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Unlike Mesopotamia, where gods and government evolved over millennia, Egypt didn't have such luxuries of time. Here, it happened more or less all at once. As the deserts returned, the Nile's nomadic neighbors turned to violent raiding. The peaceful valley farmers fought back, and their best leaders became important chiefs.
In the face of these threats, the valley people unified under protective deities. In a surprisingly short period of time, revered heroes and forces of nature had become gods.
Alliance was easy along the Nile, and neighboring settlements banded together in mutual defense. Over time, some merged into larger territorial units (merging their civic gods while they were at it).
By 3300 BC, the towns of Abydos, Naqada, and Nekhen had grown into major power centers.

(3-D Viewer: Click, drag, and zoom to explore!)

Next: Ex Pluribus Unum
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Join the conversation! There are now 8 comments on this chapter's page 96. Egypt Needs Leaders, Gods, and Cities… FAST!. What are your thoughts?
  1. STM says

    You have outdone yourself with that illustration. How will you render it in book form?

    Reply ↓
  2. B.J. says

    10,000 people isn’t an ancient city? Heck, some freaks in the modern world call that a city even now!

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  3. Jerry Birchmore says

    Are we going to need VR glasses to see the next big 360 degree scene?

    Reply ↓

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