Egyptian Independence Day: Examining Ancient Egypt’s Inventions + Influence on Today’s Culture

Feb 27, 2021 08:00AM ● By Oga Africa

Happy Independence Day, Egypt! Today in 1922, this North African country gained independence from the British. Today we are celebrating this country by honoring its ancient inventions and the influence of their advancements on today’s society. Let’s jump right in!

Physical appearance, adornment, and cleanliness were very important to communities in Ancient Egypt. They believed that the way they carried themselves had effects on their journeys in the afterlife. They also used adornments to protect themselves in their environment and for spiritual fortification, in addition to its use for beautification. Egyptians used metal mirrors.

Ancient Egyptians used stones like Lapiz Lazuli for spiritual activation, and also adorned their eyes with Kohl and green powdered Malachite to protect their skin. Through this beautification, which usually included moisturizer/sunblock, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick. The ancient Egyptian look presented the original slay.

Their daily rituals included bathing, moisturizing, and brushing their teeth. Some of this society's grooming inventions include toothpaste, toothbrushes, breath mints, and sugar and honey waxing. They were also one of the first communities to use deodorant.

(Egyptian cosmetic set)

Ancient Egyptians are the first recorded in society to have used geometrical concepts such as quadratic equations and successive doubling. Through contact with Greek scholars and mathematicians, Ancient Egypt contributed greatly to the innovation of Greek mathematics.

The remaining history and culture of Egyptians were written on paper, known as papyrus, by Scribes, who were responsible for learning hieroglyphics and hieratic script to complete secretarial tasks for the society. Some of these tasks included writing down censuses, taking measurements, collating taxes, developing building projects, managing payrolls, and more. Ancient Egyptians placed a high value on literacy, and believed that learning to read and write could help elevate community members’ places in society. Because scribes often dealt with measurements, they were required to develop adept expertise in mathematical equations. Scribes used a method they called Seked to determine the height of pyramids. The method they used is now known as the formula for defining a slope.

Through observing constellation patterns, Ancient Egyptians developed a measure of time, including days, seasons, and years, that laid the foundation for today’s use of a 24 hour day and a 365 day year. Egyptians used a civil calendar that included 365 days, 12 months, and 60 minute hours. They utilized a sundial or shadow clock to measure the hours of the day.