Contributions of Early River Valley Civilization: Egypt and China

In the past, human was nomadic and scattered around the world. They started to grow
crops and domesticate animals and eventually he civilization form. These civilizations could
be found in different region on Earth, and although they were developed in the different time,
there were many characteristics that they shared. Egypt and China were the oldest and most
influenced civilization during the time period. Both of them left big impacts in history as a
great empire. Surprisingly, they shared many common features in engineering, artwork,
architecture, science, mathematics, astronomy, etc. Some of their achievements influence
today modern world and even shape the life of us.
Egypt and China civilization both had their own unique cultures, despite this fact, they
shared many common practices. Firstly, both of them mastered the use of bronze. Their
weapons, chariots, bows, and other materials were developed from bronze. These advanced
warring systems allow them to defend themselves against invaders and stay as the worlds
oldest dynasties. Secondly, their ways of life were similar. Both civilizations formed near the
river valley. They create complex irrigation systems to grow crops and domesticate animals
such as cow and pig. Furthermore, both of them had advanced architectural techniques,
evidenced in the pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. In addition, religious
practices played an important role in the life of ancient Egyptians and Chinese. They were
polytheistic or worship many gods. Although their practices of respecting were different,
religion was a fundamental center for people in both civilizations. The government systems
are also similar to each other: they had a king or pharaohs as a head and gave the authority to
the officials to rule each state. Moreover, they both traded their achievements to other
civilizations nearby to exchange goods and knowledge.
Even though there were many similarities, their differences were shown clearly: they
existed separately in different earth continents; Ancient Egypt was in today Africa while
China was in Asia. Not to mention that the Chinese civilization was isolated by mountains and
desert. Egyptians and Chinese clothing were different as they lived in different region thus
different climate. Also, even though their ruling system is similar, the kings were different.
The Egyptians kings were the pharaohs, the divine god-like king while the Chinese were the
king selected by the ideas of Mandate of Heaven starting from Zhou dynasty. The ideas of
Dynastic Cycle where the old dynasty lost Mandate of Heaven and would be replaced by new
dynasty were introduced during this time.
Furthermore, ancient Egypt and Chinese religious practices were different. Firstly, the
Egyptians worshiped many gods such as Ra, Anubis, Osiris, Isis, Horus, etc. Their ideas of
afterlife and the belief that the Ka or soul could exist in afterlife if the body was preserved
created the practice of mummification, which is one of the most outstanding and interesting
facts in Egypt history. Mummification is the act of preserving the dead body of pharaoh or
high officials by elaborate processes. The embalmers would remove all of the internal organs
with only the heart left inside, and stuff the body for about forty day to drain the body fluid,
and then wrap the linen around the body to complete the process. The mummy will then be
kept inside the pyramid. The Egyptians believed that the gods also help to complete the

process and act as the guardian to afterlife. On the other hand, Chinese religions came in
forms of philosophy or belief such as Daoism, Confucianism, and legalism. Each of them
focused more on how to behave oneself to improve the society and highlighted the importance
of ancestors. Ancient Chinese people believed that everything was directed by the heaven.
In addition to these similarities and differences of Egypt and Chinese civilizations,
their knowledge and achievements could not be ignored as they were grand, complex, and
hugely influenced the modern world.
Started with Chinese civilization, whose inventions were recognized around the world,
is credited with discoveries and developments in navigation, spiritual balance, mathematics
and natural prevention and diagnosis. Other example of ancient Chinese inventions included
paper, fishing reels, church bells, rudders, solar wind, the circulation of blood in the human
body, the suspension bridge, the technique for drilling for natural gas, the iron plough, the
seed drill, the mechanical clock, the seismograph, planting and hoeing techniques and the
compass, and many more. In this essay, I would like to focus on three main things: the
compass, paper and printing, and the Confucianism.
Compass was one of the greatest inventions of the time. It was recognized in Chinese
as Si Nan. It that time, the ancient Chinese compass had two parts: a metal spoon made of
magnetic stone and a square bronze plate which featured the directions of North, South, East,
and West. According to the Chinese belief, these two components were spiritual and physical
opposites; the spoon represented Heaven and the plate represented Earth, which would guide
the right direction when they touch each other. Right now although the meaning and stories
behind had faded along the way, the compass is stilled used worldwide today. Since the
ancient time, it had been improved and developed and become modern compass today. The
compass is also the inspiration of the GPS and other advanced navigator technology. Without
the creation of compass, the advanced navigation system we have today would not exist.
Second, in almost every respect, the Chinese were at the forefront of the publishing
world. They were the first to introduce the creation of papers and publication of books.
Around 105 A.D., Tsai Lun invented the process for manufacturing paper and used it in
China for the first time. By 593 A.D., the first printing press was invented in China, and the
first printed newspaper was available in Beijing in 700 A.D. These achievements had a huge
impact on today educational, political, and literacy developments. Moreover, these books and
papers were very important in recording any knowledge down to study history and pass on to
the next generations.
Third, The Chinese philosopher Confucius was the founder of Confucianism. The idea
of Confucius was developed in the Zhou dynasty during the warring state but was popular
during Han and Sui Dynasty. It taught mainly on how to behave oneself properly to improve
the society including the concepts of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom,
faithfulness, and most importantly the filial piety. It taught that human should respect each
other including the relationship in the family. It concerned social values and transcendent
concept. Confucianism believes those rulers need to be virtuous and just so the examination
system was established to test a persons ability rather than a hereditary system. As of now,

the examination system is the basis for every school or company to test the ability of people.
Confuciuss believes and teachings have deeply rooted within the modern society and
influence every aspects of life.
On the other hand, the Egypt civilization near the Nile River had also developed many
invention and discovered new knowledge that help facilitate their life. They had advanced
technology agricultural system, architecture, art, writing system, etc.
As the Nile River flooded the land each year, while it brought the fertile soil to the
Egyptians, it also caused large destructions on farms and buildings. Many people were injured
and killed. Hence, the Egyptians started to think of a way to predict the time of flood. Ancient
Egyptian was the first in history to build the calendar system. They noted the time of flood by the star
(Sirius) and count 365 days between each time they saw the star. They created the calendar consisting
of twelve months, each month with 30 days. This calendar allows them to predict the time of flooding
and prepare for it. The modern calendars are the adapted form of this ancient Egypt calendar. It

allows us to know the date and time as each day pass. We will know the value of time as a
picture and will use it wisely and effectively.
In addition, the engineering skills of the Egyptians were fascinating and highly
developed. They built many complex tools and buildings such as weapons, chariots, temple,
monuments, and the most impressive of all, the pyramids of Pharaohs. The Pyramids were
grand and elegant with its strong gigantic pyramid- shaped structure. Its beauty from the
outside could not even be compared to the inside architecture. It was well-planned and
considering the tools they had at that time, was very complex. Many popular modern
buildings are inspired by them. The designs that are simple yet complex are appreciate by
many people. Thus these majestic ancient buildings have inspired and influenced many people
today.
Lastly, the writing system of Egypt or the Hieroglyphics was one of the most wellknown achievements of Egypt civilization. The script was developed four thousand years
before Christ. The Egyptians called the Hieroglyphics the words of god since it was mainly
used by the high priests. Modern world is undoubtedly influenced by this invention. Every
country in the world uses writing system to record information and communicates through
countless letters. Writing is different than speaking as it can be kept and passed on to others
without forgetting. All kinds of books we have today whether they are for learning or
entertainment is all the products of the writing system.
In summary, early valley civilizations have contributed drastically to our modern
world, ranging from architecture, engineering, art works, science, astronomy, mathematics,
engineering, and every part of our daily lives. These early civilization are the proves of
humans adaptations and evolutions. Two civilizations that are thousands of miles far from
each other could develop inventions that are similar and necessary in order to survive and
their inventions and discoveries are still being used today.