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Who is older Greek or Egypt?

Both Greece and Egypt have a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. However, when it comes to which civilization is older, Egypt has a clear advantage.

Egyptian civilization emerged around 3100 BCE, with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the rule of Narmer. This event marked the beginning of the Old Kingdom period, during which the pharaohs built the great pyramids of Giza, developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, and created a sophisticated system of government and religion that endured for thousands of years.

Greek civilization, on the other hand, emerged around 800 BCE, with the founding of the city-state of Athens. While the Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, art, literature, and politics, their civilization did not reach its height until several centuries later, during the Classical period (480-323 BCE), when Athens and Sparta emerged as dominant powers in the Greek world.

While the Greeks did not “borrow” from the Egyptians in terms of art, architecture, and religion, the two civilizations did have significant cultural interactions. Greeks traveled to Egypt as traders and mercenaries, studied in the great libraries of Alexandria and Memphis, and admired the beauty and grandeur of Egyptian art and architecture.

While both Greece and Egypt have rich and fascinating histories, Egypt can be said to be the older civilization by far, with a legacy that continues to inspire and amaze people to this day.

Is Greek mythology older than Egyptian?

The answer to whether Greek mythology is older than Egyptian mythology is not as straightforward as it may seem. Both Greek and Egyptian civilizations have a rich and ancient history that dates back thousands of years, and both have unique myths and legends that have been passed down through generations.

Egyptian mythology can be traced back to the pre-dynastic period of Ancient Egypt, which began around 6000 BCE. The mythology of Ancient Egypt was deeply intertwined with the daily life and religion of the Egyptians, and their complex pantheon of gods and goddesses was believed to control every aspect of nature and human behavior.

Greek mythology, on the other hand, is believed to have originated around 1200 BCE, which makes it a few thousand years younger than Egyptian mythology. However, the exact origins of Greek mythology are difficult to trace, as many of the myths and legends were passed down through oral traditions and were not recorded until much later.

It is worth noting that the influence of Egyptian mythology on Greek mythology cannot be overstated, and many Greek gods and goddesses have their roots in the Egyptian pantheon. For example, the Greek god Hermes shares many similarities with the Egyptian god Thoth, while the Greeks associated their goddess Aphrodite with the Egyptian goddess Hathor.

While Greek mythology may be younger than Egyptian mythology, the two are closely intertwined and have influenced each other throughout history. Both mythologies continue to captivate and inspire people to this day, and their stories and legends serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of these ancient civilizations.

Did Greek mythology come from Egyptian mythology?

The origins of Greek mythology are complex and multifaceted, and while there are certainly some similarities between Greek and Egyptian mythology, it is not accurate to say that one directly influenced the other. Rather, both traditions developed in parallel over thousands of years, with each culture drawing on its own unique historical, cultural, and religious influences.

One key factor that sets Greek and Egyptian mythology apart is their respective historical contexts. Egyptian mythology was created and developed over a period of several millennia, with some of the earliest evidence of Egyptian religious beliefs dating back to the pre-dynastic period (c. 5000 BCE).

By contrast, Greek mythology emerged much later, starting around the 8th century BCE and evolving over the following centuries as a means of explaining the mysteries of the natural world and human experience.

Another important difference between the two traditions is their relationship to politics and society. Egyptian mythology was closely intertwined with the power structures of the ancient Egyptian state, with pharaohs and other rulers serving as intermediaries between the gods and their people. By contrast, Greek mythology was not a state religion, and its figures and stories were more closely linked to individual city-states and their unique cultural traditions.

Despite these differences, there are certainly some notable similarities between Greek and Egyptian mythology. For example, both traditions feature gods and goddesses with human-like qualities and personalities, and both explore themes of creation, heroism, and the afterlife. Additionally, there are connections between some of the specific figures in each mythology, such as the similarities between the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth, both of whom were associated with writing, language, and communication.

While there are certainly some shared elements and possible points of influence between Greek and Egyptian mythology, it is not accurate to say that one directly descended from the other. Rather, both traditions developed independently over thousands of years, drawing on their own unique cultural, historical, and religious influences.

Did Greeks copy Egyptian gods?

The question of whether the Greeks copied Egyptian gods is a complex one that has been debated by scholars for centuries. While there is evidence to suggest that the Greeks did borrow elements of Egyptian religion and incorporate them into their own pantheon, it is also true that the Greeks were heavily influenced by other cultures, such as the Babylonians and the Persians, as well as by their own indigenous religious traditions.

One of the most significant examples of Greek borrowing from Egypt is the god Hermes, who bears a striking resemblance to the Egyptian god Thoth. Both gods are associated with writing and communication, and both are depicted as holding symbols of their respective crafts – Hermes with his caduceus, and Thoth with his ibis-head and scroll.

Additionally, both gods were believed to guide souls to the afterlife, and both were associated with the moon.

Another example of Greek borrowing is the goddess Isis, who was worshipped in Egypt as the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. In Greece, she was syncretized with the goddess Demeter, who was also associated with fertility and agriculture. Both goddesses were often depicted holding a cornucopia or a sheaf of wheat, and both were believed to have the power to bring life to the earth.

However, it is important to note that the Greeks did not simply copy Egyptian gods wholesale. Rather, they adapted and reinterpreted the ideas and motifs that they encountered in Egyptian religion, often transforming them to fit their own cultural context. For example, while the Egyptian god Ptah was associated with craftsmen and artisans, the Greek god Hephaestus was more closely linked to metalworking and smithing.

Similarly, while the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet was associated with war and destruction, the Greek goddess Athena was primarily a goddess of wisdom and strategic thinking.

It is also worth pointing out that the influence of Egyptian religion on Greek culture was not a one-way street. The Greeks themselves had an impact on Egyptian religion, as demonstrated by the syncretization of Greek gods such as Apollo and Dionysus with Egyptian deities like Horus and Osiris.

While it is clear that the Greeks were influenced by Egyptian religion and incorporated some elements of it into their own pantheon, it is also true that the relationship between the two cultures was complex and multifaceted. Rather than simply copying Egyptian gods, the Greeks adapted and reinterpreted them in ways that reflected their own unique perspectives and cultural traditions.

When did Egypt become Greek?

Egypt became Greek under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, in 305 BC. Ptolemy became the satrap or governor of Egypt after Alexander’s death and established the Ptolemaic dynasty, which lasted for nearly three centuries until the Roman conquest in 30 BC.

Under the Ptolemies, Egypt became heavily influenced by Greek culture and Hellenistic civilization. The ruling elite was mostly Greek, and the Greek language became the official language of administration and commerce. The Ptolemies also founded the city of Alexandria, which became a major center of learning, commerce, and culture.

Despite the strong Greek influence, Egypt continued to retain many of its traditional cultural practices and religious beliefs. The Ptolemies embraced the Egyptian religion and adopted the traditional titles and regalia of the pharaohs, including the golden crown, the false beard, and the uraeus serpent.

The Ptolemies also built many new temples and sponsored a revival of Egyptian religious practices, particularly the cult of Isis.

The Greek influence on Egypt continued to grow over the centuries, as Greek settlers and mercenaries intermarried with the local population and adopted Egyptian customs. This led to the creation of a unique Hellenistic-Egyptian culture that blended the best of both worlds. This culture was especially evident in art, which drew on both Greek and Egyptian motifs and styles.

The Ptolemaic dynasty eventually came to an end with the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC, after which Egypt was annexed by the Roman Empire. The Greek influence on Egyptian culture continued under the Roman Empire and beyond, as Christianity spread throughout Egypt in the early centuries AD and established the Coptic Church, which adopted Greek as its liturgical language.

Today, Greece and Egypt continue to share a deep cultural connection, with numerous Greek archaeological sites and artifacts found throughout Egypt and many Egyptian antiquities displayed in Greek museums.

Is Egyptian the oldest language in the world?

The question of whether Egyptian is the oldest language in the world is a complex one, and there is no easy answer to it. Firstly, it is important to clarify what is meant by “oldest” in this context. If we are referring to the age of the language itself, then the answer is yes – Egyptian is one of the oldest languages in the world, perhaps even the oldest, with a history that can be traced back over five millennia.

However, if we are referring to the age of the human species, then the answer is no – there are other languages that predate Egyptian in this sense. For example, some of the indigenous languages of Australia, such as the various forms of Aboriginal languages, have been spoken for tens of thousands of years, since long before the rise of human civilization in Egypt.

Another factor to consider is the complexity of the question of language origins. Experts in linguistics and anthropology have long debated the origins of human language, and there is still much that is not fully understood about this topic. Some theories suggest that language arose gradually over a long period of time, while others propose that it emerged suddenly and fully-formed at a specific point in history.

Furthermore, the history of Egyptian as a language is itself complex, with different varieties and dialects that have evolved over time. The earliest known form of Egyptian, known as Old Egyptian, dates back to around 2700 BCE and was written in hieroglyphics. Over time, the language developed into Middle and Late Egyptian, with various changes and innovations in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.

While Egyptian is undoubtedly one of the oldest languages in the world, the question of whether it is the oldest depends on how one defines “oldest” and takes into account the complex history of human language origins.

What’s the oldest Civilisation in the world?

The question of the oldest civilization has been a topic of great debate and discussion among historians and archeologists for many years. While there are a few contenders for this title, it is widely agreed that the oldest civilization in the world is the Sumerian civilization, which existed around 4000-2000 BCE in Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq.

The Sumerians were considered to be the first true civilization in the world, as they developed a complex system of government, agriculture, writing, and religion. They are credited with inventing the wheel, the plow, and the first written language, known as cuneiform. They also developed a complex system of mathematics and astronomy and were the first to build and use irrigation systems to support their agriculture, which was the backbone of their economy.

It is interesting to note that the Sumerian civilization developed independently in Mesopotamia, while other early civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day India, the Chinese civilization, and the Egyptian civilization developed later in different parts of the world.

However, it is worth noting that the concept of ‘civilization’ itself is somewhat subjective and open to interpretation. There were certainly other societies and cultures that existed before the Sumerians that could be considered advanced and sophisticated for their time, even if they do not meet the strict criteria of a ‘civilization’ as defined by modern historians.

For example, the Paleolithic culture that existed around 10,000 BCE was characterized by the use of tools and the development of hunting and gathering techniques, and represents an important milestone in human history. Similarly, the Neolithic culture that arose around 8000 BCE saw the development of agriculture and the creation of early settlements, which laid the foundation for the emergence of more complex societies.

While the Sumerian civilization is widely regarded as the oldest civilization in the world, the concept of ‘civilization’ itself is a complex and multifaceted one that is still subject to ongoing debate and discussion among historians and archeologists. Other societies and cultures that existed before the Sumerians may have been similarly advanced and sophisticated for their time and may also deserve recognition for their contributions to human development and progress.

Who came before the Greeks?

The history of civilization stretches back thousands of years, and there are many societies and cultures that predate the ancient Greeks. Some of the earliest known civilizations include the Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, the ancient Egyptians, who established their civilization along the Nile River around 3100 BCE, and the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and India.

Other cultures that were active before the Greeks include the ancient Babylonians, who built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon around 600 BCE, the Persians, who established the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, and the Hittites, who ruled over much of present-day Turkey and parts of the Middle East between 1600 and 1178 BCE.

There were also many powerful empires and kingdoms in ancient China and India, including the Qin Dynasty and the Maurya Empire.

In addition to these major civilizations, there were countless smaller cultures and societies that made significant contributions to human history. These include the Olmecs of Mesoamerica (circa 1400 BCE), the Mycenaeans of ancient Greece (circa 1600 BCE), and the Etruscans of ancient Italy (circa 700 BCE).

The ancient Greeks were only one of many important cultures that played a key role in shaping the world we live in today. Understanding the rich tapestry of human history requires us to explore and appreciate the contributions of all the diverse peoples and civilizations that have come before us.

Is Greece the oldest civilization?

Greece is not considered the oldest civilization in the world, although it is one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the Western world. The origins of Greek civilization can be traced back to around 2,000 BCE, with the emergence of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. However, the civilization that most people think of as “Ancient Greece” is the one that flourished from about 800 BCE to 146 BCE, with the rise of powerful city-states such as Athens and Sparta.

When it comes to the oldest civilizations in the world, there are a number of contenders, depending on how you define “civilization.” Some of the oldest civilizations include the Mesopotamians (who lived in what is now Iraq and Iran), the Egyptians, the Harappans (who lived in what is now Pakistan), the Chinese, and the Indus Valley civilization (who lived in what is now India and Pakistan).

These civilizations emerged at different times throughout history, with the Mesopotamians perhaps being the oldest, dating back more than 5,000 years.

In terms of influence, however, Greece stands out as a civilization that had a remarkable impact on the world. Greece’s contributions to philosophy, art, literature, mathematics, and science have had a lasting impact on Western culture and have been studied and emulated for centuries. From the epic poems of Homer to the groundbreaking mathematics of Euclid, Greece’s intellectual achievements are unparalleled.

While Greece is not the oldest civilization in the world, it is certainly one of the most important and influential in history. Its impact on Western culture cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to be celebrated and studied today.

Who were the first humans in Greece?

The first humans in Greece can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, which began more than 2.6 million years ago and lasted until around 8,000 BCE. During this time, hunter-gatherer societies lived in the region that is now Greece, and evidence of their presence can be found in the form of cave paintings and stone tools.

As the Paleolithic era gave way to the Neolithic era, which began around 8,000 BCE, humans in Greece began to transition to a more sedentary way of life. They began to domesticate animals, cultivate crops, and build permanent settlements. The earliest known Neolithic settlements in Greece include sites such as Sesklo and Dimini in Thessaly.

Over time, the population of Greece grew, and different groups of people migrated to the region from surrounding areas. These included the Minoans, who settled on the island of Crete around 3,000 BCE, and the Mycenaeans, who arrived on the mainland around 2,000 BCE. Both of these civilizations were highly advanced, with sophisticated art, architecture, and systems of government.

The ancient Greeks themselves believed that their ancestors were descended from the gods, including Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena. They also created a rich mythology that explained the origins of the world and the history of their civilization.

The story of the first humans in Greece is a complex and fascinating one that spans millions of years of human history. It reflects the interplay of different cultures, migrations, and technological advancements, all of which contributed to the development of one of the most important civilizations in world history.

Who were the indigenous peoples of Greece?

The indigenous people of Greece were the ancient Greeks, also sometimes referred to as Hellenes. The Greeks were an ancient civilization that has had a profound impact on the development of Western culture and society. Ancient Greek civilization originated in the Balkan peninsula and Greek islands around 3,500 years ago, and it lasted until the end of the Hellenistic period, around 31 BC.

The ancient Greeks were known for their advanced system of government, philosophy, art, and architecture. They had their own language, religion, and way of life that set them apart from other civilizations at the time. The Greeks were not a homogenous group of people, and there were many different city-states and tribes that made up ancient Greece.

Some of the most well-known city-states include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes.

The ancient Greeks were also known for their great myths and legends, which continue to be popular today. Greek mythology is full of gods and goddesses, heroes, and monsters, and many of these stories are still taught in schools and universities around the world.

Throughout their history, the ancient Greeks fought many wars and conflicts against other civilizations, such as Persia, Rome, and Egypt. Despite these conflicts, the Greeks left a lasting legacy on the world, and their influence can be seen in everything from literature and philosophy to architecture and art.

The indigenous people of Greece were the ancient Greeks or Hellenes, who were known for their unique language, culture, and civilization. Their impact on Western civilization can still be felt today, and their contributions to art, philosophy, and politics continue to be studied and celebrated.

Who first inhabited mainland Greece?

The first human inhabitants of mainland Greece are believed to have been the Pelasgians, a mysterious people about whom little is known. They were said to have arrived in Greece around 2,500 BCE and were thought to have been an Indo-European people who migrated from the north. However, there is no archaeological evidence to support that theory, and many scholars now believe that they may have been an indigenous people who were assimilated by later waves of invaders.

The Pelasgians left few traces of their civilization in the archaeological record, but they are believed to have been skilled builders and metalworkers who traded with their neighbors across the Aegean Sea. They were also thought to have been the creators of the earliest forms of the Greek language, which was spoken in a range of dialects throughout the Greek world for over a thousand years.

Following the Pelasgians, a series of other civilizations rose and fell in ancient Greece. The Mycenaean civilization emerged around 1,600 BCE and reached its height around 1,400 BCE, producing some of the most spectacular achievements of ancient Greek culture, including the massive fortifications of Mycenae and Tiryns, and the epic poetry of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

However, the Mycenaeans were ultimately destroyed by a combination of factors, including invasions by the Dorians and other groups, climate change, and possibly even internal conflicts. By the 12th century BCE, the Greek world had descended into what is often called the Greek Dark Ages, a period of widespread poverty, disease, and social upheaval that lasted for several centuries.

Eventually, the Greeks emerged from the Dark Ages and established a series of city-states that would become the foundations of their civilization. The Greeks developed a unique cultural heritage that would produce some of the greatest works of art, literature, philosophy, and science that the world has ever known.

However, none of this would have been possible without the Pelasgians, the first inhabitants of mainland Greece, who laid the foundations for the great civilizations that were to come. So, the Pelasgians were the first human inhabitants of mainland Greece.

What was Greece before Ancient Greece?

Before Ancient Greece, the Greek region was comprised of a series of small, independent communities that were referred to as “city-states.” These city-states were primarily agrarian in nature, with limited trade and commerce activities. The main source of sustenance for these communities was agriculture and livestock.

These city-states had their own distinct cultural identities, languages, religious beliefs, and political systems, which were characterized by the dominance of aristocratic families. The societies were predominantly patriarchal, with men having complete control over political and economic affairs.

It is believed that the earliest city-states in Greece emerged around 2000 BCE and were largely centered around the island of Crete, with the Minoan civilization being the most notable. The Minoans were known for their advanced society, which was characterized by great prosperity and extensive trade networks.

However, this civilization declined around 1450 BCE, paving the way for the rise of a new group of people known as the Mycenaeans.

The Mycenaeans were a more war-like society, characterized by their powerful military and warrior culture. They were heavily influenced by the culture of the ancient Near East, as evidenced by their adoption of the Linear B writing system. The Mycenaeans established a strong presence in Greece and the surrounding region, with their most notable achievement being the Trojan War, which was chronicled by Homer in his epic poem, the Iliad.

The decline of the Mycenaean civilization brought about a period of instability and upheaval that lasted for several centuries, with Greece undergoing a cultural and economic decline. It was during this period that the ancient Greeks developed their unique identity and culture, characterized by the influence of the Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilizations.

The classical age of ancient Greece, which spanned from the 5th century BCE to the 4th century BCE, saw the emergence of some of the greatest achievements in philosophy, literature, science, and art.

Before Ancient Greece, the region was characterized by a series of small, independent societies known as city-states, which were primarily agrarian in nature. These city-states had their own unique cultural identities and political systems, with the Minoans and Mycenaeans being the most notable civilizations that existed before the rise of ancient Greece.

It was during the classical age of ancient Greece that the Greeks developed their unique identity and culture, which continue to influence Western civilization to this day.

Were the Egyptian pharaohs Greek?

Egyptian pharaohs were not Greek. The Egyptian civilization dates back to 3100 BCE, whereas Greece didn’t fully emerge as a civilization until around 800 BCE. The pharaohs of Egypt are well-known and documented in ancient history as being the rulers of the country during its long and intricate history, while the Greek civilization had its own distinct rulers known as kings.

Furthermore, the pharaohs of Egypt were renowned for their unique customs, religion, and art, which differed vastly from the ancient Greeks. They worshipped unique gods and goddesses, used hieroglyphs for writing and architecture, and built massive pyramids as burial places. Whereas the Greeks have their own gods and goddesses, their language, writing, and architecture were very different from the Egyptians, and they constructed structures like the Parthenon instead of pyramids.

While it is true that the Egyptians had interactions with people from ancient Greece, like Alexander the Great, it is incorrect to say that the pharaohs themselves or the Egyptian civilization had any Greek influence or were Greek by any means. The Egyptians and Greeks had their own distinct histories and cultures, and although they did occasionally interact, it did not result in either civilization becoming the same as the other.

Hence Egyptian pharaohs were not Greek.

How did Egypt fall to Greece?

The conquest of Egypt by Greece was a complex and multifaceted event that unfolded over several decades. Greece’s rise to power and territorial expansion had been underway for centuries before it eventually came into contact with the ancient civilization of Egypt.

One of the earliest contacts between Greece and Egypt occurred in the 7th century BCE, when Greek traders began to establish trading posts on the Nile Delta. These trading posts served as the first point of contact between the two civilizations, and they paved the way for more extensive cultural and economic exchanges in the centuries that followed.

Despite the initial friendly relations between the two civilizations, tensions began to arise as Greek power continued to expand in the region. The Persian Empire’s conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE marked the beginning of a period of political instability in the region, as various local rulers vied for control of the country.

During this period of political turmoil, Greek influence in Egypt continued to grow. Greek mercenaries and administrators were hired by various rulers, and the Greek language became increasingly prevalent in the country. The Ptolemaic dynasty, founded by Ptolemy I Soter in 305 BCE, further solidified Greek control over Egypt.

Under the Ptolemaic rulers, Greek culture was promoted at the expense of Egyptian traditions. Greek temples and schools were established, and the Egyptian priesthood was gradually replaced by Greeks. While some local elites were able to maintain their power under the Ptolemies, the vast majority of the population faced economic hardship and social oppression.

The weakening of the Ptolemaic dynasty in the face of Roman invasion eventually led to the collapse of Greek rule in Egypt. In 30 BCE, the last Ptolemaic ruler, Cleopatra VII, was defeated by the forces of Octavian (later known as Emperor Augustus). Egypt became a Roman province, and Greek culture lost much of its influence.

The conquest of Egypt by Greece was a complex process that involved economic exchanges, political instability, and cultural manipulation. While Greek culture did replace many traditional Egyptian customs, the Ptolemaic dynasty ultimately proved too weak to resist Roman invasion, and Greece’s control over Egypt came to an end.

Resources

  1. How much older is Ancient Egypt than Ancient Greece? – Quora
  2. Is ancient Greece older than ancient Egypt? – Study.com
  3. What Are The Differences Between Ancient Egypt And Ancient…
  4. Ancient Egypt for Kids: Greek and Roman Rule – Ducksters
  5. Egyptiotes – Wikipedia