# data[].attributes.body
Means "Lights and Perfections", or related to divination in Hebrew./   https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/urim-and-thummim

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narcissus is first introduced in the Alchemist during the Prologue. The Alchemist is reading the ancient legend, but in this specific version of the legend, there is a different ending. The goddesses that turned Narcissus into a plant asks the lake why it is crying over Narcissus, and the lake responds that it was not weeping over the loss of his beauty, but now the lake could not see its own beauty in his eyes.
Source:https://prezi.com/aj1kodf4tpqd/alchemist-symbolism-narcissus/

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Urim and Thummin helped Santiago make decisions, which made him give up the control to make his own decisions.

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Urim and Thummin helped Santiago make decisions, which made him give up the control to make his own decisions.

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Mecca is located in western Saudi Arabia. It is the most holy city out of all Muslim cities.

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Mecca is located in western Saudi Arabia. It is the most holy city out of all Muslim cities.

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Micah and Naomi.

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Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca. One of Muslim's religious goals are to attempt a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime

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Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca. One of Muslim's religious goals are to attempt a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime

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Narcissus, in greek mythology, is the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph

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the definition of an oasis is an isolated area, that is a good spot for farming where there is water
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+in+a+oasis&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS812US812&oq=what+is+in+a+oasis&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.6018j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on

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Stones were placed on the breastplate of the high priest; which represent the 12 Israel tribes. Also the stones covered where the Priest's heart would be under the plate.

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Stones were placed on the breastplate of the high priest; which represent the 12 Israel tribes. Also the stones covered where the Priest's heart would be under the plate.

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https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/bible/biblical-proper-names/urim-and-thummim

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVWIe_5FhZU

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0FtYJQ9tss

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Afterlife was a big part of Egyptian culture. They believed that by mummifying a dead persons body would give their soul the ability to live in the after life.

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Join us, ancient explorers, as we head back 5,000 years through history to discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its ancient beginnings to Egypt today...
Discover facts about Ancient Egypt below or skip to our facts about modern-day Egypt.

Facts about Ancient Egypt

1) Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs (rulers of Ancient Egypt) and their families. To date, over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.

2) The afterlife was incredibly important to the Egyptians. They believed that by preserving a dead person's body - which they did through the process of mummification - their soul would live on in the afterlife forever.

(AD)

3) The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. This incredible structure weighs as much as 16 Empire State buildings!

4) Both Egyptian men and women wore make-up. The eye paint was usually green (made from copper) or black (made from lead). As well as offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed make-up had magical healing powers, too!

5) Unwrapped, the bandages of an Ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for 1.6km. Yikes!

6) The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphs! Uncover the meaning behind these ancient symbols by checking out our awesome hieroglyphics feature.

7) Ancient Egyptians believed in more than 2,000 deities! They had gods for everything, from dangers to chores! Each had different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped so that life could be kept in balance.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Ancient Egypt primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

8) Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It's thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck!

9) Love playing board games with your pals? Well, gang, so did the Ancient Egyptians! One popular game was , which was played for over 2,000 years! The game involved throwing sticks (in the same way we throw dice) to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

10) The Ancient Egyptians invented lots of things we still use today, such as paper, pens, locks and keys and - believe it or not - toothpaste!

If you enjoyed these facts about Ancient Egypt, make sure you check out our other Ancient Egypt pages! Discover the Nile River, figure out hieroglyphics and learn about Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Country fact file: Egypt today

Incredible ancient monuments, scorching deserts and bustling cities - this ancient country is now a sprawling, modern landscape! Read on to learn about the Egypt of today...

Egyptian flag

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CAPITAL: Cairo
POPULATION: 87, 562, 261
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic
MONEY: Egyptian pound, guinay
AREA: 1,001,449 square kilometres
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Eastern Highlands
MAJOR RIVER: Nile
FLAG:

Map of Egypt

Egypt: geography and landscape

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an 2.5cm of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the Nile river rises because of rains at its source, far to the south in Ethiopia. When this happens, floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections - Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, on the country's north coast.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile, and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo (Egypt's capital city) is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Egypt's incredible nature

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its 21 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings (which can still be seen today!) of large animals like elephants, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

The history of Egypt

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbours and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilisation was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples and other impressive monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbours attacked and took over Egyptian territory - in 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control and centuries later, in A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt. These Arab forces ruled Egypt for several centuries and founded the modern capital, Cairo.

In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. The British stayed until Egypt declared independence in 1952.

Egyptian people and culture

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islam religion. About ten percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strain on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area causes overcrowding everywhere, from schools and hospitals to apartment buildings and public transport.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egyptian government and economy

Egypt's geography, population, history and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Egypt's most valuable resources are oil and gas, which are exported to other countries. Other exports include metals, textiles, livestock and chemical products. Tourism is also an important part of Egypt's economy, with visitors flocking to see the famous ancient monuments and to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

Want to learn more about awesome ancient cultures? Then check out our Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece features. Plus, discover more amazing facts from around the world in National Geographic Kids magazine!

Image credits: Egypt map: National Geographic Maps. Mosque in Egypt: Rraheb, Dreamstime. Man pouring juice, Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Outdoor cafe in Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Sphinx and pyramid at Giza, Egypt: Javarman, Dreamstime. All other photographs and illustrations: Getty Images UK

Did you enjoy our facts about Ancient Egypt article? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Facts About Ancient Egypt | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover incredible facts about Ancient Egypt with Nat Geo Kids! Learn about the country's ancient & modern history, pyramids and more...

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He was a dashing young man and many girls (and guys) fell in love with him.

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1 Samuel 10:19-22 suggests that the stones were used like dice to answer yes or no questions.

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1 Samuel 10:19-22 suggests that the stones were used like dice to answer yes or no questions.

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Both men and women of Egypt wore make-up. They wore eye shadow made out of natural materials from the earth, such as: the color green which was made from the metal copper and the color black was made from lead.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Join us, ancient explorers, as we head back 5,000 years through history to discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its ancient beginnings to Egypt today...
Discover facts about Ancient Egypt below or skip to our facts about modern-day Egypt.

Facts about Ancient Egypt

1) Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs (rulers of Ancient Egypt) and their families. To date, over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.

2) The afterlife was incredibly important to the Egyptians. They believed that by preserving a dead person's body - which they did through the process of mummification - their soul would live on in the afterlife forever.

(AD)

3) The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. This incredible structure weighs as much as 16 Empire State buildings!

4) Both Egyptian men and women wore make-up. The eye paint was usually green (made from copper) or black (made from lead). As well as offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed make-up had magical healing powers, too!

5) Unwrapped, the bandages of an Ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for 1.6km. Yikes!

6) The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphs! Uncover the meaning behind these ancient symbols by checking out our awesome hieroglyphics feature.

7) Ancient Egyptians believed in more than 2,000 deities! They had gods for everything, from dangers to chores! Each had different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped so that life could be kept in balance.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Ancient Egypt primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

8) Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It's thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck!

9) Love playing board games with your pals? Well, gang, so did the Ancient Egyptians! One popular game was , which was played for over 2,000 years! The game involved throwing sticks (in the same way we throw dice) to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

10) The Ancient Egyptians invented lots of things we still use today, such as paper, pens, locks and keys and - believe it or not - toothpaste!

If you enjoyed these facts about Ancient Egypt, make sure you check out our other Ancient Egypt pages! Discover the Nile River, figure out hieroglyphics and learn about Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Country fact file: Egypt today

Incredible ancient monuments, scorching deserts and bustling cities - this ancient country is now a sprawling, modern landscape! Read on to learn about the Egypt of today...

Egyptian flag

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CAPITAL: Cairo
POPULATION: 87, 562, 261
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic
MONEY: Egyptian pound, guinay
AREA: 1,001,449 square kilometres
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Eastern Highlands
MAJOR RIVER: Nile
FLAG:

Map of Egypt

Egypt: geography and landscape

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an 2.5cm of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the Nile river rises because of rains at its source, far to the south in Ethiopia. When this happens, floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections - Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, on the country's north coast.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile, and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo (Egypt's capital city) is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Egypt's incredible nature

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its 21 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings (which can still be seen today!) of large animals like elephants, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

The history of Egypt

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbours and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilisation was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples and other impressive monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbours attacked and took over Egyptian territory - in 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control and centuries later, in A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt. These Arab forces ruled Egypt for several centuries and founded the modern capital, Cairo.

In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. The British stayed until Egypt declared independence in 1952.

Egyptian people and culture

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islam religion. About ten percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strain on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area causes overcrowding everywhere, from schools and hospitals to apartment buildings and public transport.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egyptian government and economy

Egypt's geography, population, history and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Egypt's most valuable resources are oil and gas, which are exported to other countries. Other exports include metals, textiles, livestock and chemical products. Tourism is also an important part of Egypt's economy, with visitors flocking to see the famous ancient monuments and to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

Want to learn more about awesome ancient cultures? Then check out our Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece features. Plus, discover more amazing facts from around the world in National Geographic Kids magazine!

Image credits: Egypt map: National Geographic Maps. Mosque in Egypt: Rraheb, Dreamstime. Man pouring juice, Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Outdoor cafe in Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Sphinx and pyramid at Giza, Egypt: Javarman, Dreamstime. All other photographs and illustrations: Getty Images UK

Did you enjoy our facts about Ancient Egypt article? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Facts About Ancient Egypt | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover incredible facts about Ancient Egypt with Nat Geo Kids! Learn about the country's ancient & modern history, pyramids and more...

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Ancient Egyptians invented many tools and innovations that are still used widely today. This includes writing, papyrus sheets, irrigation systems, the calendar, and clocks.

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The Egyptian's inventions were many and it might be easier to list the things they did not invent such as the wheel; not unexpected in a country where everyone travels on water.

Most scholars now believe that isolated civilizations first arose independently at several locations; initially in Mesopotamia around Tigris and Euphrates rivers and, a little later, in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean. Other civilizations arose in Asia along the Indus River in modern India and the Yellow River in what is now China.

All these early civilisations had to invent or discover everything for themselves because unlike later civilisations such as the Greeks in the west or the Chinese in the east, they had no one to learn from. Therefore, the Egyptians had to invented mathematics, geometry, surveying, metallurgy, astronomy, accounting, writing, paper, medicine, the ramp, the lever, the plough, mills for grinding grain and all the paraphernalia that goes with large organised societies.

So how do we define Egyptian inventions today? It is very difficult to determine because three thousand years is a long time for discoveries to be made and lost or appropriated by others. For example the Greeks sometimes take the credit for inventing mathematics but they learned their math from the Egyptians then later developed and improved upon what the Egyptian achieved.

3000 BC appears to have been a critical time for the development of technology, especially metal making. The Egyptians as well as the Mesopotamians independently discovered that by mixing a small quantity of tin ore with copper ores they could make bronze which is harder and more durable. This set off a chain of connected innovations that could not have happened without the primary discovery.

The Pyramids

The oldest pyramid was erected for King Zoser between 2667-2648 BC. In fact it is the first monumental stone building designed and constructed that we know of.

Writing

Along with the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians were the first people to develop their language into a codified form of writing. All early forms of writing were pictograms - pictures. All writing systems developed in this way but their original forms become lost as the pictures are refined into abstract forms. What is interesting about the Egyptians is that although their writing changed to the abstract form of Hieratic they deliberately preserved the hieroglyphic pictures in their original forms.

Papyrus Sheets

Papyrus sheets are the earliest paper-like material - all other civilisations used stone, clay tablets, animal hide, wood materials or wax as a writing surface. Papyrus was, for over 3000 years, the most important writing material in the ancient world. It was exported all around the Mediterranean and was widely used in the Roman Empire as well as the Byzantine Empire. Its use continued in Europe until the seventh century AD, when an embargo on exporting it forced the Europeans to use parchment.

Black Ink

The Egyptians mixed vegetable gum, soot and bee wax to make black ink. They replaced soot with other materials such as ochre to make various colours.

The Ox-drawn Plough

Using the power of oxen to pull the plough revolutionised agriculture and modified versions of this Egyptian invention are still used by farmers in developing countries around the world.

The Sickle

The sickle is a curved blade used for cutting and harvesting grain, such as wheat and barley.

Irrigation

The Egyptians constructed canals and irrigation ditches to harness Nile river's yearly flood and bring water to distant fields.

Shadoof

The Shadoof is a long balancing pole with a weight on one end and a bucket on the other. The bucket is filled with water and easily raised then emptied onto higher ground.

The Calendar

The Egyptians devised the solar calendar by recording the yearly reappearance of Sirius (the Dog Star) in the eastern sky. It was a fixed point which coincided with the yearly flooding of the Nile. Their calendar had 365 days and 12 months with 30 days in each month and an additional five festival days at the end of the year. However, they did not account for the additional fraction of a day and their calendar gradually became incorrect. Eventually Ptolemy III added one day to the 365 days every four years.

Clocks

In order to tell the time Egyptians invented two types of clock.
Obelisks were used as sun clocks by noting how its shadow moved around its surface throughout the day. From the use of obelisks they identified the longest and shortest days of the year.
An inscription in the tomb of the court official Amenemhet dating to the16th century BC shows a water clock made from a stone vessel with a tiny hole at the bottom which allowed water to dripped at a constant rate. The passage of hours could be measured from marks spaced at different levels. The priest at Karnak temple used a similar instrument at night to determine the correct hour to perform religious rites.

The Police

During the Old and Middle Kingdoms order was kept by local officials with their own private police forces. During the New Kingdom a more centralized police force developed, made up primarily of Egypt's Nubian allies, the Medjay. They were armed with staffs and used dogs. Neither rich nor poor citizens were above the law and punishments ranged from confiscation of property, beating and mutilation (including the cutting off of ears and noses) to death without a proper burial. The Egyptians believed that a proper burial was essential for entering the afterlife, so the threat of this last punishment was a real deterrent, and most crime was of a petty nature.

"They went to the granary, stole three great loaves and eight sabu-cakes of Rohusu berries. They drew a bottle of beer which was cooling in water, while I was staying in my father's room. My Lord, let whatsoever has been stolen be given back to me." (Eighteenth Dynasty)

Surgical Instruments

The Edwin Smith Papyrus shows the Egyptians invented medical surgery. It describes 48 surgical cases of injures of the head, neck, shoulders, breast and chest. It includes a list of instruments used during surgeries with instructions for the suturing of wounds using a needle and thread. This list includes lint, swabs, bandage, adhesive plaster, surgical stitches and cauterization. It is also the earliest document to make a study of the brain. The Cairo Museum has a collection of surgical instruments which include scalpels, scissors, copper needles, forceps, spoons, lancets, hooks, probes and pincers.

Wigs

During the hot summers many Egyptians shaved their heads to keep them clean and prevent pests such as lice. Although priests remained bald as part of their purification rituals, those that could afford it had wigs made in various styles and set with perfumed beeswax.

Cosmetic Makeup

The Egyptian invented eye makeup as far back as 4000 B.C. They combined soot with a lead mineral called galena to create a black ointment known as kohl. They also made green eye makeup by combining malachite with galena to tint the ointment.
Both men and women wore eye makup; believing it could cure eye diseases and keep them from falling victim to the evil eye.

Toothpaste

At the 2003 dental conference in Vienna, dentists sampled a replication of ancient Egyptian toothpaste. Its ingredients included powdered of ox hooves, ashes, burnt eggshells and pumice. Another toothpaste recipe and a how-to-brush guide was written on a papyrus from the fourth century AD describes how to mix precise amounts of rock salt, mint, dried iris flower and grains of pepper, to form a "powder for white and perfect teeth."

Mummification

The Egyptians were so expert at preserving the bodies of the dead that after thousands of years we know of the diseases they suffered such as arthritis, tuberculosis of the bone, gout, tooth decay, bladder stones, and gallstones; there is evidence, too, of the disease bilharziasis (schistosomiasis), caused by small, parasitic flatworms, which still exists in Egypt today. There seems to have been no syphilis or rickets.

Egyptian Hieroglyphics 2018

This is a brand new version that now works on Windows 10, MAC, iPad, Android and all mobile phones.
There are more than 1100 Hieroglyphic illustrations including 450 Egyptian word examples and over 650 hieroglyphs from the Gardiner list.
Egyptian Hieroglyphics includes detailed information on the history of Egyptian writing and mathematics, the use of the different types of symbols, how to write your name, how to recognize kings names and the story of the scribe with a video showing how papyrus is made.

Kids can quickly write names and short secret messages and then select print from the menu.

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Ancient Egyptian Inventions were many such as Writing Papyrus Sheets Black Ink Irrigation The Calendar Clocks Surgical Instruments Toothpaste Mummification

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This is Urim and Thummin in a breastplate. Along with 10 other stones, and it is worn on the highest priest.

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This is Urim and Thummin in a breastplate. Along with 10 other stones, and it is worn on the highest priest.

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A journey made to a place of importance in ones religion (such as a shrine) for moral or spiritual significance.

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Gypsies, because of their nomadic past, have a wide variety of ethics, and are found all over the world. Normally gypsies accept the most popular religion in the state in which they reside and are indistinguishable from the normal citizen.

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Originating in Ancient Egypt, Alchemy was an early form of metallurgy and chemistry. On an earthly level, alchemists attempted to convert base metals, such as lead, into gold. On the spiritual level, alchemists tried to purify themselves and achieve enlightenment.

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Alchemists commonly pursued substances and objects that would be considered mythical or simply impossible to exist. These substances had many different properties. A universal solvent called an alkahest, an elixir of immortality, or a cure for all diseases called a panaceas.

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Welcome to Andalusia! Here in Andalusia we have a population of about 8.968 million people. Andalusia is located in the Southern point of Spain and has many fun festivals, delicious cuisines and much more! Let's get started!

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https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/the-egyptian-pyramids

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video:

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Santiago is the protagonist of the story. He is a shepherd boy from Spain who sells his sheep for food.

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this drawing reminds me of Santiago's occupation as a shepherd boy watching over his sheep.

Source: Google

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After selling his sheep to a merchant, Santiago went to a gypsy for a interpretation of his dream, and promised to give 1/10 of his treasure to the gypsy if he ever finds it.

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http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4rwntvTBak/UIlGrudvEiI/AAAAAAAABQw/79VxvrwK0K4/s1600/santiago.jpg

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In the New Testament, the Sycamore tree symbolizes clarity. In this, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree so that he can see Jesus down below. He does this because he is shorter than the rest of the people. This connects because he gets clarity from being on top of the sycamore tree.

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The book starts with Santiago sleeping at the church with the sycamore tree growing into it. He had a reoccurring dream that brought him clarity about what he needed to do in his life. This tree was where Santiago started to understand where he needed to go.

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https://www.wood-database.com/sycamore-maple/

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When the Arab in the Pyramids told Santiago about his dream of the sycamore coming out of the church, Santiago immediately knew where to go; basically, he had a clear vision of his destination, paying homage to the sycamore tree's religious semblance.

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The ancient Egyptians had more than two thousand deities. Deities are different gods and goddesses in a polytheistic religion. They had deities for everything from weather to chores. Each god or goddess had to be worshiped a certain way.

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Join us, ancient explorers, as we head back 5,000 years through history to discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its ancient beginnings to Egypt today...
Discover facts about Ancient Egypt below or skip to our facts about modern-day Egypt.

Facts about Ancient Egypt

1) Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs (rulers of Ancient Egypt) and their families. To date, over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.

2) The afterlife was incredibly important to the Egyptians. They believed that by preserving a dead person's body - which they did through the process of mummification - their soul would live on in the afterlife forever.

(AD)

3) The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. This incredible structure weighs as much as 16 Empire State buildings!

4) Both Egyptian men and women wore make-up. The eye paint was usually green (made from copper) or black (made from lead). As well as offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed make-up had magical healing powers, too!

5) Unwrapped, the bandages of an Ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for 1.6km. Yikes!

6) The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphs! Uncover the meaning behind these ancient symbols by checking out our awesome hieroglyphics feature.

7) Ancient Egyptians believed in more than 2,000 deities! They had gods for everything, from dangers to chores! Each had different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped so that life could be kept in balance.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Ancient Egypt primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

8) Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It's thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck!

9) Love playing board games with your pals? Well, gang, so did the Ancient Egyptians! One popular game was , which was played for over 2,000 years! The game involved throwing sticks (in the same way we throw dice) to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

10) The Ancient Egyptians invented lots of things we still use today, such as paper, pens, locks and keys and - believe it or not - toothpaste!

If you enjoyed these facts about Ancient Egypt, make sure you check out our other Ancient Egypt pages! Discover the Nile River, figure out hieroglyphics and learn about Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Country fact file: Egypt today

Incredible ancient monuments, scorching deserts and bustling cities - this ancient country is now a sprawling, modern landscape! Read on to learn about the Egypt of today...

Egyptian flag

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CAPITAL: Cairo
POPULATION: 87, 562, 261
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic
MONEY: Egyptian pound, guinay
AREA: 1,001,449 square kilometres
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Eastern Highlands
MAJOR RIVER: Nile
FLAG:

Map of Egypt

Egypt: geography and landscape

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an 2.5cm of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the Nile river rises because of rains at its source, far to the south in Ethiopia. When this happens, floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections - Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, on the country's north coast.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile, and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo (Egypt's capital city) is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Egypt's incredible nature

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its 21 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings (which can still be seen today!) of large animals like elephants, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

The history of Egypt

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbours and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilisation was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples and other impressive monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbours attacked and took over Egyptian territory - in 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control and centuries later, in A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt. These Arab forces ruled Egypt for several centuries and founded the modern capital, Cairo.

In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. The British stayed until Egypt declared independence in 1952.

Egyptian people and culture

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islam religion. About ten percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strain on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area causes overcrowding everywhere, from schools and hospitals to apartment buildings and public transport.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egyptian government and economy

Egypt's geography, population, history and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Egypt's most valuable resources are oil and gas, which are exported to other countries. Other exports include metals, textiles, livestock and chemical products. Tourism is also an important part of Egypt's economy, with visitors flocking to see the famous ancient monuments and to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

Want to learn more about awesome ancient cultures? Then check out our Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece features. Plus, discover more amazing facts from around the world in National Geographic Kids magazine!

Image credits: Egypt map: National Geographic Maps. Mosque in Egypt: Rraheb, Dreamstime. Man pouring juice, Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Outdoor cafe in Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Sphinx and pyramid at Giza, Egypt: Javarman, Dreamstime. All other photographs and illustrations: Getty Images UK

Did you enjoy our facts about Ancient Egypt article? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

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10 Facts About Ancient Egypt | National Geographic Kids

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Discover incredible facts about Ancient Egypt with Nat Geo Kids! Learn about the country's ancient & modern history, pyramids and more...

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The sycamore can also be used to make things such as musical instruments, boxes/crates, paper, and other small specialty wood items. It has no distinctive odor and is generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it is susceptible to burning when high-speed cutters are used.

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Because Mecca is located below sea level, flash flooding is relatively common. However, Mecca receives an average of five inches or less of rainfall annually

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Because Mecca is located below sea level, flash flooding is relatively common. However, Mecca receives an average of five inches or less of rainfall annually

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Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Five times every day all Muslims face this city for prayer.

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Santiago begin and ends his journey at the sycamore, which is where his treasure lied the entire time. The sycamore tree symbolizes Santiago's roots, to show that true treasure is found within your own culture, or that you can always find happiness where you're from.

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In the novel "The Alchemist" Santiago meets his true love Fatima at the oasis, later on this is also where he meets the Alchemist.

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All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to this city at least once in their lifetime. No non Muslims are allowed to enter the city.

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A Buddhist pilgrimage the Rupandehi district. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Marinade gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.

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Andalusia is located in the southern most point in Europe. To the south of Andalusia is the Atlantic Ocean and to the north is the Sierra Morena Mountains. Andalusia is Spain's largest Autonomous Region. Fifty percent of Andalusia is mountainous terrain and a third of its land area is over 600 meters above sea level.

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One day, a nymph named Echo fell in love with him and took him down to a lake, where he saw a reflection of himself.

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The high priest would use the stones to try and determine God's will in sensitive situations.

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The high priest would use the stones to try and determine God's will in sensitive situations.

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https://bible.org/question/how-did-urim-and-thummim-function

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The Philosopher's Stone is the focus symbol and the most sought out goal in alchemy. The stone is a legendary alchemist object that can turn any base metal into gold or silver. It is also referred to as the elixir of life-granting the user complete immortality.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llP_ait76_I&authuser=0

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In The Alchemist, the crystal  merchant was Muslim and told Santiago that he needed to take his trip to Mecca once in his life.

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In The Alchemist, the crystal  merchant was Muslim and told Santiago that he needed to take his trip to Mecca once in his life.

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This city has a very high population density, especially during the month of pilgrimages, having between 1 to 2 million worshipers in the city at a time.

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If you seem to find your self in Andalusia, you might find some of these things point out too you...

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He instantly fell in love with himself but could never hold his reflection because the water would ripple every time he tried. He died at the river banks out of sorrow.

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https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQY3sL_iuQxftXqnfD01ga1vV7AkdyIBI-4A0Qq069eKwXVLKvq

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The Spanish are mostly Roman Catholic and follow what God tells them to do. The church is missing the roof so Santiago can see the heavens. This also relates to the Alchemist because the tree is actually connected to the church. Because of this connection we can infer that the author is using religious symbolism.

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In Andalusia you will find many delicious treats that will for sure satisfy your stomach...
1) Gambas Pil Pil
2) Paella
3) Jamon Serrano
4) Salmorejo
5) Coquinas
Paella:

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It's ironic, because Santiago is trying to take control of his life and fate, and be independent, but the stones symbolize him letting his guard down and trusting in a superstitious object.

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It's ironic, because Santiago is trying to take control of his life and fate, and be independent, but the stones symbolize him letting his guard down and trusting in a superstitious object.

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https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-alchemist/symbols/urim-and-thummim

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Flamenco-
One of the things that you might find interesting about Andalusia is all of the different types of dancing. Flamenco features staccato tap dancing, rhythmic guitar strumming and passionate singing.

Bullfighting-
Bullfighting is a very large tradition in Andalusia. Still to this day, in Andalusia, there is the ancient bull ring that continues to attract many aficionados.

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Andalusia was originally occupied by the Romans, but soon it was captured by the Visigoths. The Moors conquered the region then changed the culture drastically.  The Catholic monarchs of Spain eventually reclaimed Andalusia bringing a new blend to the culture.

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Santiago decides to go and search for his treasure after the old King Melchizedek encouraged him to chase his personal legend. The boy sets his foot in Egypt and overcomes many trials such as getting his money stolen, and almost getting killed in the oasis by tribesman.

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Imagine sitting though a giant fiesta. Spain has some of the biggest and most beautiful holidays celebrated in the world and here are some of them:
1) February: Carival in Cadiz
2) Easter
3) April: Feria de Abril in Sevilla
4) May: Horse Fair in Jerez de la Fronter
5) August: Horse races along the sands of Sanlucar de Barrameda

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the meaning portrayed by the Narcissus story in the Alchemist is that people sometimes are too focused on their own beauty and physical things that they lose track of the Soul of the World and the true beauty of the universe

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His story relates to the Alchemist because Narcissus died before he got what he wanted or he didn't fulfill his "Personal Legend".

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Gypsies have little remembrance of their first place of origin. This is the result of shaming and discrimination early in their travels. Many Gypsies claim they where first introduced in Ancient Egypt.

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In the novel, the Crystal Merchant expresses with Santiago the pressure as a Muslim that he has to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, something that he struggles with. 

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In the novel, the Crystal Merchant expresses with Santiago the pressure as a Muslim that he has to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, something that he struggles with. 

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The American alphabet has 26 letters, while the Egyptian alphabet has 700 hieroglyphs!!! Hieroglyphics are ancient symbols.

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Join us, ancient explorers, as we head back 5,000 years through history to discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its ancient beginnings to Egypt today...
Discover facts about Ancient Egypt below or skip to our facts about modern-day Egypt.

Facts about Ancient Egypt

1) Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs (rulers of Ancient Egypt) and their families. To date, over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.

2) The afterlife was incredibly important to the Egyptians. They believed that by preserving a dead person's body - which they did through the process of mummification - their soul would live on in the afterlife forever.

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3) The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. This incredible structure weighs as much as 16 Empire State buildings!

4) Both Egyptian men and women wore make-up. The eye paint was usually green (made from copper) or black (made from lead). As well as offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed make-up had magical healing powers, too!

5) Unwrapped, the bandages of an Ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for 1.6km. Yikes!

6) The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphs! Uncover the meaning behind these ancient symbols by checking out our awesome hieroglyphics feature.

7) Ancient Egyptians believed in more than 2,000 deities! They had gods for everything, from dangers to chores! Each had different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped so that life could be kept in balance.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Ancient Egypt primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

8) Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It's thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck!

9) Love playing board games with your pals? Well, gang, so did the Ancient Egyptians! One popular game was , which was played for over 2,000 years! The game involved throwing sticks (in the same way we throw dice) to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

10) The Ancient Egyptians invented lots of things we still use today, such as paper, pens, locks and keys and - believe it or not - toothpaste!

If you enjoyed these facts about Ancient Egypt, make sure you check out our other Ancient Egypt pages! Discover the Nile River, figure out hieroglyphics and learn about Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Country fact file: Egypt today

Incredible ancient monuments, scorching deserts and bustling cities - this ancient country is now a sprawling, modern landscape! Read on to learn about the Egypt of today...

Egyptian flag

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CAPITAL: Cairo
POPULATION: 87, 562, 261
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic
MONEY: Egyptian pound, guinay
AREA: 1,001,449 square kilometres
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Eastern Highlands
MAJOR RIVER: Nile
FLAG:

Map of Egypt

Egypt: geography and landscape

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an 2.5cm of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the Nile river rises because of rains at its source, far to the south in Ethiopia. When this happens, floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections - Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, on the country's north coast.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile, and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo (Egypt's capital city) is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Egypt's incredible nature

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its 21 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings (which can still be seen today!) of large animals like elephants, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

The history of Egypt

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbours and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilisation was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples and other impressive monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbours attacked and took over Egyptian territory - in 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control and centuries later, in A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt. These Arab forces ruled Egypt for several centuries and founded the modern capital, Cairo.

In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. The British stayed until Egypt declared independence in 1952.

Egyptian people and culture

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islam religion. About ten percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strain on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area causes overcrowding everywhere, from schools and hospitals to apartment buildings and public transport.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egyptian government and economy

Egypt's geography, population, history and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Egypt's most valuable resources are oil and gas, which are exported to other countries. Other exports include metals, textiles, livestock and chemical products. Tourism is also an important part of Egypt's economy, with visitors flocking to see the famous ancient monuments and to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

Want to learn more about awesome ancient cultures? Then check out our Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece features. Plus, discover more amazing facts from around the world in National Geographic Kids magazine!

Image credits: Egypt map: National Geographic Maps. Mosque in Egypt: Rraheb, Dreamstime. Man pouring juice, Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Outdoor cafe in Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Sphinx and pyramid at Giza, Egypt: Javarman, Dreamstime. All other photographs and illustrations: Getty Images UK

Did you enjoy our facts about Ancient Egypt article? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Facts About Ancient Egypt | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover incredible facts about Ancient Egypt with Nat Geo Kids! Learn about the country's ancient & modern history, pyramids and more...

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Every year about three million people gather for the major pilgrimage, Hajj, during the Muslim Month of Dhu'l-Hijja. Many more perform the minor pilgrimage, Umrah, at various times throughout the year.

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Every year about three million people gather for the major pilgrimage, Hajj, during the Muslim Month of Dhu'l-Hijja. Many more perform the minor pilgrimage, Umrah, at various times throughout the year.

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One of the most famous oasis' is located in Tuscan, Arizona is around 5,000 years old and is now a recreational park.

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One of the most famous oasis' is located in Tuscan, Arizona is around 5,000 years old and is now a recreational park.

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https://www.smashinglists.com/beautiful-spectacular-desert-oases/2/

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Gypsies, being traveling merchants, began to sell their goods and services to western European countries. They were discrimminated, for their darker skin, and in some cases, like England, they were banned

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Gypsies are a group of nomadic people that are "free spirited".

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We see that Santiagio on the other hand did fulfill his Personal Legend by going to the pyramids and finding his treasure.

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Mecca is Ancient times was an oasis on an old caravan route that linked the Mediterranean with South Arabia. By Roman times it had developed into an important trade and religious center in Arabia

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Oasis' are formed when there is a river or water source beneath the surface of the desert. Rocks under the surface cant percolate the water, so water collects beneath the surface, making the land 

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Oasis' are formed when there is a river or water source beneath the surface of the desert. Rocks under the surface cant percolate the water, so water collects beneath the surface, making the land 

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https://www.geolounge.com/oasis-get-water/