Ancient civilizations are studied today to help us understand more about our worlds past and what has brought us to where we are today. Our findings have not only answered questions, but also brought us to ask questions. Perhaps one of the most studied and yet least understood civilizations ever were the Ancient Egyptians. Located in northern Africa, Egypt is a country unlike any other that is situated on the vast continent. Ancient towns that once thrived have now been reduced to mostly rubble. Intriguing artifacts have been discovered over time that help us to understand what it was like to have lived back then.

One of the keys to understanding the ancient civilization is the Rosetta stone. This artifact was discovered in 1799 and helps us even today to interpret the writings of the ancient hieroglyphics. Egypt's history, religion, and beliefs were left on these hieroglyphics. Some of the writings included stories of the kings that ruled during the different dynasties. Gods were also very prominent during this time and played a major role in the way people lived their lives.

Not everyone was able to read or write, so people who were able to read or write hieroglyphics were held

The next step, for the mummies of ancient Egypt was the journey to the tomb, or the "house of eternity," as they knew it. The community made sure the chambers of the tomb were furnished with everything necessary for the comfort and well being of the occupants. It was believed that the individual would be able to access these items in the next world. Some of the more important things that the deceased would need at his side were a concoction of spells. A conglomeration of reading material ensured a successful passage as well. The Pyramid Texts, The Book of the Dead, and the Coffin Texts all aided the lost soul in their journey through Duat into the Fields of the Blessed. If the deceased was of high importance within the community they would take into the tombs with them small statuettes called, Ushabi. If the deceased were called to work in the Elysian Fields he would call upon one of the statues to take his place and perform the task for him. It was not unheard of for!

As the layers of bandages were applied, warm melted resin was poured over each one, again for the purpose of keeping moisture from entering the body. Unfortunately, the resin tended to darken the skin. In the case of the most famous king Tutankhamen, too many body oils and resins were used. The two substances interacted chemically after the tomb was sealed, forming a sticky, gummy, black mass. When the king's burial chamber was discovered, over three thousand years after his death, his mummy was found to be stuck to the bottom of the coffin in which it lay. Only tatters of leathery flesh still clung to the bones.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next step in mummification was drying out of the body itself. This was done by thickly coating it inside and out with a powdery white salt. This salt, known as natron, had the ability to draw water from the skin and other tissues.

highly in the community. Children whose families were considered important were able to attend a special school in which they were taught how to read and write. These children would then grow up to become scribes. Scribes seemed to lead a better life than most people because they had power over them. The actual power to read and write was more valuable than food, water, and clothing. Scribes were considered so powerful because they were able to copy sacred texts onto royal books, that were carved into the tomb walls of the kings and queens of Egypt. As in today's society woman had to struggle for equality among men. There is little evidence that women knew how to read or write. It is believed that only wealthy women were able to read and write, but there was no place for them in the career world for them to do this.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Middle Kingdom, Africa Egypt, River Exploiting, King Tutankhamon, Ancient Egyptians, Elysian Fields, Syria Iraq, Nile River, Egypt Egyptian, Rituals Ancient, ancient egypt, read write, drying body, ancient egyptian, able read, ancient egyptians, canopic jars, nile river, able read write, flooding nile river, ancient civilizations, melted resin,
Approximate Word count = 2326
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)