“Egypt was a more stable civilization compared to Mesopotamia and also fuller of life and fun. Economically perhaps Mesopotamia flourished more than Egypt, and in art and culture Egypt edged over Mesopotamia”, says the young scholar.
Mesopotamian and Egyptian Civilizations of Middle East and North Africa were closely interlinked and influenced by each other. In more ways than one these civilizations grew up in contrast of each other.
The structure of Government of Egypt was central and authoritative and Mesopotamian stressed mostly on city state layout. The difference in architecture was huge. Where the Egyptians liked majestic structures, the Mesopotamian art was simple and had a strong literary element which Egypt lacked.
The bureaucracy was endlessly affected by the structures. Mesopotamians were more practical in their thinking and did not believe in the Egyptian preparation for afterlife.
Both these civilizations carried out extensive trading, but the economic implication varied in most cases. Mesopotamia was more technological in its approach and the environment was very difficult to manage than the Nile valley. The contacts of trade were a lot vaster and far flung and special importance was given to the merchant class and commercial law.
The social differences were also huge. Like the difference in social status of women in the two contrary civilizations. It is concluded that in Egyptian society women were given more importance as well. To stabilize the Egyptian monarchy women of the upper class were important and were treated with much care and respect which wasn’t the case in Mesopotamian.
Since these civilizations grew up in similar environments they had a symbiotic relationship. Their origins are largely different; so is their way of working.
Egypt was a more stable civilization compared to Mesopotamia and also fuller of life and fun.
Economically perhaps Mesopotamia flourished more than Egypt, and in art and culture Egypt edged over Mesopotamia.
(The author is an undergraduate student at Nassau County Community College in New York. He can be reached at agysaluja1@gmail.com)
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