Topic > Analysis of ancient Egyptian culture and lifestyle using three main documents

Ancient Egypt was an elaborate empire, apparently one of the most interesting ancient cities of all time. From the fearless pharaohs, to the incredible writing techniques, to the astonishing architecture, Egypt was a complex society with many details that created one of the longest-lasting empires in history. To more fully explore the composition of the society of this early civilization, we discuss three major documents from this time period: Ptah-Hotep, Precepts (2300 BC), Instructions to the Vizier Rekhmire (1400 BC), and House of Hekanakhte (2002/1 BC) give us an idea of ​​the world of Egyptian culture. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Ptah-Hotep Precepts is a document written in 2300 BC, 5th Dynasty, in Ancient Egypt. Ptah-Hotep has written this set of guidelines for young people to keep them on the right path. He begins the document with a statement about how his writings will advise young Egyptians on how to be enlightened and free from evil. Most of what is written is in a second-person perspective, aimed directly at a young person. Many of the morals discussed concern the relationship between a man and a woman, or between a husband and wife. This attention to the marital relationship showed how important the role of marriage and loyalty towards one's partner was for Egyptian culture. The beginning of these precepts focused on how a man should act in everyday life. Ptah-Hotep writes: “Let no one inspire fear in men. . . ” and “If you, a farmer, gather crops in the field that the great [Ptah] has given you, do not fill your mouth in your neighbors' house; it is better to be feared by the owner. " These presentations of ideal behavior show that man should have been self-sufficient and strong. The expectations of young men in Egyptian society were held to a high standard of manliness. Later in the document the author mentions a man's expectations towards of a woman. He begins with: “If you wish to command respect in the house you enter, for example the house of a superior, a friend or any esteemed person... avoid making advances to a woman, because there is no is nothing good in doing SO. This statement shows that affairs of this nature were not accepted in the slightest, and if a man committed such an act, it would cause him to lose all respect for himself. The author even went so far as to say: "men destroy themselves to enjoy a moment , short as a dream, as they gain death..." Maintaining a faithful relationship seemed to be the focus of Ptah-Hotep's writing. The importance of a woman's happiness in her marriage was also expressed quite thoroughly. In multiple sections of his writings, he also discusses the comfort of the woman. In one paragraph he mentioned: “If you are wise, take care of your house; love your wife without bond. Fill her stomach, cover her back; these are cares to be given to your person. ” Despite this concern for women, they have not yet managed to decide their own destiny. One man took care of every aspect of their lives. Everything Ptah-Hotep wrote was focused on how an Egyptian man should take part in daily activities and social relationships. The document Instructions to the Vizier Rekhmire was written in the 15th century BC. It is essentially an instruction manual for becoming the vizier or prime minister of the pharaoh. The author first describes how the vizier's "chamber" was to be arranged by writing: "he will sit on a chair, with a carpet on the floor and a platform above, a cushion under his back, a cushion under his feet". ...and a stick in.