endures for thousands; and whereas in other countries the entire evolution of the civilization can be traced from its primitive beginnings, through infancy, maturity, old age, and death, in Egypt there appears to be no beginning, the civilization apparently starts mature; and although within itthere are minor cycles of decline and renaissance, still, the initial starting-point has not been found; it ever recedes down '' the arches of the years '' into the night of time. But however distant, there must have been a starting point, and the problem requiring solution resolves itself into two alternatives. Did this magnificent civilization evolve in Egypt from primitive beginnings, or was it transplanted in an infinitely remote epoch from some other land?CHAPTER IThe Egyptians, their Temperament and Domestic LifeCHAPTER IIEducationCHAPTER IIIProfessions and OccupationsCHAPTER IVAmusementsCHAPTER VArchitecture — Pyramids and TemplesCHAPTER VISculpture and Painting. Medicine Science — AstronomyCHAPTER XGovernment and LawsCHAPTER XIReligionCHAPTER VIIScience — Engineering Skills.