Contents

1. Introduction
2. Linen Balls
3. Paper and Ink
4. Makeup and Wigs
5. Calendar and Time Keeping
6. Medicines
7. The Lock
8. The Police
9. Toothpaste
10. Chair and Table
11. Source 

 

 

Introduction

The ancient Egyptians have been credited with inventing some of the most incredible inventions in human history. From the invention of paper to the earliest known form of a calendar, their contributions to society are often overlooked. One of the most impressive and important inventions attributed to Ancient Egypt is papyrus paper. The Egyptians created this early form of paper from reed plants found on the side of rivers, which was then pounded down into a thin sheet and dried out in the sun. This method enabled them to create writing material for record-keeping and other uses that were much more efficient than previous methods such as carving onto stone or clay tablets. Papyrus later became an essential part of Egyptian culture and was used for everything from trade agreements to medical documents, paving the way for even greater innovation within society.

Linen Balls

The ancient Egyptians are well known for their creative and innovative use of materials, often fabricating objects from the natural resources around them. One example of this is linen balls, which were commonly made and used by people in Ancient Egypt. Linen balls have been discovered in tombs and other archaeological sites throughout Egypt, making it possible to understand why they were so important to the Egyptians.  Linen was a vital material for the ancient Egyptians; not only did it provide clothing but was also essential for wrapping mummies during embalming and burials. To further increase its value, through a labour-intensive process, linen was spun into yarns and then woven into cloth. The production of linen balls involved rolling small pieces of cloth or yarn tightly together until they formed a round shape.

Paper and Ink

 The Egyptians were the first to create paper from papyrus reeds, which grew abundantly along the banks of the Nile River. From these plants, they created a thick layer of cells that could be dried out and formed into sheets. These sheets were then used as writing material for texts such as hieroglyphs and other records. The ink was also a major component in Ancient Egyptian writing, although its composition has been difficult to determine due to its organic nature. It is believed to have been made from a variety of ingredients such as soot, gum Arabic, ground minerals and plant juices. This mixture was then mixed with water or wine until it reached an ideal consistency for writing on papyrus sheets.

Makeup and Wigs

The Ancient Egyptians are known for their highly sophisticated approach to personal grooming, particularly in regard to makeup and wigs. Egyptian culture viewed beauty as an integral part of life, and individuals sought out various means of enhancing or amplifying their natural features with cosmetics and elaborate hairdos. Documents from the era indicate that Egyptians used a variety of substances such as oils, perfumes, minerals, and plant extracts to create cosmetics for both men and women. Wigs were particularly popular among the elite classes due to their intricate designs which often featured curls or plaits made from natural fibers like wool or linen. The use of makeup was considered a social norm in Egypt; it served not only as a form of beautification but also demonstrated one’s class standing.

Calendar and Time Keeping

 One fascinating aspect of their culture was the way they handled timekeeping, which played an important part in their daily lives. The Egyptians had a calendar system that was used to measure the passage of time and this helped them organize religious ceremonies, plan seasonal activities such as planting crops and harvesting them, as well as tracking the progress of construction projects.

The ancient Egyptian calendar originally started with twelve months that were approximately 30 days long each. This setup gave the year a total length of 360 days – which is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘the 360-day year’. To keep track of time more accurately they added five extra days at the end of every year, creating a 365-day cycle that would come close to matching our modern calendar system.

Medicines

The practice of medicine in Ancient Egypt began around 3000 BCE, when the peoples of Mesopotamia, located east of Egypt, introduced medical techniques to the region. These techniques had been developed from trial and error over thousands of years, however, it was the Egyptians who refined them into a complex and highly effective system. The main sources for our understanding of ancient Egyptian medicines are hieroglyphic texts on papyrus and stone monuments. These records provide detailed accounts regarding plants used to treat different ailments, surgical procedures performed by physicians as well as recipes for single remedies or combinations known as ‘composite drugs’ made up of several ingredients mixed together with honey or wine. Additionally, they list symptoms and possible causes for diseases such as arthritis, kidney stones, diabetes and digestive problems.

The Lock

The Ancient Egyptians are renowned for their engineering prowess, and this is evidenced by the various tools and structures they developed. One of these noteworthy inventions was the lock. Although locks today have evolved significantly from those used in Ancient Egypt, there remains a direct lineage between them; many modern locks contain mechanisms that were first invented thousands of years ago.

It is believed that the earliest locks created by the Ancient Egyptians were wooden pin tumbler locks – these used a key with pins of different lengths which would align with holes in the body of the lock to unlock it. It is likely that this was an evolution from simple bolt systems which had been in use since ancient times, as seen in archaeological evidence from ancient Mesopotamia.

The Police

The police have been around since the time of ancient Egypt. The first police force was formed in 3000 BCE by Pharaoh Ubi, an Egyptian ruler. This organization was responsible for maintaining law and order in the kingdom. They enforced laws, dealt with criminals, and acted as a military force when needed. Police officers during this period were mostly drawn from the ranks of ordinary citizens and were given special rights such as exemption from taxes or conscription into the army. They were also paid for their service and equipped with weapons such as swords, spears, maces and bows to carry out their duties. In addition to enforcing laws, they also provided protection to important officials and monitored trade routes between cities.  Ancient Egyptians gave great importance to justice which is why they established a system of courts presided over by judges who could sentence offenders according to the law.

Toothpaste

The ancient Egyptians were among the first civilizations to recognize the importance of oral hygiene. As far back as 4,000 B.C., they mixed together a variety of ingredients to make toothpaste that could help keep their teeth clean and breath fresh. From this humble beginning has grown an entire industry dedicated to oral health. 

One of the earliest known recipes for toothpaste was found in a 4th century A.D. manuscript from Egypt called The Book of Physicians, which laid out directions for creating a paste using essential oils, dried iris flowers, and rock salt mixed with pumice stone or ox hoof ashes. This mixture was used much like modern toothpaste is used today; it was rubbed on teeth with a finger or cloth rag in order to remove plaque and freshen breath.

Chair and Table

The chair and table have been timeless symbols of civilization, present in every culture and society throughout history. Ancient Egyptians were some of the first to develop these as part of their daily lives, marking a pivotal moment in mankind’s history. In ancient Egypt, chairs were typically crafted out of wood that was harvested from trees such as sycamore or acacia. Chairs were usually decorated with elaborately carved geometric designs, animal figures and hieroglyphs which could symbolize religious themes or represent powerful kings or leaders. These chairs were primarily used by royalty and the wealthy upper class for purposes such as dining or ceremony, but occasionally chairs were made for commoners too.

Tables in Ancient Egypt mirrored the same craftsmanship as chairs did; tables could also be decorated with elegant patterns, figurines and hieroglyphics to signify authority or power.

Source 

Ancient Inventions by Peter J. James 1995.