List of unsolved problems in Egyptology

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The following are unsolved problems in Egyptology and modern knowledge of ancient Egypt. The items are in the form of a list of unsolved problems and includes a list of ancient Egypt mysteries.

Contents

[edit] Problems and mysteries

There are many open problems concerning Ancient Egypt, and some of them may never be solved. Egyptian archaeology is in a state of constant transition, with much of the terminology and chronology in dispute. The archeological record is incomplete, with countless relics and artifacts missing or destroyed. New archaeological discoveries can call into question previous conclusions about Ancient Egypt. Furthermore, there are internal problems of overall cohesion of various dynasties and there are problems reconciling the Egyptian civilization with other concurrent civilizations.

[edit] Origins

Ancient Egypt appeared as a unified state no later than 3300 BC. It survived as an independent state until about 300 BC. Archeological evidence suggests that a developed Egyptian society may have existed for much longer.

[edit] The Pharaohs

[edit] Temples and pyramids

Many Egyptian temples are still standing today. Others are in ruin from wear and tear, while others have been lost entirely. The Egyptian structures are among the largest man-made constructions ever conceived. They constitute one of the most potent and enduring symbols of Ancient Egyptian civilization.

  • Pyramids: What were the origins of the idea of the Egyptian pyramids? When and where was the concept of pyramids conceived?
  • Temples: What was the purpose of the Sphinx? Which pharaoh was the Sphinx meant to resemble? Was it built by Khufu, Djedefra, or in fact Khafra?
  • Temples : Was the Labyrinth at Heracleopolis a myth or real?
  • Temples : Who built the Osireion at Abydos?

[edit] Burial and tombs

Mummification of the dead was not always practised in Egypt. Once the practice began, an individual was placed at his/her final resting place through a set of rituals and protocol. The Egyptian funeral was a complex ceremony including various monuments, prayers, and rituals undertaken in the dead's honor.

[edit] Biblical

The ancient Egyptians are featured in the Old Testament, and played a prominent role in the early Hebrews' life, from Joseph's capture to the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt, and later interaction with the Kingdom of Israel.

There are several unanswered question as to the precise influence each had on the other.

[edit] Technology

Certain artifacts and records do not fit with conventional technological development systems. There is a question as to the sophistication of ancient Egyptian technology.

  • Methods: When did Egyptians start producing glass?
  • Methods: Why is there not a neat progression to an Egyptian iron age? Why did the Egyptians take so long to utilize iron?
  • Methods: Were the Egyptians capable of long distant navigation in their boats? When did they become knowledgeable seamen?
  • Knowledge: What is the relief at Dendera?
  • Knowledge: What does the Tulli Papyrus describe? Did it come from the reign of Thutmosis III?

[edit] Language and the arts

[edit] Miscellaneous

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Manley, Bill (ed.), The Seventy Great Mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0-500-05123-2
  • Mysteries of Egypt National Geographic Society, 1999. ISBN 0-7922-9752-0
  • Knapp, Ron, Tutankhamun and the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Messner, 1979. ISBN 0-671-33036-5
  • Jacq, Christian, Magic and mystery in ancient Egypt. Souvenir Press, 1998. ISBN 0-285-63462-3

[edit] Further reading and other publications

  • Archibald's guide to the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Swfte International, Ltd., 1994.
  • Bauval, Robert, and Adrian Gilbert, The Orion Mystery : Unlocking the Secrets of the Pyramids". 1994. ISBN 0-517-88454-2
  • Childress, David Hatcher, Technology of the Gods: The Incredible Sciences of the Ancients. Adventures Unlimited Press, 2000. ISBN 0-932813-73-9
  • Mertz, Barbara. Red Land, Black Land: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt. Dodd Mead, 1978. ISBN 0-396-07575-4
  • Mertz, Barbara. Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs: A Popular History of Ancient Egypt. Bedrick, 1990. ISBN 0-87226-223-5
  • Morris, Margaret, The Egyptian Pyramid Mystery Is Solved. ISBN 0-9720434-0-3
  • Rhys-Davies, John, Riddles of the monument builders : Who built the Sphinx Time-Life Video, 1995.
  • Sitchin, Zecharia, The earth chronicles expeditions : journeys to the mythical past. Bear & Co., 2004. ISBN 1-59143-036-4

[edit] External links and other resources

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