Ancient Egypt: the economy, its features and development

In comparison with other ancient civilizations, the most prosperous was the Ancient Egypt. The economy of this state grew and developed. And it is impossible to find another ancient country that would have existed for such a long time.

Good living conditions for people, rich in land minerals and poultry farming - that was the economic basis of ancient Egypt. They were later joined by craft and trade. But the pursuit of stability significantly slowed development, although it was too fast for that time.

Favorable conditions for economic growth

Most often in the example of a typical ancient society put Ancient Egypt. Its economy developed due to its successful location. Nile provided all the opportunities for people to live since the ancient stone era. The waters of the river carried mineral and vegetable silt. Therefore, in this area there have always been fertile soils, they did not have to be further processed.

5 millennia ago, the climate of Africa was more humid than today. In this regard, the animal world of the Nile valley was much richer. In addition, the living conditions directly favored the population. So the cattle breeding was born. A fertile soil allowed to develop agriculture.

Egyptians quickly learn, they before the others cast tools and weapons from copper. However, the main reason for the development of the economy is not this. The fact is that the Nile in accordance with the seasons is filled and mellowed. Therefore, with a minimum of effort, the Egyptians were able to develop their irrigation system. They dig out the pools, where water accumulates during the flood of the Nile. And then use it when watering.

The emergence of civilized society and its impact on the economy

The ancient country lasted almost 3000 years, and in the course of history, of course, she experienced many changes. The origin of civilization began in Upper Egypt. Afterwards, it gradually spread to the north. By the year 3000 BC. E. Egypt occupied the entire Nile valley. Around this river the life of the population was concentrated.

Thanks to excellent conditions, the economy of the civilization of Ancient Egypt developed rapidly. Rich in harvests of land, the possibility of using modern methods of water control at the time, surplus agricultural products - all these were the reasons for the growth. On the funds received from trading activities, a unique architecture was erected for that time. Temples and pyramids still excite minds. Scientists still can not understand how the ancient civilization built them.

The society was divided into elite and ordinary citizens. However, there was much more freedom in action here than in other countries. For example, a group of mercenaries could independently seize the land. Then she handed them over to state use, for which each soldier received a reward.

The achievements of civilization are many, from the invention of writing to the judicial system.

Features of the economy

Thanks to irrigation farming, Egypt managed to achieve unprecedented development for that time. In addition, the population is engaged in handicraft work, creating a large number of various practical adaptations. One can not but note the presence of jewelry. They were not worn by everyone, but they were made by ordinary artisans.

Despite the fact that the state completely controlled the land, the people who worked for them were considered free. Slavery as such was not. If a person did something bad or did not benefit the country, then he was responsible. The judicial system and the responsibility for its work were entrusted to the pharaoh and the elite.

Science is also developing. Scientists create writing, study astrology, so they can create a calendar. There are also mathematical and medical notes found during excavations.

Features of the economy of ancient Egypt were that the population was divided into estates. Each structure of society, like peasants, priests or artisans, did its specific work. So every economic function in the system of civilization was carried out.

The influence of the army on the economy

Every country needs protection. In particular, such a developed civilization as Ancient Egypt. The economy of this state could stand much not without the help of the army. Pharaoh himself watched to ensure that its equipment was the maximum for that time. In battles, bows, spears, shields and special protective mobile structures made of a wooden frame and a stretched animal hide were used.

After the unification of Egypt in 3000 BC. E. The army actually ceased to take part in the conquest of lands. Its content is focused on protection against enemy invaders, and there were many such. Therefore, the economy and developed steadily, as craftsmen, merchants, traders, agricultural workers and all other enemies did not worry. No one dared to attack such a strong civilization.

Politics and Economics

It is commonly believed that Eastern despotism determines all of Ancient Egypt. The economy and politics are inextricably linked, and this applies not only to antiquity. Therefore, the authorities and the elite of the country are forced to take extreme measures in order to ensure maximum stability. And not only defense of the army and free trade take part in this.

The economy begins to bear a global state character. Public life is strictly monitored, the first bureaucracy in the world appears. All products and products produced by people are strictly regulated. Therefore, there is stability, since no one can afford to go beyond what is permissible. Communities are very important, no family can live without them. The opposite situation is also observed.

The desire for stability significantly slowed the development of the economy. If in the beginning it grew quickly, it was now standing still. But even so, in comparison with neighboring states Egypt was very developed.

Trade Features

Almost the center, through which caravan routes were constantly followed, was Ancient Egypt. Trade here has been systematically developing, both inside the country and outside it. Various products were transported by people across the Nile, so it was cheaper to deliver them to the right place. Inside the country, the cities exchanged different goods among themselves, since there was no monetary policy at that time. Subsequently, the first currency equivalent appears - deben. He was a bit of copper, which was the whole system for assessing the value of the goods.

Trade between states was more formal. The rulers of the countries were presented with different gifts, to which they responded in kind. That is, there is an exchange without price categories.

After the emergence of the monetary system, entire expeditions are set up to the south in order to obtain unique goods. This is ivory, ostrich feathers and gold. The availability of such products led Egypt to the top of the trade chain, which gave him a political and economic advantage in the Middle East.

Characteristic features of the Egyptian economic development model

If we consider the Ancient Egypt as an eastern development model, its economy and economy will be determined by the following factors:

1. Moral absence of slavery. Many believe that the slaves worked for Pharaoh, built pyramids for him and cultivated his lands. In fact, free people worked, and they did it as a tax to the state.
2. The land was not of a private nature. It belonged entirely to the state. However, the harvest from it was taken not only by the power elite, but also by ordinary workers.
3. The state was equated with despotism. It was called the society of eastern slavery, but only because the subjects had no rights before the pharaoh and the elite.
4. Sustainability of communities. Riots and riots were very rare, and in some places they were completely absent.

All these factors had a positive impact on the economy of the country, they favored its development.

Prosperity of Egypt

The basis of the economy was agriculture, more specifically - agriculture. Various cultures were cultivated. On the plowing tools were used, but they were primitive. At first they were made of silicon, then replaced by metal ones.

Pasture and territories for their arrangement were not enough, therefore cattle breeding was of limited nature. However, it also influenced the development of the economy of Ancient Egypt. The population bred those animals that were quite comfortable in stall conditions.

Prosperity was promoted by the early development of metallurgy. The tools of labor were made of copper and lead, and bronze was used in the manufacture of weapons and ornaments. Later, iron appears. But it was considered as a precious metal.

A craft is also developing. There is an opportunity for scientific research. As economic development reaches its peak early enough, it contributes to the growth of trade.

Conclusion

Thus, there is no more developed ancient state than Ancient Egypt. Its economy grew slowly due to good economy, favorable conditions, fertile lands and, of course, politics. Despite the fact that the government headed by Pharaoh elected a dictatorship, people felt themselves in the country quite well. Most of them were free, but they had to pay tribute to the state with physical assistance. However, thanks to this, temples and pyramids were erected along the Nile - unique buildings at that time, land was cultivated every year, and there were goods for trade. No other civilization could boast of the same set of tools for growth and development.