Ancient Civilization: Egypt
The Facts:
Ancient Egypt can easily be considered the first great city. Around 4,000 B.C. with basic human needs secured along the waters of the Nile River, Ancient Egyptians could focus greater attention on developing other aspects of their daily lives. With more intricate ideas and inventions coming into the foreground, Ancient Egypt places itself as one of the first great cities, creating a greater interest in things beyond basic human needs; and therein starting a global shift towards the lavish and the luxurious.
The Thoughts:
Throughout the lecture and my own personal research, it is undeniable that Egypt was the launching point for much of our way of life; not only in style and design, but in our lavish thinking and our desire for the bigger and the better. However, I have found that my greatest interest in Ancient Egypt, lies not in its similarities with modern culture, but rather in its differences. Differences that can be seen throughout history, and throughout cultures since the dawn of man. There are obvious differences in structure building, dress, and customs; more deeply however, the way different cultures determine "What is power" "What is attractive" "What is comfortable".
A great example of this very thought can be found in their furniture style. Interesting angles and curves, designated elevated head rests, stiff, firm materials. "Comfort" is not the first word that comes to mind when looking through images of Ancient Egyptian furniture. More importantly however is that these items were considered luxurious!? Now, I am not faulting the Ancient Egyptians for not having access to electric blankets and memory foam mattresses, I simply am fascinated with these pieces, and even more enamored with the fact that these pieces were once considered comfortable and luxurious. A fantastic representation of ever changing ideas and values.
The Now:
