If you were asked to create an Ancient Egypt word wall, you would most likely include tombs, pyramids, mummies, sphinx and pharaoh. But did you know t

If you were asked to create an Ancient Egypt word wall, you would most likely include tombs, pyramids, mummies, sphinx and pharaoh. But did you know that there are actually some modern tools and objects that make life easier for us and are used every day, which were actually invented by the Egyptians? The Egyptians were quite skilled and though some other items have been refined and their designs improved over time, credit must be given to the Egyptians for pioneering these inventions. Here you can find a few of the modern items that the Egyptians made.   1. Toothpaste It is believed that the Egyptians invented the first form of toothpaste about 5000 BC after realizing the impact that poor dental care was having on the people. This was even before toothbrushes were invented. They discovered that they were able to come up with a solution for infected teeth which was causing many deaths. The toothpaste was made of ingredients such as powder of ox hooves, ashes and burnt egg shells which were mixed with pumice. This was used to clean the teeth and gums, to keep breath fresh and to whiten teeth.  2. Pens Ancient Egyptians invented parchment and pens, after they realized that hieroglyphics carved in stones were an impractical writing system. They tried to find better ways of writing, giving rise to the reed pen. In the 4th century BC, in Ancient Egypt, the pens were made by scribes to meet their needs. After soaking the ends of pieces of reed in water, the end was cut to form a point. A split was made at the end and was dipped in ink. The split was needed to hold the ink while writing. The reed pens did not last long as they dried out too quickly. As such, the quill was later used. 3. Clocks Historical records and findings by archeologists suggest that the first time keeping devices were developed by the Ancient Egyptians. The clocks known as Shadow Clocks kept the Egyptians organized. These clocks divided the day into 12 hour periods and the obelisk was used to track the sun’s movement and the shadow created. The length and the position of the shadow formed was used to tell the time. Of course, it stands to reason that they were only effective during the day and when the sky was clear. 4. Scissors We may use scissors often for the purpose of cutting various materials but never given thought to the origin of this effective simple machine. From 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians invented the scissors. While it looked different from the cross blade version we use today, the type by the Egyptians had a similar function. The design of the scissors made at that time was one piece of metal with two blades that were controlled by a strip of metal.  5. Hair Dye The trend of hair color is one that first began in ancient Egypt. Though the technology today has improved, we have the Egyptians to thank for this beauty trend. The ladies of Ancient Egypt were quite concerned about their appearance and did not appreciate gray hairs as they wanted to remain youthful. To cover those grays, they dried henna leaves which were used to make a reddish-brown paste. This was then applied to their hair. Varying the amounts of water and leaves would determine the desired shade.

Modern Items The Egyptians Secretly Made

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