Ancient Egyptian Inventions: From Pyramids to Papyrus

Apart from mummies and pyramids, there are many ancient Egyptian inventions that many of you might not be aware of. Did you know that Ancient Egyptian Inventions are still used today? The pharaohs of Egypt managed a huge kingdom for thousands of years, established large monuments and pyramids. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most famous Egyptian inventions. Let’s get started:

What Inventions Did Ancient Egypt Make?

You may know that Egypt has one of the largest collections of monuments and antiquities in the world. It also had a cultural effect on surrounding ancient and modern civilizations. However, ancient Egypt was also known for ancient Egypt technology and inventions that will be discussed here:

Medicines

Egyptians spent a lot of their time understanding human anatomy, which began in 3000 BC. Ancient Egyptian medicines were popular in the ancient world, as many doctors were able to repair broken bones, stitch wounds, and amputate limbs. They used foods like garlic and onions because of their numerous health benefits.

The invention of the lock and key

At first, residential places were secured by a simple bolt placed across the door. However, during the second millennium BC, the Egyptians invented the lock and key as a new security system. Although lock and key systems at that time were less complex than modern security systems, the ancient Egyptian tumbler lock shows a dramatic shift in the history of engineering. Several pins inside the lock formed a series of mini bolts, and when the matching key was inserted to unlock it, its prongs lifted these, allowing the bolt to be pulled back and the door to open.

Tables and other furniture

Before ancient Egyptian inventions, such as chairs and tables, people used to sit on the floor or small stools, and used large blocks as surfaces. And then, the art of furniture making came around the mid-third millennium BC, when complex items started to be created in Egypt. Primarily, the furniture was made from wood and alabaster. Egyptian tables had a smooth surface raised off the ground with either legs or a pedestal, which were sometimes separate elements. Ancient tables were used for writing, dining, and playing board games.

However, the Egyptian chair was quite different. It was not found in any home or public place, but instead, it was considered a luxury piece, enjoyed by the elite. While farmers and peasants might sit on stools, the royal or wealthy Egyptians had proper chairs with armrests and backs. They were made from precious materials, such as ebony and ivory, decorated with expensive metals, and figures or animals, deities, or plants were carved on these chairs.

Paper and ink

Although the invention of writing existed before ancient Egypt, the Egyptians were the ones who developed materials similar to what we use today – paper and ink- for writing. Their paper was not normal; instead, it was an early version called papyrus, which was made from reeds that grew along the Nile River.

For several years, historians have been trying to identify the exact way used by the Egyptians to use this plant to turn it into a writing surface, but the records are not clear. It is assumed, however, that the first step involved cutting the stem into strips; after that, they were soaked to let the fibers expand, and laid down in overlapping layers. After that, they were compressed, either rolled, hammered, or pressed, until the layers fused to form a flat surface. The dry Egyptian climate meant that papers made out of papyrus were long-lasting.

The timekeeping and calendar

While the Mesopotamians first created a number system, allowing for measuring time, the ancient Egyptians developed the type of calendar and timekeeping methods we still use today. They created a 365-day calendar with 12 months of 30 days with 5 extra days, and divided the year into three farming seasons. Additionally, they also invented early tools for measuring time, like obelisks (usually focused on shadows to measure time), water clocks, and sundials. These inventions helped people manage their daily life activities better, making Egyptian society more efficient.

Barbers

It was not only Egyptian women who benefited from the new beauty trends, but the first barbers were also found in ancient Egypt, indicating that there were men hired to cut and groom the hair and beard using sharpened flints and shells. Some of the earliest barbering was done by doctors or priests since it had a medical or ritual purpose, and even after it became a profession.

Final Thoughts

Ancient Egypt is far more than pyramids; it is known for its amazing inventions and discoveries. Despite this, if you are interested in visiting and exploring Egypt while enjoying scenic views of the Nile River, you can contact Nile Cruisen. You can explore our Nile Cruise packages as well to choose one that matches your budget requirements.

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