Ancient Egyptian civilization was an advanced culture in terms of astronomy and mathematics. However, these were not only scholarly pursuits. These developments had an important impact in the everyday activities of common people. For example, in agriculture.
One of the most significant advancements of the Egyptian civilization was the development of an irrigation system. This involved the construction of drainage canals and other aspects of hidraulic engineering. These extensive systems would not have been possible without their knowledge of mathematics.
There were significant achievements in the field of astronomy as well. Based on their observations of the sun and the moon's movements, the Egyptians developed an accurate calendar organized in twelve 30-day months, three seasons of four months each, plus an extra five days, giving a 365-year day but with no way of accounting for the extra quarter day each year. Day and night were split into 24 units. This allowed people to farm the land more successfully.
For Ancient Egyptians society, the knowledge of astronomy helped farmers to consider the passage of time and the seasons. Meanwhile, the knowledge of mathematics helped farmers to calculate the measurement of time for their calendar.
EXPLANATION:
Astronomy was essential for the ancient Egyptians, there were two levels of this: spiritual and practical. Egypt was considered a perfect echo of the land of the gods and life after death as a reflection of people’s life on earth.
This dichotomy is evident in Egyptian culture in every element and symbolized in the obelisk which was often brought up in pairs and supposed to reflect the divine pair that appeared at the same time in heavens. The stars narrated the stories of the achievements and trials of the gods but also showed the passage of time and seasons.
The stars could indicate the time to rain on a more practical level when it was almost the time to plant or yield crops, and even the best times to make significant decisions like building a house or temple or beginning a business.
Astronomical observations made astrological interpretations that may have been implemented from Mesopotamian sources through trade. However, a strict astronomical investigation of the night skies was understood in terms of pragmatism and documented in mathematical calculations that compute week, month, and year. Even though the calendar was created by the ancient Sumerians, the concept was modified and enhanced by the Egyptians.
LEARN MORE:
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:
• How were the ancient Egyptians’ advancements in the fields of astronomy and mathematics helpful to farmers? https://brainly.com/question/11264640
KEYWORDS : Mathematics, Astronomy, Ancient Egyptians, Egyptians’ advancements
Subject : Social Studies
Class : 7-9
Sub-Chapter : Ancient Egyptians’ Technology
