Before Entering Ancient Egypt: Civilization and Culture

What is Civilization and what is culture?

그림1 Lascaux animal painting (위키피디아)

From the moment humans first began to exist on Earth, people lived together and built tools and houses for food acquisition and convenience. They also created public facilities where many people could gather and sacred places to worship God. Unlike animals, humans, who do not have a natural protective shield to maintain their body temperature, dressed up to fight the cold or heat, and made weapons to protect themselves from wild animals and enemies. However, mankind, which finds that group life has more benefits than individuals, chooses to live together from the beginning. In addition, in order to prevent confusion in group life and live together efficiently, we have made rules that must be followed each other at home, at least in villages and in society. In this way, the tools, goods, and buildings that mankind created and used according to their needs, and the rules of living to lead a community life are called "civilization.

그림 2 Detailed scene from papyrus of Hunefer, The Book of the Dead (1275 BCE)

But civilization is not necessarily material. Writing is a good example of that. This is because writing is also a means created by human needs for important records and communication. The diversity of ideas, patterns of behavior, and customs that arose in this civilization have been repeated and complicated, extending from family to society to country. Also, art, literature, and music based on expression and creation began to develop naturally along with material civilization. Humanity has come to differentiate this spiritual heritage of mankind into 'culture'.

그림3 civilization and culture
Scholars interpret culture to a larger extent and define civilization as part of culture. But culture and civilization are inseparable like threads and needles. Were you able to clarify the meaning of civilization and culture that you have been using so far through this column?