Egypt, a beautiful Mediterranean country, is home to one of
the world's oldest civilizations, known for its pyramids, pharaohs and ancient
mathematics. The ancient Egyptian civilization lasted for more than 3000 years, but how much do you know about this ancient civilization? Here are 10
fascinating facts that will boost your knowledge of Ancient Egypt.
1. Egypt is
home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Pyramid of Giza. The Great
Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is the
only one still standing. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built over the course of
20 years, constructed out of stone blocks, each weighing at least 2 tons.
2. The oldest
dress in the world, aged 5,100 to 5,500 years was discovered in Egypt. The
dress was named the "Tarkhan Dress", named after the town in Egypt
where it was found in 1913.
3. The last active ruler of Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra VII Philopator, had
Greek origins. Like most members of the Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra was a
product of incest, and she eventually married both of her adolescent brothers.
Cleopatra was renowned for her intellect as she was educated in philosophy,
mathematics, astronomy and oratory. She also spoke as many as a dozen
languages.
4. Ancient
Egyptians are said to have been the first to exchange rings in weddings. In
Ancient Egypt, spouses exchanged braided rings of hemp or reeds, considered to
be a symbol of eternity. The ring was worn on the ring finger of the left hand
because the ancient Egyptians believed that this finger enclosed a special vein
that was connected directly to the heart, called 'Vena amoris' in Latin.
5. The
accidental or deliberate killing of a cat in Ancient Egypt was punishable by
death. Ancient Egyptians adored cats and were considered to be demi-gods. Only
pharaohs were allowed to keep them and cats were protected by the law. Ancient
Egyptians would shave their eyebrows to mourn the death of a cat. The cat would
then be buried with honors, with its body wrapped in the finest materials and
mummified.
6.
Examination of mummies indicate that most pharaohs were overweight and perhaps
diabetic, as their diet was rich in beer, wine, bread, and honey. 15th century B.C Queen Hatshepsut is a notable
example, with a sharp contrast between the image depicted by her sarcophagus
and that which historical evidence presents. Historians believe she was obese
and balding, while her sarcophagus portrays her as a slender, athletic woman.
7. Ancient
Egyptians slept on pillows made of materials like wood or stone, often
decorated with images of gods. 'Rest your head on my boulder,' sounds about
right, doesn't it? Pillows were important to both the living and the dead in
Ancient Egypt, so were also used in Egyptian tombs. They supported the deceased
person's head, to uphold vigor and keep demons away (hence the need for
decoration with images of gods).
8. Ancient
Egyptians invented toothpaste. They made toothpaste with ingredients such as: powder of ox hooves, ashes, burnt eggshells and
pumice.
9. Queen
Cleopatra reportedly invented the world's first vibrator. Many academics says
she filled a hollow gourd with angry bees, then placed the gourd against her
genitals for pleasure. The bees buzzed in the gourd, creating a vibrator-like
sensation. This device came in handy for her masturbation.
10.
Scatomancy, the act of telling the future through someone's poop was popular in
Ancient Egypt.
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