Over the past several thousand years, dozens of great civilizations have risen from nothing and faded into obscurity. However, not all civilizations leave a lasting mark on the world, much less one so profound that it influences the world as it exists today. Ancient Egypt is one such civilization that has had a profound impact on modern daily life. Their religious systems and technological innovations not only helped leave a lasting impression on the world, but also served to shape both the civilizations that directly followed it as well as society today. The ancient Egyptian civilization spanned several thousand years and is one of the oldest. few companies of the time which were created independently. “Egyptian civilization coalesced around 3150 BC with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first Pharaoh” (Dodson 46). Thanks to the Nile, Egypt was able to grow and prosper. “The fertile floodplain of the Nile gave humans the opportunity to develop a sedentary agricultural economy and a more sophisticated, centralized society that became a cornerstone of the history of human civilization” (Shaw 17). Although Egypt is perhaps best known for its pyramids, monuments such as the Sphinx, and mummies, their culture created many other important artifacts. Because Egypt did not lack food due to its ability to harness the waters of the Nile, it was able to focus its energies more on its religious practices as well as its fantastic technological innovations. Egyptian religion is complex. They worshiped not only many deities but also the souls of their rulers and even some other dead people. Similar to several European societies that would come later in the Egyptian era...... middle of paper...... Dyan. The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt. London, England: Thames & Hudson, 2004. Print. McKenty, R. “Dimensions and Mathematics of the Great Pyramid.” Global Education Project. September 15, 2000. Global Education Project. April 15, 2014. http://www.theglobal education project.org /egypt/studyguide/gpmath.php “Embalming Process.” Ancient Egyptian Facts. January 2014. Facts about Ancient Egypt. April 15, 2014. http://www.ancientegyptianfacts.com/ancient-egyptian-process-of-embalming.html Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford, England: Oxford UniversityPress, 2003. Print. Sirry, May. “Ancient Egyptian Religion.” Discover ancient Egypt. April 15, 2014. http://www.experience-ancient-egypt.com/ancient-egyptian-religion.html “Scripture.” Ancient Egypt. The British Museum. April 15, 2014. http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/writing/home.html