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Pre-dynastic history
Archaeological
evidence suggests that Egypt was inhabited by hunters over
250,000 years ago when the region was a
green grassland. The Palaeolithic period around
25,000BC brought climatic changes which turned Egypt into a
desert. The inhabitants survived by hunting and fishing and through a
primitive form of cultivation. Desertification of Egypt was halted by
rains which allowed communities of cultivators to settle in Middle
Egypt and the Nile Delta. These farmers grew wheat, flax and wove
linen fabrics in addition to tending flocks.
The first indigenous civilizations in Egypt have been identified in
the south of the country through archaeological excavations. The
Badarian culture is the earliest known developed Egyptian civilization
based on farming, hunting and mining. Badarians produced fine pottery
and carved objects as well as acquiring turquoise and wood through
trading.
The Naqada lived in larger settlements about
4,000BC and produced decorated pottery and figurines made from
clay and ivory which indicate they were a war-like people. Naqada
artefacts from 3,300BC show further
development both in terms of culture and technology. Evidence of
irrigation systems and more advanced burial sites, as well as the use
of alien materials like lapis lazuli, indicate a cultural diversity
and the development of external trading.
Throughout most of its pre-dynastic history Egypt encompassed a
multiplicity of settlements
which gradually became small tribal kingdoms. These kingdoms evolved
into two loosely confederated states: one encompassed the Nile valley
up to the Delta (with the Naqada dominating) with "HIERAKONPOLIS" as
capital, represented by the deities Seth and White Crown; the other
encompassed the Delta, with "BUTO" as its capital and represented by
the deities Horus and Red Crown.
The two kingdoms vied for power over all the land of Egypt.
This struggle led to the victory of the south and the unification of
the Two Lands in 3100BC under the command
of Menes who is also known as Narmer. This was the beginning of the
dynastic period of the Pharaohs.
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