Herodotus | The Description of Egypt | A Review
Herodotus | The Description of Egypt | A Review
Herodotus’ ‘The Description of Egypt’-A Review
“The Description of Egypt” is a historical work written by Herodotus, a Greek historian, in the 5th century BC. The book is divided into two parts and provides a comprehensive account of Egypt’s history, geography, culture, and religion.
The first part of the book describes the physical geography of Egypt, including its climate, vegetation, and topography. Herodotus also discusses the Nile River, which he describes as the lifeblood of the country. He explains how the Nile’s annual flooding was crucial to the agricultural production and economic prosperity of ancient Egypt. Herodotus also provides a detailed account of the Nile’s sources and tributaries, including the Blue Nile and the White Nile.
The second part of the book focuses on the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Herodotus discusses the reign of the pharaohs, the building of the pyramids, and the customs and traditions of the Egyptian people. He describes the religious practices of the Egyptians, including their belief in an afterlife and their complex system of mummification. Herodotus also provides an account of the political and social structures of ancient Egypt, including the role of women in society and the importance of the priesthood.
One of the most notable features of “The Description of Egypt” is Herodotus’s vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of ancient Egypt. He provides detailed accounts of the country’s monuments and landmarks, including the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Herodotus also describes the customs and traditions of the Egyptian people, such as their use of perfumes, their love of music and dance, and their reverence for cats.
While Herodotus’s account of ancient Egypt is generally considered accurate, modern historians have identified some inaccuracies and exaggerations in his work. For example, his estimate of the height of the pyramids is significantly higher than their actual height. Additionally, some of his descriptions of the customs and beliefs of the Egyptians may have been influenced by his own cultural biases and assumptions.
Overall, “The Description of Egypt” (An Account of Egypt) is an important historical work that provides valuable insights into the geography, history, and culture of ancient Egypt. Despite some inaccuracies and biases, it remains a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the history of this fascinating civilization. 0 0 0.
Herodotus | The Description of Egypt | A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
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- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works
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