Modern things of antiquity

When we think of the ancient Egyptians, we usually remember Cleopatra or glamorous decorated mummies. We rarely remember about everyday things, but some of them we use today.

Some inventions of the ancient Egyptians was ascribed to those who existed much later. But the ancient Egyptians - as well as we do today - are always looking for ways to make their lives easier. The following are examples of the ideas and objects that have passed the test of time, but very few people know about it.

Modern things of antiquity Modern things of antiquity

1. The Government of

It is often said that the first system of government appeared in the Roman Empire - but in fact, this is true only in respect of the Western countries. For the first time the government as a slender structure was created in Ancient Egypt.

Contrary to popular belief, the Pharaohs have not always been the main rulers of Egypt. Before 1570 BC, the country was ruled by kings, in prehistoric Egypt rulers were called "kings of scorpions." However, we do not know how it was managing as long as the power does not come to the king Narmer, who established the first centralized management system throughout the state.

This system is in control of all business activities, ranging from trade and the division of society into classes, and to determine the boundaries of the provinces, accounting and personal property tax collection. This means that probably, the fight against tax evasion is carried out from the time of ancient Egypt.

Modern things of antiquity

2. Calendar

Before the advent of the state regulation of economic life, there was no need for calculating the specific days. However, with the advent of tax collectors such a need arose. In addition, the country's agriculture depended heavily on irrigation systems, which are created by the ancient Egyptians, while it was necessary to anticipate the moments of the Nile flood. Therefore, the 365-day calendar was created. Initially, there were 370 days in the calendar, but later it became clear that the year should be reduced, and enter a leap year. Therefore, if you were born on February 29, even in the presence of grandchildren can truly say that to celebrate his birthday, only 20 times, and thanks for this good is worth the Egyptians.

Modern things of antiquity

3. Wine

New Year, Christmas, birthday parties - all these weighty excuses for the organization of events with a drink. For one of our favorite forms of recreation, we also have to thank the ancient Egyptians, who first invented wine. Perhaps this contributed to the calendar and invented them, because from that moment appeared clearly marked with the date when it was a sin not to drink.

Initially it was thought that the perennial vines, whose remains archaeologists found were only for growing grapes as the food. However, later in the day some pots began detecting traces of wine.

These footprints were found in a large number of pots, it seems that the Egyptians were very fond of this drink. And they are easy to understand when you consider how many holidays have been in the Egyptian calendar (including a five-day celebration at the end of the year). So next time when you will be going to drink, you can safely say that only comply with the preserved 3,000-year BC. e. tradition.

Modern things of antiquity

4. Toothpaste

Starting from the 1600s, in London, began to keep records of deaths, which was introduced by a special document. In general, this document is grim, but there is an interesting detail: among the causes of death of one of the first places occupied by diseased teeth (they are ahead of only such sinister diseases such as bubonic plague). This was due to the fact that at that time there was no proper dental care. In fact, people do not even think about the fact that dental health can be attributed to their habits of consumption of food. However, what you do not know the Europeans, Egyptians understood more centuries ago, and they found a simple solution to this problem. Yes, the first kind of toothpaste was invented by the ancient Egyptians, with part of it was rather unpleasant: crushed hoof, ash and zhzhonnaya eggshell.

Along with toothpaste and peppermint appeared oral freshener. The list of ingredients included rock salt and dried peppermint leaves and iris. In ancient Egypt, it was found many recipes that include this foundation. While this simple invention saved the lives of many people.

Modern things of antiquity

5. Handles for the letter

If you are fond of literature about the secret knowledge that may have encountered information that the ancient Egyptians closely communicate with aliens. After the discovery of some suspicious figures and hieroglyphs carved on the stone, conspiracy theorists began to express the idea that the ancient Egyptians and aliens coexist peacefully with each other. However, few people pay attention to the fact that the carving on the stone is much rarer than it was worth to wait.

Ancient Egyptians pretty quickly realized the impracticality of such a system of writing, as a result were invented parchment and pen. Most of us think that the development of writing instruments began with the use of goose feathers, but actually handles appeared much earlier.

The ancient Egyptians created a tool for writing, who had never met. They were soaked the tips of the long cane sticks in water, then sharpened their ends, and digested them impregnated with ink. This made it possible to keep records that could be easily transferred, which greatly influenced the daily life. Soon, however, the Egyptians realized that such handles dry quickly, and switched to using feathers. Only in the late 1800s, mankind has again returned to the original Egyptian idea and developed a modern handle that this time it was supplied with a cap to prevent such rapid drying.

Modern things of antiquity

6. Hours

Being late to work were a problem even for the ancient Egyptians, as they, too, had a clock. The earliest view hours were sunny, but they only work when the sky is clear.

This led to the creation of a water clock. These clock is ticking because of them slowly dripping water throughout the day, which made it possible for the water to determine the level of the remaining time.

The invention of hours has had a tremendous impact on the daily life in ancient Egypt. Thus began the history of improving these mechanisms to their modern designs.

Modern things of antiquity

7. Prostheses

It seems that the prosthesis - is a relatively new invention, however, began to use them as early as 950 BC. e. Although they were not as perfect as modern, yet they helped their owners to lead an active life.

To date, the oldest prosthesis is considered by archaeologists discovered an artificial thumb. In the tombs of the ancient Egyptians have been found, and many other artificial body parts, but all of them were created only in order to restore the body before traveling on the afterlife. And it is absolutely not the same thing as trohsustavny big toe, made of wood and leather, which was found with the mummy of the owner.

To make sure that the finger had to help more lively owner during his walk, multiple copies were made and tested. Several disabled walked with prostheses and without them, to determine how much they help. The result was positive, and that gave reason to believe an artificial finger found the oldest prosthesis in the world.

Modern things of antiquity

8. Scissors

There is a common misconception that the scissors invented by Leonardo da Vinci. In fact, the first scissors were created as early as 1500 BC. e. Structure, which is familiar to us today, was invented by the ancient Romans, but the Egyptians had their own, though more simple, but very effective option scissors. Their scissors consisted of a single piece of metal, the edges of which are sharpened and bent so that the blades come into contact with each other.

With the advent of scissors the ancient Egyptians were able to diversify their hairstyles, because even the most experienced hair stylist can not do without a pair of scissors.

Modern things of antiquity

9. Plow

Agriculture has been the main activity of many civilizations. However, it was the ancient Egyptians created the first device needed for the effective operation of the peasants.

Before the invention of the plow people "plowed" land with the help of special long sticks, which are stuck in the ground to make holes for planting seeds. Without these sticks to complete the work might take weeks or even months. Egyptians are tired of these sticks, and countless hours of work with them, so they created the first known plow, or rather, the plow.

It was just a couple of sticks that are connected at the bottom and diverging upward. It was attached to the bottom of a piece of stone or iron. With this invention, the ancient Egyptians were able to just walk behind a plow, leaving a deep cut in the ground, which could sow many seeds at once. Of course, this does not go to any comparison with the plow, which is used today, but it was with the advent of this invention, the changes started in the life of the peasants.

Modern things of antiquity

10. Hair dye

If you've ever seen an image of the ancient Egyptians, you could not help but draw attention to the fact that their appearance is very peculiar. Egyptians not only used cosmetics, wigs and hair extensions, but they were the first to paint. Her hair was not just a part of the exterior, and an indicator of social status. The more well-groomed hair was, the richer was their owner.

The ancient Egyptians tried to always look young, and gray hair kept them in it. Therefore, the Egyptians began to use dried henna leaves to create a reddish-brown paste, with which dyed their hair. Henna is also used for coloring the lips and nails. Color can be adjusted by changing the concentration of the mixture.