Dr. Hermann
9.27.16
Egypt and Mesopotamia are two of the oldest river-valley civilizations. Egypt and Mesopotamia are different when it comes to their religious, political, and cultural systems but they still possess some similarities. Egypt as well as Mesopotamia was ruled by a king, however the political system was structured differently. The similarities and differences of these civilizations are the reasons why they may have thrived or fallen in particular areas of having successful civilizations. Each civilization’s view on how their life was lived was shaped by how the civilizations regarded their gods and the feelings that those civilizations felt were given by those same gods. Mesopotamia and Egypt’s view of their …show more content…
This purposefulness deals with how the Egyptians perceive their gods. The Egyptians see their gods as loving and caring for their people. This belief is very different then how the Mesopotamians viewed their gods. Also, differing from the Mesopotamians the Egyptians viewed their river as wonderful and life-preserving. The Egyptians regarded the Nile with respect and gratefulness for enriching the region. This helped the Egyptians believe that the universe was a regular and orderly place this differs from the Mesopotamian view because they saw the world as being a random occurrence daily. The Nile was seen as the living force for all things within the Egyptian society. Hail to the O Nile! Who manifests thyself over this land, and comes to give life to Egypt! If you cease your toil and your work, then all exists is in anguish (Hymn to the Nile 1) The Egyptians believed that the flooding of the river was on a schedule to provide the soil for their crops. They also believed the gods caused the flooding in the region similar to the Mesopotamians however they felt it was for a positive purpose. The Egyptian society was ruled by a king similar to Mesopotamia’s political structure. The difference in these political structures lies within the way the kings rule the society. The Mesopotamian kings held power by instilling fear into their people but the Egyptians believe that to acquire power you must the people. Also Egypt was ruled over as one society and Mesopotamia was composed of many city-states ruled by multiple kings. The Pharaoh, king in Egypt, would respect his followers so that they can follow him by their own will. Be not arrogant because of what you know; deal with the ignorant as well as the learned (Ptah Hotep 1). The ideal was for the Pharaoh to respect all, regardless of status or intelligence. This will led to the buildings of structures to present