Why Was Egypt So Rarely Invaded?
Question Set # 1.
1) Why was Egypt so rarely invaded? How did that contribute to their stability?
Unlike many other civilizations Egypt remained intact for thousands of years. There are three main reasons for Egypt’s enduring security and stability. First, was the topography prevented invades from entering Egypt easily and without notice. The Nile river is another significant contributor to Egypt’s permanency, the Nile provided transportation and made the soil fertile, ensuring there was a continuous reliable food source. Thirdly, Egypt had a more stable government that resisted change through nearly 30 dynasties. Egypt was situated in the just the right region to naturally protect itself from enemy approaches, was self-sufficient, and had the leadership to endure time which brought peace and stability to the civilization allowing it to …show more content…
withstand time.
Most important contribution to Egypt’s lack of invasions was its topography which isolated Egypt from other parts of the world and ensured it security. First, the vast desert to the west (Stevens) that was hardly inhabited and difficult to travel across presented minimal threat. Secondly, a large bodies of water one two sides, the Mediterranean Sea to the North and the Red Sea to the East (Stevens). It is easy to see invaders from a long distance allowing for time t prepare a counter attack and to have a superior fighting position from land. Lastly, With water on water on two sides of Egypt and only two points of entry besides sea routs, one on the Northeast and one to the South (Stevens). To the Northeast through the Sinai Peninsula acted like a funnel or choke point lined with fortresses on the Western edge (Stevens) of the peninsula made the area impenetrable. To the South rough mountain terrains and more desert. To the South were also were the Nubians (Stevens), who demonstrated to be no more than irritating. Topography was a significant deterrent to invaders and benefit to Egyptians. The single most important aspect that prevented the invasion of Egypt was the topography of it and the area immediately surrounding.
Secondly, dynasties that remained in power for long periods of time which was not seen in other parts of the world provided stability to the people within. For nearly 30 dynasties Egyptians benefited from established leadership with gradual change in laws which established continuity for the military and constancy for the people of Egypt (Stevens). Ensuring continuity from one dynasty to another ensures military forces are consistent unlike regions who suffer from a drastic change in leadership due to being conquered and having to reform their military or relying on the conquering civilization to provide an umbrella of military security. Additionally, dynastic stability allowing Egyptians to focus on other aspects of life such as mathematics, astronomy, architecture which allowed them as a culture to advance its capabilities further contributing to its secure and stability (Stevens). Egypt greatly benefitted from consistency in dynasties that afforded it stability and encouraged innovation.
Finally, the Nile river was a significant contributor to security and economic stability.
Egypt did not have to depend on other civilizations for survival. Egypt’s food supply nor other necessities could not be cut off by invading armies or as a means of control by other civilizations. The Nile river predictably flooded once per year providing sustainable food sources for the people who lived in Egypt (Berger 42-43). The Nile river also provided transportation between North and South Egypt (Berger 43). Transportation within Egypt which laid in its heart and under the direct control of only Egypt ensured supply routes were always accessible and Egypt was never cut off from supplies or transportation of surplus food to other areas of Egypt. Lastly, To the far South of Egypt, preventing invaders were a series of waterfalls and cataracts due to shallow areas, great rocks and rapids (Berger 42) which formed a protective barrier between the heart of Egypt and other civilizations. The Nile river was not only the lifeline of Egypt it had its own protective barrier naturally built in ensuring security and stability or
Egypt.
Egypt was situated in just the right region to naturally protect itself from enemy approaches, was self-sufficient, and had the leadership to endure time which brought peace and stability to the civilization allowing it to withstand time. Most importantly, the topography Egyptian civilization in all directions from enemy approach. Secondly, the Nile river was the single most contributor for stability through both conflict and daily life support to the Egyptians. Lastly, the rule in Egypt remained continuous, dynasties passed down laws which where gradually changed to fit society over time unlike other regions of the world which saw drastic changes after conflict resulting in regime change. Egypt had a formula for success, it was in a location that had a natural defensive position, did not rely on other civilizations for its livelihood and maintained continuous leadership throughout its time, no other civilization could say the same.
Work Cited
Berger, Eugene, et al. “World History: Cultures, States, and Societies to 1500”, Dalhonega, GA:
University of Georgia, 2016. http://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=history-textbooks
Stevens, John, “Egypt the Land of the Nile”, Copyright, John T. Stevenson, 2000, http://www.angelfire.com/nt/theology/06egypt.html.
Question set # 2.
1) Why did Sparta institute such strict military controls?
What set Spartans apart from the rest of the world was the infusion of its military in Spartan culture. Sparta being a city-state at war for centuries developed warriors known for their bravery, and skill and military tactics. Sparta’s military and citizens were one in the same, even though women were not warriors they contributed their part to supporting a military society. Spartan society possessed a framework that formed the foundation for military support. Sparta’s necessity for military protection spurred the compulsion for a superior military power, resulting a significant military influence on the population.
First and foremost, Sparta being a nation constantly at war increased its need for a well-trained army and continuous focus on military improvement. Conflict in the Greece was stirring for nearly fifty years primarily stemming from Sparta’s fear of the growth and prosperity of Athens which lead to the Peloponnesian War. The 27 yearlong Peloponnesian not only bring about an end to Spartan isolation from the rest of Greek city-state affairs but war brought about a change in military power. As a part of Sparta’s increased participation in Greek city-state affairs had to adapt its military forces form one that only had to be prepared to fight during a fighting season to one which had to be prepared year-round (Berger 200). Another reason for strict military controls was the threat to civilian population and towns that developed during the Peloponnesian war. After the Peloponnesian war such new cruel siege devices were constructed to overtake towns such as catapults and ramming devices which further instilled fear in the Spartan population and supporting strict military controls for survival. The Spartans as a result of centuries of conflict developed a strong army to preserve their city-state and to defeat other city-states, primarily Athens.
Furthermore, all aspects of Spartan culture contributed to its dominant military, as a result it’s prominent military contributed to Spartan culture the two were completely entwined with one another. From the start, babies were inspected at birth by a committee of elders for deformities and general healthiness. If babies were deemed not strong enough they were taken outside of the city and abandoned (Pomeroy). Another aspect of Spartan military control that aided their superior in warfare was an institution of training that began at a very young age. Both men and women at an early ager were separated from their parents and were formally educated on physical training. Spartans gathered together not for art and poetry but for public races and competitions. These competitions were where the fastest and strongest man and fastest and strongest women were identified to be married to bare the stronger and faster children. All facets of Spartan society were based around developing the most superior human for military training.
Lastly, Spartans possessed the ideal framework for military structure. Spartan took over the Messenain territory, forcing the occupying Helots into slavery. Servitude by the Helots allowed the Spartans to focus on military training, marking a pivotal point in Spartan military development (Berger 193). Fundamentally, like other Greek city-states, Spartans placed the interest of the city-state above their own (Berger 193). Two kings and a committee of thirty elders (two kings were a part of the committee) and restrictive citizenship (Berger 193) which military members were seen at the top of society along which also influenced strict military control.
Sparta’s necessity for military protection spurred the compulsion for a superior military power, resulting a significant military influence on the population. Spartan citizens were the military or directly supported the military which allowed for unwavering support for military control and superiority. Military training started before birth though what can be considered an early form of eugenics by marring men and women with specific traits to have babies who were stronger and or faster further setting Spartans apart from other city-states. Sparta’s very framework is one built on military control, with a subpopulation of slaves who provided support for Spartan citizens and leadership to focus on military dominance. Sparta’s military was the focus on which everything Spartan revolved around, it is no wonder strict military control was placed on every aspect of life.
Work Cited
Berger, Eugene, et al. “World History: Cultures, States, and Societies to 1500”, Dalhonega, GA:
University of Georgia, 2016. http://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=history-textbooks.
Pomeroy, Sarah, “Spartan Women”, Oxford University Press, 2002”, ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/lib/apus/detail.action?docID=27272.
1) Why was Egypt so rarely invaded? How did that contribute to their stability?
Unlike many other civilizations Egypt remained intact for thousands of years. There are three main reasons for Egypt’s enduring security and stability. First, was the topography prevented invades from entering Egypt easily and without notice. The Nile river is another significant contributor to Egypt’s permanency, the Nile provided transportation and made the soil fertile, ensuring there was a continuous reliable food source. Thirdly, Egypt had a more stable government that resisted change through nearly 30 dynasties. Egypt was situated in the just the right region to naturally protect itself from enemy approaches, was self-sufficient, and had the leadership to endure time which brought peace and stability to the civilization allowing it to …show more content…
withstand time.
Most important contribution to Egypt’s lack of invasions was its topography which isolated Egypt from other parts of the world and ensured it security. First, the vast desert to the west (Stevens) that was hardly inhabited and difficult to travel across presented minimal threat. Secondly, a large bodies of water one two sides, the Mediterranean Sea to the North and the Red Sea to the East (Stevens). It is easy to see invaders from a long distance allowing for time t prepare a counter attack and to have a superior fighting position from land. Lastly, With water on water on two sides of Egypt and only two points of entry besides sea routs, one on the Northeast and one to the South (Stevens). To the Northeast through the Sinai Peninsula acted like a funnel or choke point lined with fortresses on the Western edge (Stevens) of the peninsula made the area impenetrable. To the South rough mountain terrains and more desert. To the South were also were the Nubians (Stevens), who demonstrated to be no more than irritating. Topography was a significant deterrent to invaders and benefit to Egyptians. The single most important aspect that prevented the invasion of Egypt was the topography of it and the area immediately surrounding.
Secondly, dynasties that remained in power for long periods of time which was not seen in other parts of the world provided stability to the people within. For nearly 30 dynasties Egyptians benefited from established leadership with gradual change in laws which established continuity for the military and constancy for the people of Egypt (Stevens). Ensuring continuity from one dynasty to another ensures military forces are consistent unlike regions who suffer from a drastic change in leadership due to being conquered and having to reform their military or relying on the conquering civilization to provide an umbrella of military security. Additionally, dynastic stability allowing Egyptians to focus on other aspects of life such as mathematics, astronomy, architecture which allowed them as a culture to advance its capabilities further contributing to its secure and stability (Stevens). Egypt greatly benefitted from consistency in dynasties that afforded it stability and encouraged innovation.
Finally, the Nile river was a significant contributor to security and economic stability.
Egypt did not have to depend on other civilizations for survival. Egypt’s food supply nor other necessities could not be cut off by invading armies or as a means of control by other civilizations. The Nile river predictably flooded once per year providing sustainable food sources for the people who lived in Egypt (Berger 42-43). The Nile river also provided transportation between North and South Egypt (Berger 43). Transportation within Egypt which laid in its heart and under the direct control of only Egypt ensured supply routes were always accessible and Egypt was never cut off from supplies or transportation of surplus food to other areas of Egypt. Lastly, To the far South of Egypt, preventing invaders were a series of waterfalls and cataracts due to shallow areas, great rocks and rapids (Berger 42) which formed a protective barrier between the heart of Egypt and other civilizations. The Nile river was not only the lifeline of Egypt it had its own protective barrier naturally built in ensuring security and stability or
Egypt.
Egypt was situated in just the right region to naturally protect itself from enemy approaches, was self-sufficient, and had the leadership to endure time which brought peace and stability to the civilization allowing it to withstand time. Most importantly, the topography Egyptian civilization in all directions from enemy approach. Secondly, the Nile river was the single most contributor for stability through both conflict and daily life support to the Egyptians. Lastly, the rule in Egypt remained continuous, dynasties passed down laws which where gradually changed to fit society over time unlike other regions of the world which saw drastic changes after conflict resulting in regime change. Egypt had a formula for success, it was in a location that had a natural defensive position, did not rely on other civilizations for its livelihood and maintained continuous leadership throughout its time, no other civilization could say the same.
Work Cited
Berger, Eugene, et al. “World History: Cultures, States, and Societies to 1500”, Dalhonega, GA:
University of Georgia, 2016. http://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=history-textbooks
Stevens, John, “Egypt the Land of the Nile”, Copyright, John T. Stevenson, 2000, http://www.angelfire.com/nt/theology/06egypt.html.
Question set # 2.
1) Why did Sparta institute such strict military controls?
What set Spartans apart from the rest of the world was the infusion of its military in Spartan culture. Sparta being a city-state at war for centuries developed warriors known for their bravery, and skill and military tactics. Sparta’s military and citizens were one in the same, even though women were not warriors they contributed their part to supporting a military society. Spartan society possessed a framework that formed the foundation for military support. Sparta’s necessity for military protection spurred the compulsion for a superior military power, resulting a significant military influence on the population.
First and foremost, Sparta being a nation constantly at war increased its need for a well-trained army and continuous focus on military improvement. Conflict in the Greece was stirring for nearly fifty years primarily stemming from Sparta’s fear of the growth and prosperity of Athens which lead to the Peloponnesian War. The 27 yearlong Peloponnesian not only bring about an end to Spartan isolation from the rest of Greek city-state affairs but war brought about a change in military power. As a part of Sparta’s increased participation in Greek city-state affairs had to adapt its military forces form one that only had to be prepared to fight during a fighting season to one which had to be prepared year-round (Berger 200). Another reason for strict military controls was the threat to civilian population and towns that developed during the Peloponnesian war. After the Peloponnesian war such new cruel siege devices were constructed to overtake towns such as catapults and ramming devices which further instilled fear in the Spartan population and supporting strict military controls for survival. The Spartans as a result of centuries of conflict developed a strong army to preserve their city-state and to defeat other city-states, primarily Athens.
Furthermore, all aspects of Spartan culture contributed to its dominant military, as a result it’s prominent military contributed to Spartan culture the two were completely entwined with one another. From the start, babies were inspected at birth by a committee of elders for deformities and general healthiness. If babies were deemed not strong enough they were taken outside of the city and abandoned (Pomeroy). Another aspect of Spartan military control that aided their superior in warfare was an institution of training that began at a very young age. Both men and women at an early ager were separated from their parents and were formally educated on physical training. Spartans gathered together not for art and poetry but for public races and competitions. These competitions were where the fastest and strongest man and fastest and strongest women were identified to be married to bare the stronger and faster children. All facets of Spartan society were based around developing the most superior human for military training.
Lastly, Spartans possessed the ideal framework for military structure. Spartan took over the Messenain territory, forcing the occupying Helots into slavery. Servitude by the Helots allowed the Spartans to focus on military training, marking a pivotal point in Spartan military development (Berger 193). Fundamentally, like other Greek city-states, Spartans placed the interest of the city-state above their own (Berger 193). Two kings and a committee of thirty elders (two kings were a part of the committee) and restrictive citizenship (Berger 193) which military members were seen at the top of society along which also influenced strict military control.
Sparta’s necessity for military protection spurred the compulsion for a superior military power, resulting a significant military influence on the population. Spartan citizens were the military or directly supported the military which allowed for unwavering support for military control and superiority. Military training started before birth though what can be considered an early form of eugenics by marring men and women with specific traits to have babies who were stronger and or faster further setting Spartans apart from other city-states. Sparta’s very framework is one built on military control, with a subpopulation of slaves who provided support for Spartan citizens and leadership to focus on military dominance. Sparta’s military was the focus on which everything Spartan revolved around, it is no wonder strict military control was placed on every aspect of life.
Work Cited
Berger, Eugene, et al. “World History: Cultures, States, and Societies to 1500”, Dalhonega, GA:
University of Georgia, 2016. http://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=history-textbooks.
Pomeroy, Sarah, “Spartan Women”, Oxford University Press, 2002”, ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/lib/apus/detail.action?docID=27272.