Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt

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Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt Ancient Egypt and early Mesopotamia are the most known of the early civilizations. The two have differences and similarities culturally, socially and the environmental pattern. These two civilizations have given us all an idea on what things were like thousands of years ago, and they also give light onto certain cultures of today. Mesopotamia is modern day Iraq and Ancient Egypt runs along the Nile River. The Mesopotamian economy was increasingly diverse. Trading linked the region with distant people. Defined social classes developed with power and wealth in their hands. Eventually Mesopotamia turned into a patriarchal society that gave authority mainly in adult men. This was in public and private affairs. In time, the men of Mesopotamian tighten their control on women. This was to protect family fortunes and guarantee legitimate heirs. The men expected virgin brides and didn’t allow socializing with married women with any men outside of their family. Around 1500 B.C.E upper-class women started to wear veils when they were in public. This was to discourage the attention of other men. This control of women spread throughout much of southwest Asia and the Mediterranean basin. Ancient Egypt also built a patriarchal society that gave men authority over public and private affairs. The upper class women oversaw the domestic affairs while the elite men enjoyed positions as scribes or government officials. Both were able to accumulate property, slaves and pass wealth to their children. Men were the governors of the household and a bigger part of society as a whole. Women had a stronger influence in Egypt than in Mesopotamia. Many royal women served as regents to the young rulers. Queen Hatshepsut took power as pharaoh (1473-1458 B.C.E). She was co ruler with her stepson Tuthmosis III. The most

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