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Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilization

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Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilization
Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilization

Many ancient civilizations developed as a result of the Neolithic Revolution, or the turning point in which the utilization of systematic agriculture created societies. Two civilizations, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, both transformed into civilizations by changing from nomadic hunter-gatherers to agriculture and trade civilizations. Both civilizations were created as a result of the same revolution, but they still differ in numerous ways. Egypt and Mesopotamia had similarities and differences in religion, social and political structure, and geography. These variations shaped the two civilizations into completely contrasting societies. The religion of Egypt greatly differs from that of Mesopotamia, yet it is also similar. First of all, the ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife and resurrection for all people, whereas the Mesopotamians believed in only a world of darkness after death. Both Mesopotamia and Egypt were polytheistic civilizations, meaning that they both believed in multiple gods or deities. Ancient Mesopotamian religion is associated with biblical mythology. Egypt and Mesopotamia had drawings and artwork to represent and worship their gods. They each believed in prayer as a form of interaction with their gods. Since Egyptians did believe in an afterlife, they performed a process known as mummification to preserve the bodies of the people who passed. The priests would remove organs, preserve the body, and bury them in tombs along with the items one would need in the afterlife. Not all Egyptians were mummified. Only the wealthy or important people were mummified in hopes that they had the afterlife they deserved. The religions of these civilizations developed differently. Social and political structure of a civilization can vary depending on religion, economy, and the technology available to the people. Egyptian social structure resembles Mesopotamian social and political structure

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