GROUP 3 MEMBERS:Assa Mbegera

Samuel Kigochi

Miriam Maina

Quincy Kiptoo

Alex Kariuki

Kavosa Assava

David Muiru

Kenga John

Judy Njage

Assignment Topic: Examine the Astronomy, Government & Laws and the Hydraulic Engineering Aspects of the Ancient Egyptian Civilization

ASTRONOMYThe High Priest was the Main Astronomer.

Egyptians had knowledge about stars, phases of the

moon, the rising of the sun, moon and stars as well as both

solar & lunar eclipses.

They knew a year had 12 months and had specific names

for the months which are still in use today.

ASTRONOMYThey were aware of the earth‟s position and its revolution

round the sun.

They knew planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus

and Mercury.

They divided the Day into day and night each 12 hrs.

GOVERNMENT & LAWSThe Pharaoh belonged to the Military.

There was a Code of Laws in 8 books which constituted

the “Wisdom” of the Egyptians.

There were 6 Courts of Justice where Judges presided

over cases.

GOVERNMENT & LAWSThey had a council of „30 Great Men‟ who constituted

the Cabinet.

The process of Administration of Justice was well

organized – the case was stated in writing and the

defendant in turn responded, after which witnesses were

called and the matter was considered, at which point they

then laid their opinion before the supreme judge who

gave the verdict.

GOVERNMENT & LAWSThe rich and the poor were considered equal before the

law.

Egypt was divided into Nomes, governed by Nomarchs or

hereditary princes.

The prince assessed taxes, regulated land division, kept

the canals in repair, superintended the produce to guard

against famine and judged all cases in the district.

GOVERNMENT & LAWSAll citizens were registered/counted, and their

name, address and occupation plus a full description of

each person recorded by scribes.

There were generally very low rates of crime and all were

relatively safe.

HYDRAULIC ENGINEERINGAncient Egyptian Hydraulic Technology is still second to

none to date.

There was an organized canal system for irrigation

purposes.

Measurements and Surveys were applied in constructing

dykes to cater for the Nile‟s Annual Flooding.

SOURCESOsei, G.K. (1999) – “African Contribution to

Civilization.”

Fyle, C.M. (1999) – “Introduction to the History of

African Civilization.”

Mudimbe, V. Y. (1988) – “The Invention of Africa.”