Cultural Memory in Ancient Egypt. Some Reflections on Its Origin, Function and Historical Endurance
Abstract
J. Assmann’s studies on the characteristics observed by the phenomenon known as cultural memory in the earliest civilizations have given rise to various debates and, at the same time, it has opened new lines of research. In this paper, we shall discuss the concept of cultural memory in the Pharaonic Egypt and its origin in predynastic times and whe the State was created. Pharaonic Egypt. A cultural memory that survived through over three thousand years of history. A cultural memory which was transmitted through the texts and, especially, in a visual way with the monuments, funerary or not, that transmitted not only religious beliefs, but also a conception of the world in which the ancient Egyptians lived. The close relationship which existed between the aforementioned cultural memory and what the ancient Egyptians saw in their environment, explain the strength not only of their beliefs, but also of a civilization that was able to emit messages that were understood by all the members of the society.
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