Definition:
Egypt is a country linking north-east Africa with the Middle East, known for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the ruins of Memphis and Thebes. Its capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities.
Etymology and Origin:
The name “Egypt” comes from the Greek “Aígyptos” (Αἴγυπτος), which was derived from the ancient Egyptian name “Hwt-Ka-Ptah” (meaning “Home of the Soul of Ptah”), but of course in Greek meant “The land of Ptah” – (Αι – The, γη – land, Πτος- Ptah). Ptah being a major deity in the pantheon of Egyptian gods. The name was later adapted into “Egyptus” in Latin and “Egypt” in English. The ancient Egyptians referred to their land as “Kemet”, which means “Black Land”, likely referring to the fertile black soils of the Nile flood plains, in contrast to the surrounding desert lands.
1 comment