Tradition and Transformation in Ancient Egypt

Book excerpt: With the overall topic?Tradition and Transformation in Ancient Egypt? we tried to invite scholars working in different fields to discuss (dis)continuity of traditions and consequent cultural transformation. The main aim was to stimulate research and an exchange of ideas and to build bridges for a variety of disciplines within Egyptology.0The first impression given by the ancient Egyptian culture is that of continuity and long-lasting stability. In fact, we can observe very different kinds of transformation processes alongside unbroken tradition. These changes are visible in all areas of society: politics, art, language, economy, religion, etc. This volume gives an insight into the research presented and the results of various discussions afterwards.0In the study of ancient cultures and civilizations, the questions about what remains and what is changing are always of great importance. It is the attempt to get a deeper understanding of the life and thinking of our ancestors. Cultural changes are dynamic processes and can be caused by developments in technology, political and religious ideas or substantial experiences with diverse societies or environmental factors.0Because of this sheer panoply of possible causes, one seeks to understand transformation in ancient Egypt by asking a series of essential questions: what is the nature of a particular change, when and where did it come about, through what agency, for what purpose, which parts of Egyptian society did it affect, and how lasting were its consequences? In order to answer these questions, it is necessary to involve as many different cultural aspects as possible.