The American Chemistry Council Is Helping in the Efforts to Clean Water

The American Chemistry Council Is Helping in the Efforts to Clean WaterThe American Chemistry Council has done a commendable job in this regard. A variety of reasons, including a group of interested individuals that have come together to educate the American public, has led to this. The ACS is not alone in their endeavor to educate Americans on the benefits of pure water. There are many environmental groups in America that are working hard to make the US a more environmentally sound nation, and what better way to do so than with a program like this.American citizens have long been told that something in our water is not right. In many instances, no reason was ever given. The chemicals that are added to water can cause all sorts of harm.Despite this information, many American citizens are doing their part to help rid the world of these poisons. Some of them go so far as to try and find the sources of the pollution. By collecting data on the water sources, and comparing it to the data of the water produced by the same types of plants, they can at least give Americans a hint as to why the water is getting so tainted.One good source of data, the EPA, keeps track of the pollutants that are in the water. But there is much more than just the EPA that can help in getting the EPA out of the water. It would be extremely beneficial for all the parties involved if they could agree to find a way to keep each other happy.Chemical companies, agriculture, utilities, municipalities, researchers, anyone who is involved in the manufacturing of chemicals and even for those that manufacture and use pesticides need to come together and see where the chemical pollution is coming from. The ACS has already shown that they are willing to help in this endeavor.American citizens are using products that contain a mixture of chemicals, and it is time that they use products that are 100% safe for them to use. The ACS has already taken steps in this regard, and more is sure to come. By gettin g together and studying the problems, they will be able to find a way to solve them.If American citizens want the chemical companies to stop using toxic chemicals, then they must stop using organic products. When we all take a stand against chemical manufacturers, then it will only be a matter of time before chemical companies come to realize that the problem they are facing is one that can be solved with their cooperation. And so, we can all rest assured that we will be safe in our water.

GCSE Chemistry Where to Find Past Papers

GCSE Chemistry Where to Find Past Papers GCSE Chemistry: How to Use Past Papers ChaptersMake Use of the Exam Mark SchemeLearn the Structure of the Exam PaperRead the Chief Examiner’s ReportsUse the Exam Board SpecificationGet a Little Help From Your FriendsTime yourselfWhere to Find Past PapersPrivate TutoringUsing past papers is a fantastic way to find out how your chemistry revision is going, where you need to improve and for getting to grips with exam technique. Whether you’re still at the beginning of the semester or your exams are fast approaching, we've put together this handy guide to help you revise using past papers.Check out your complete guide to GCSE Chemistry. and get the best grade you possibly can.Past papers are an essential tool for revision. Do every past paper you can find, as many times as you can. Getting used to the past papers will help you to understand the way your subject is structured. While simply going through past papers and answering the questions is useful in itself there is actually so much more you can get out of them.If mar k schemes, specifications, Chief Examiner reports and past papers all sound a bit confusing, don’t worry we’ve got you! With our help, you’ll be able to use past papers to really get on top of your subject and nail your exams. You could also ask your peers to mark them for you, this way you're sure there is no bias.If you are struggling to hit key points in your answers try mapping out model answers. Of course, the questions won't be the same on the real exam but practising writing out model answers will get you into the mindset of the examiner; they are looking for certain key points and phrases on each answer.  It is essential that you are able to demonstrate your knowledge by using the correct vocabulary and phrases.The more model answers you write out the more natural it will be to you on exam day.Learn the Structure of the Exam PaperPast papers help you get used to the structure and wording of the exam. Get really familiar with your past papers, it’s essential you know the structure so there are no surprises on exam day.Make sure you get your head around the structure of your chemistry paper and ask yourself the following questions:1. Is the paper divided into sections?2. Are the questions multiple choice?3. How much time should you spend on each section?4. Have you covered all the sections in your revision?   Make sure there’s no holes in your knowledge.If you keep seeing a question that trips you up, make sure you revise that topic. Don't just glance at it and think you know it, really make sure you understand the topic. Questions can be phrased in many ways or a couple of topics might be combined in the same question, so you need to really know the topic so you can apply it to different situations (and  not just repeat information).Find a physics and chemistry tutor now.Read the Chief Examiner’s ReportsFocus on exam practice by reading the Examiner’s Report. There is a report written every year after exams are taken which details the comm on mistakes students made and what you’re not supposed to do. Here's an example.Each year, comments from people who mark the exams are collected together and published. These are really useful as they let you know what examiners are looking for.By reading through them, you can learn what not to do, and what mistakes you need to avoid.No need to fret over your exam; Superprof tutors are here to help you! Source: Pixabay Credit: JeshootsPrivate TutoringIf you need some more structure in your revision and want someone to hold you accountable it can be helpful to get a private tutor.A private tutor can tailor lessons to you. If you struggle with remembering atom structures or you need help telling the difference between endothermic and exothermic, a tutor can help. They will focus on the topics you find difficult and will set you homework to boost your revision.Bring your past papers to your tutor. You can either sit with them while you do it to emulate exam conditions or you can do t hem at home and have your tutor mark them for you. The benefits of a tutor are endless and they can really make the difference in your preparation.Good luck!

Learn and play the guitar in Chicago!

Learn and play the guitar in Chicago! Where to go to learn the guitar in Chicago ChaptersPrivate guitar lessons in ChicagoChicago music conservatoriesMusic schools in ChicagoCultural and community centers for learning music in ChicagoAs one of the capitals of art and culture in the American Midwest, Chicago is a fantastic place to  learn to play the  guitar!Not sure what do to with your Gibson les Paul or Fender Stratocaster sitting in your house collecting dust? If you live in or close to Chicago and have always wanted learn how to play the guitar, improve your guitar playing, or discover a new style of music, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to music schools, conservatories and private instructors for learning your favorite 6-string instrument.And don’t forget about the incredible choices for attending gigs and concerts in a range of venues and genres â€" Chicago is a thriving hub for local and touring international musicians!Filled with classic theaters dating back to the early 1900s and new underground venues that draw on the city’s rich live music tradition, Chicago is a great city for music lovers. Why not listen to some Indie Rock at Empty Bottle, country rock in Hideout, jazz at Green Mill or even classical music by the Chicago Symphony??The grandiose Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall. Photo: Visual HuntWant to learn the difference between frets and tabs, perfect those chord progressions, or learn to riff like Chuck Berry? Guitar classes are accessible to all levels, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a professional guitarist hoping to perfect your playing. They are also ideal for learning how to improvise on the guitar or strumming methods, for example.Guitar instructors are passionate professionals who work according to a training method with the aim of providing the highest quality of instruction. But you must be careful when choosing your music teacher, as really anyone can profess to be an accredited teaching musician, regardless of training or background.So we strongly recommend that you meet your prospecti ve instructor’s other students, discover his or her learning method, ask whether he or she specializes in acoustic guitar or electric guitar, and listen to him or her play in order to form your own opinion. Don’t hesitate to lead a little inquiry to discover if your instructor has won any awards or given concerts, and learn about his or her music career.We recommend that a private instructor has a conservatory education as well as teacher training and performance experience: the ability to teach guitar does not “teach” itself, it requires a lot of effort and numerous personal qualities. Remember that all of these factors will determine the various price of your private lessons.Next, you’ll need to meet your potential guitar instructor:  training on an instrument like the guitar is also a question of feeling and chemistry between instructor and student. In fact, we recommend that you meet several guitar instructors to compare their methods and vision of teaching.Don't settl e on just any guitar instructor, find one who is perfectly suited to you! Photo: Visual HuntThe city of Chicago is teeming with talented individuals who offer guitar and solfège instruction, who will teach you how to improve, learn to play a chord or arpeggio, develop a certain technique and discover another music style (blues, rock, classic, flamenco, reggae, funk, pop, country, etc.) Why not go to your local music shop or consult the ads in your library or community center to get some contact details?One option could be the  Chicago School of Music  (900 N Franklin St., #604, Chicago, IL / 312-416-0622), which offers high-quality private guitar lessons (as well as piano, voice, violin and others) for adults and children of all leves, as well as training for music teachers.Or better still, find yourself a Superprof!Chicago music conservatoriesAnd for those interested in specializing in guitar for your higher education, there are a range of options available. If you  desire a highe r level of guitar playing with a disciplined methodology, the conservatory is the ideal place. In addition to music instruction, most conservatories also propose a dance and performance arts curriculum.It can be difficult and competitive to get accepted into these institutions, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming and applying yourself! In addition to the playing requirements, you should do your research in advance to know what you’ll need in order to apply (all the necessary documents and deadlines).They are portals into an artistic universe and professional playing; by enrolling in a conservatory, you’ll develop and hone your ability to interpret and play music while becoming an artist in your own right.Begin your search by looking into the highly reputed Chicago College of Performing Arts (Roosevelt University) and the DePaul School of Music. Next you might also check out the music departments in any of Chicago’s many colleges and universities.Music rounds out our ed ucation. Photo: Visual HuntMusic schools in ChicagoThe city of Chicago proposes a multitude of possibilities so that everyone can express him or herself in all possible ways via the arts and culture.On that note, guitar instruction is incredibly accessible in and around Chicago. Numerous music schools flourish in the city, so that, no matter where you live, you’ll be able to easily access one of them. Read on to find the perfect place to teach you the difference between a major chord, power chord and an open chord!Whatever type of instruction you choose, remember that practice makes perfect! Photo: Visual HuntHere’s a nice sampling of high-quality music schools in Chicago:The Hyde Park School of Music (608-207-6316) provides quality music lessons for guitar, piano, voice, songwriting, home recording and music production for children and adults, from beginner to advanced. Serving Chicago’s South Side, it teaches all musical styles including rock, folk, RB, hip-hop, metal, jazz, country, pop, blues, funk, gospel, classical and electronic music.The Merit School of Music (38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607 / 312-786-9428) offers early childhood classes, instrumental classes and private lessons. They also have a ground-breaking tuition free conservatory and summer camp. Students also have the opportunity to perform in several groups such as jazz , Latin inspired string and chamber music ensembles. Guitar features predominantly across its range of instruction options.Bucktown Music (1890 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 / 773-904-7426) offers a rich and wide range of music education options via programs for children, adults and schools. This includes both private and group lessons for all instruments, levels and ages.The Chicago Academy of Music Conservatory (5655 S University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 / 312-380-1644) offers private lessons, as well as early childhood programs, and the possibility to play in ensembles and orchestras (improv jazz, Latin music and new music orchestras) for both children and adults. Its unique curriculum and pedagogy allows accomplished professional musicians to share their talents with beginner and advanced students in the genres of jazz, classical, Latin, blues, world art music, and contemporary.The Music Institute of Chicago (several locations / 847-905-1500) is a community music school dedicated to transforming lives through music education, striving to lead everyone in its community toward a lifelong engagement with music. It offers group music classes, opportunities to play with others in small music ensembles, master classes with visiting artists, and even consultation with creative arts therapists! Instruction is available for classical guitar, lute, jazz/folk guitar, banjo and electric bass for all ages!Cultural and community centers for learning music in ChicagoAre you looking for a different guitar class experience in Chicago? Want to learn to tune your guitar and perfect your guitar chords outs ide of a conservatory or music school?Fortunately, there are numerous Chicago associations that promote the arts and culture.Here are a few great places to learn to tell the difference between a fretboard and guitar neck, among other things!The People’s Music School (931 W. Eastwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 / 773-784-7032) offers high-quality and tuition-free music education. You read that right, for no price at all, you can have access to intensive music instruction and performance opportunities!Chicago Center for Music Education (1148 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 / 312-738-2646): offers Early Childhood, General Music, Instrumental Music and Music Therapy programs, as well as summer camp. This fantastic place offers guitar training for kids in various musical styles, including classical, jazz, blues, tock, and Latin/Mariachi. Special focus is given to tone production and posture, hand position, and use of body, for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced, 4 years and up. This might be the perfect place for you to learn bar chords, tablatures, fingerpicking and ear training?Two other interesting centers to check out: Chicago West Community Music Center and Gary Comer Youth Center!Remember that key to any music education â€" guitar included â€" is what you do outside of the classroom. Practicing is the only way you’ll improve your guitar playing. Furthermore, make sure to listen to as much music as you can to become acquainted with the trends and talents in contemporary and historic music.When it comes to Chicago’s live music venues, perhaps no place  has been mythologized quite as much as  Metro (3730 North Clark St.). Just north of the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field ballpark, the stage of Metro has been graced by the likes of Bob Dylan, James Brown, Prince and Nirvana.If only you could have been in the audience at Chicago's Metro when Bob Dylan performed! Photo: Visual HuntOne of two clubs in Chicago owned by the Schuba brothers, Schubas (3159 North Southport Ave.) hosts cutting-edge talent in an intimate setting. Since its doors opened in 1989, it’s helped introduce some of today’s biggest talents to the world, like the Dave Matthews Band. (Their other venue is the famous Lincoln Hall).In the city’s emerging South Loop neighborhood, blues venue Buddy Guy’s Legends (700 South Wabash Avenue) was founded by none other than ultimate blues legend himself Buddy Guy in 1989 (the name does give it away). Every January he holds a 16-night residency and has welcomed famous guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Lou Rawls, David Bowie and BB King over the years.You’ve got all the information you need: you have no excuse to not learn to play the guitar in Chicago!So get out your new guitar, metronome and capo and… ready, set… guitar! You’ll be playing lead guitar or solos like Stevie Ray in no time.

Personal Branding E-Book-Reduced Price! - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Personal Branding E-Book-Reduced Price! - Introvert Whisperer Personal Branding E-Book-Reduced Price! Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran  â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential.  Introvert Whisperer

The Actors of Free Online Tutoring

The Actors of Free Online Tutoring Free Online Tutoring in the UK ChaptersFree Tutoring for Schoolchildren: the Traditional and Best-Known ResourcesFree One on One Tutoring SitesOnline Tutoring Sites to Improve Your Grades on ExamsOther Websites Linking to Online Learning ResourcesGeneral Resources Free OnlineMake Use of Free Tutoring Sites and AppsMOOCsPrivate tutoring has long been the established method of improving a child’s grades at school. But the education crisis has not only been felt in schools. Official organisations are often overwhelmed with queries, and cost remains a concern with a great many parents. Lessons at home with private tutors cost anywhere between £25 and £60. What with school supplies, outings and transportation, this is more than many families can afford.This is why Superprof is eager to provide you with various resources that are entirely FREE. others are paying but not quite as expensive as elsewhere. Subjects range from robotics to Natural Language Processing to an Intro into Self-driving cars. Definitely worth a look!What are your thoughts on free online tutoring resources available to students in the UK?

Its Never Too Late! 5 Musicians Who Got a Late Start

Its Never Too Late! 5 Musicians Who Got a Late Start Shanika These days, we hear a lot about music artists who have made a name for themselves starting from a young age pop stars like Christina Aguilera and sibling-duo Donny and Marie Osmond, for example. But don’t worry if you don’t have that kind of early-on experience it’s never too late to start your music career! There are a number of musicians who either did not get into music until later in life or took several years to become famous. Here are five famous musicians who got a late start in music, but have left a mark on the music industry forever: Sheryl Crow Crow started out as a music teacher after graduating from the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She continued to pursue her dreams, however, by playing gigs on the weekends and writing jingles for commercials. Crow didnt reach mainstream success until she was 31 years old, when she shot to fame with her single All I Wanna Do. The song helped her win the Grammy award for Best New Artist in 1995. Leonard Cohen Cohen was born in Canada in 1934, and emerged in the music industry at the age of 33. He started as a writer but found it difficult to earn money, and turned to writing folk music full-time. He began writing for other artists, such as Judy Collins, and eventually signed with Columbia Records. His first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, was released in 1967. He played various instruments including guitar, piano and synthesizer. Al Jarreau Jarreau got his start performing jazz in various hot spots throughout Los Angeles. He appeared on various talk shows, including Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin, to promote his career and eventually signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1975. His debut album released when he was 35 years old. Since then, Jarreau has won seven Grammy awards. Tuli Kupferberg Kupferberg was a poet, author and cartoonist, along with being a musician. His music career took off at the age of 40, when he co-founded the Fugs, a funk/punk band. Before that, Kupferberg was well-known for his counter-culture books Beatniks (1961) and 1001 Ways to Beat the Draft (1966). John Ondrasik Ondrasik, also known by his stage name Five for Fighting, is yet another famousmusician that came to fame at a later age. He was born in 1965 in Los Angeles, and studied science and math at UCLA. However, he pursued music in his spare time. After performing at several small venues, Ondrasik was eventually signed by EMI records in 1997. His first album was Message for Albert, but it was his hit single from his second album Superman that brought his name to fame when Ondrasik was 35 years old. There are many other artists who became famous at a later age. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, one of the biggest-selling solo artists in classical music, was 35 when he recorded his first album. Deborah Harry of Blondie recorded her first album at age 31. Opportunities abound for talented musicians these days on reality TV competitions; Susan Boyle, for example, got her break on The X-Factor at age 48. Many people think that someone who is older can’t make it into the music industry, but these artists prove the assumption wrong. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Photo by  Kevin Burkett

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt Life and Times in Ancient Egypt ChaptersTimeline for Ancient EgyptBasic Facts About Ancient EgyptThe PharaohsReligion in Ancient EgyptSociety in Ancient EgyptEducation in Ancient EgyptGender Roles in Ancient EgyptLegacy of Ancient EgyptFascinating and mysterious, complex and long, the history of Egypt is one continuous arc that spans nearly 30 centuries.During that time, the land has seen such impactful events as dynastic rule and bitter civil war, hostile takeovers, foreign leadership and the proposed bite of a hippopotamus â€" more on that later.From the long history unearthed in the Nile River delta, we’ve learned that the people of Egypt loved board games and kept pets, were not shy about engaging in conflicts on foreign soil and were perhaps some of the most enlightened people in the annals of early humanity.They were adroit craftsmen and master architects, fierce warriors given to excess and, above all, firm believers in romantic love... believe it or not!Although the tales and legends â€" even the timeline of Ancient Egypt are long, your Superprof now attempts to condense salient aspects of life in Egypt’s earliest days. MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5.00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTimeline for Ancient Egypt Egypt's timeline is as long as the desert is vast Image by Nadine Doerlé from PixabayMuch like the Greek civilization, another that has endured for millennia, Ancient Egypt is neatly broken down into discrete periods.5000 â€" 3100 BC; the Pre-Dynastic Period: over 2,000 years of civilization developmentThe Red Land, based in the Nile River Delta and the White Land in the south were united under King Menes, thus establishing the first dynasty.3100 â€" 2686 BC, the Archaic Period: Memphis founded as the capital city; foundation of Egyptian society and ideology is laid.2686 â€" 2181 BC, the Old Kingdom: the time of pyramid building. King Djoser tasks architect Imhotep to create his funerary monument; his pyramid became the world’s first built stone structure.2181 â€" 2055 BC, the First Intermediate Period: the Old Kingdom collapsed and central leadership dissolved, leading to civil war within the provinces2055 â€" 1786 BC, the Middle Kingdom: peace returns to the land; leaders adopt an aggressive foreign policy agenda that includes diplomatic and trade relations with Syria and Palestine1786 â€" 1567 BC, the Second Intermediary Period: Rival powers attempt to gain control over all of Egypt but fail to consolidate their power1567 â€" 1085 BC, the New Kingdom: Egypt is reunited and power consolidated under the first king of the 18th dynasty. A dramatic shift of religious beliefs ensues.1805 â€" 664 BC, the Third Intermediate Period: massive upheaval in society, politics and culture; a return to local governance.664 â€" 332 BC, the Late Period: Egypt is reunited but becomes a part of the Persian Empire.In 332 BC, Alexander the Great fought the Persians and won control of Egypt. After his death in 323 BC, Egypt was ruled by Macedonian general Ptolemy, who formed his own dynasty by passing leadership to his descendants.Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic ruler, surrendered Egypt to Roman forces in 31 BC, an act that placed Egypt under Roman rule for the next six centur ies.During this era, a burgeoning new religion called Christianity was replacing ancient Roman deities that so closely aligned with Egyptian ones.This new faith spread through the Roman Empire â€" of which Egypt was now a part of, putting that ancient civilization in the crosshairs of Arab invaders, who took over the land in the 7th Century AD and promptly converted the people to Islam.Their doing so eradicated any outward resemblance to ancient Egyptian culture.This timeline is obviously very condensed. It glosses over virtually every aspect of life in Egypt, from the grandiose pharaohs to the laments of the poets and the slaves in the fields to the silent Sphinx â€" the very symbol of Egypt.On the other hand, now that we’ve laid out the epochs, we can easier illustrate which changes were wrought at what time during the long existence of this magnificent civilization.Also discover one of the shortest-lived empires: the IncasBasic Facts About Ancient EgyptThe Nile River Delta was a lush and verdant region with an abundant supply of water; settling along its banks must have seemed like an attractive option to those migrating out of Africa.Much like the people who eventually settled along the Tigris River to build the Mesopotamian civilizations, the earliest Egyptians founded small colonies. They hunted and gathered their food.Once they mastered the cycle of the Nile’s flooding and draining, they were able to plant crops, thus transitioning into an agrarian society.  They cultivated wheat, flax and, most importantly, papyrus, which gave them a means of establishing their written language.As the Nile is quite long, it was both a generous resource and a means of achieving dominance in the region. Ancient Egyptian art reveals that pharaohs were thought of as descended from the gods Image by Oberholster Venita from PixabayThe PharaohsAlthough the period known as Ancient Egypt spanned more than three millennia and was ruled by no fewer than 31 dynasties â€" periods where members of a single family ruled, only a handful of pharaohs were truly remarkable.Khufu commissioned the Great Pyramid at Giza but Djoser was responsible for the first step pyramid. At the time of its building (and still today), it signalled great advances in engineering and architecture.Amenhotep was remarkable for his diplomatic skill; under his rule, Egypt enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity. By contrast, Thutmose III was military-minded to the utmost degree; in fact, he left his stepmother in charge of government affairs, taking over only after she died.You most likely know her name: Hatshepsut. She was the one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt.You probably know this name as well : Tutankhamun.Known as ‘The Boy King’, he was not famous for his rule but for his burial â€" the magnificent treasure found intact in spite of a penchant for grave robbing in that area.What is even more remarkable was the fact that he was mummified and buried without his heart or chest wall â€" a practice completely contrary to traditional Egyptian burial.Egyptologists suspect that his death was caused by a hippopotamus bite, citing as proof the physical evidence â€" his missing body parts, as well as a statue he was buried with, that depicts him throwing a spear.Apparently, hunting those great beasts was a common pastime, at least for royals, in Ancient Egypt.Ramses II was perhaps the most ostentatious pharaoh; it is thought that his extravagance nearly drove the monarchy close to bankruptcy.He ruled Egypt for 67 years and reportedly fathered 97 children. He left behind an extensive architectural legacy; some monuments were erected in honour of his greatness while others alread y standing were modified to reflect his power and allegedly divine nature.Ramses the Great, son of Seti I, ultimately declared himself a god. No one argued the point.Akhenaten brought about a revolution in Egyptian religion.  In fact, such a devout was he that he changed his own name from the dynastic Amenhotep to the one we know him by, which means ‘he who is in service to Aten’ - Aten being a sort of über-god that supplanted all of the others. Discover the bloodthirsty Aztec gods of Mesoamerica. Even in death, Ramses the Great proclaimed his magnificence Image by Loretta Rossiter from PixabayTo compound the intricacy of the Egyptian belief system, each region had its own particular deities.When a new family took power - became king, his region’s gods took centre stage. For instance, when the seat of power shifted from Memphis to Thebes, Amun, their principle god became the national chief-god.The most dramatic example of such a religious reversal was when Amenhotep proclaimed Aten to be the only deity. This was the closest that Ancient Egypt ever got to believe in only one god.Atenkhamen’s decision to invoke that obscure aspect of the sun god must not have been a popular one; after his death, all of Egypt reverted to worshipping their entire array of gods.The sun god ranked highest in their pantheon â€" even over local gods. He had many names; the most popular one being Ra or Re.Outranking Ra, Amun-Ra was the supreme deity, comparable to Zeus in Greek mythology. He was ma rried to Mut â€" ‘mother’ in Egyptian, represented in hieroglyphs as a vulture, a cat, a cobra or a cow, depending on the region.Osiris was the god of the afterlife and, curiously enough, vegetation. Anubis, a jackal, is said to help in the afterlife and protect the dead.Horus was the god of vengeance or, alternatively, war, the sky, protection and light.You may wonder why Egyptian gods have such diverse or even contradictory roles.Aspects of life needing a god did not change from region to region or rule to rule. The provenance of the gods did, though, and that lent them new powers and responsibilities.For instance, Horus is said to be the child of Osiris and Isis, which lent him qualities suitable for vengeance and war. Conversely, he is also said to be the product of Zeb and Nut. The latter, being the sky goddess, lends her son qualities that make it possible for him to be of light and sky.Other important gods include Thoth (god of wisdom), Hathor (goddess of motherhood), Sek net (goddess of healing) and Geb (god of earth).Also discover another culture that believes in animism: aboriginal Australians. The ankh featured prominently in Ancient Egypt as a symbol of life Image by Devanath from PixabaySociety in Ancient EgyptThe ancient Egyptians firmly believed in social stratification.Naturally, at the very top of social ranking came the pharaohs, who were believed to be descended from the gods.  Next came the pharaoh’s advisers â€" some of whom were consorts, and then high-ranking government officials.After that came the nobles, lower-ranking government officials, soldiers and scribes.  Finally, at the lowest ranks of society, came merchants and artisans. Under them were ranked workers farmers and slaves.People could improve their lot in life by getting an education â€" either academic or an apprenticeship. If one went the academic route, it would be possible to become a scribe or government official.Otherwise, positions held by the parents would be inherited by the children: farmers’ offspring would be farmers themselves while a trader’s son would himself become a trader in t ime.Discover the Mayan’s rigid social hierarchy.Education in Ancient EgyptSchools in ancient Egypt taught reading and writing, maths, religious instruction and social values.Then as today, people believed that education could open doors to a better life, so the people with the means to do so would send their sons to school.Yes, only sons; daughters were educated at home.Through their mothers’ tutelage, girls too learned to read and perhaps to write but math was probably not a part of the curriculum unless the child belonged to a merchant family.Overall, the focus of girls’ education was more on the domestic arts: cooking and caring for husband and children.Children of peasants and slaves generally did not go to school because there were so few schools and what places might have been open were reserved for wealthy families’ children.Anyway, the poorer classes would not have had the money to spend on education.Gender Roles in Ancient EgyptAncient Egypt was one of the most adva nced civilizations in terms of gender equality.While it is true that men held most of the power and government positions, women enjoyed great financial, legal and civil independence. Women could enter into contracts, buy and sell property and serve on juries.Generally, women did not work outside of the home, or the family fields if she was a farmer’s wife. On the rare occasions that women may have worked outside the home, she generally received compensation equal to that of men.Perhaps most remarkable was the clothing worn by both men and women, and how they adorned themselves.While women wore shifts â€" short, sleeveless dresses, men wore skirts, leaving their upper body bare. This was no doubt a means of beating the heat. Both men and women wore makeup, too.Children, boys or girls, wore nothing at all until they became adolescent. Romantic love was very much a part of life in Ancient Egypt Image by Albert Dezetter from PixabayFor Love or Marriage?We mentioned earlier that the ancient Egyptians were quite romantic; nowhere is that better seen than in the images of Tutankhamun with his young wife who, by all appearances, praised and adored him.Likewise, poetry points to the fact that ancient Egyptians were quite romantic, especially in the papyrus from the New Kingdom era.It is a bit off-putting when one reads ‘My sister is unique, no one can rival her...’ until you realise that, in general, women were referred to as ‘sister’.All older women were called ‘mother’ whether any of them were the writer’s actual mother or not so we must conclude that the sister in question was actually the writer’s wife and his words are a testament to his deep love for her.Nevertheless, in spite of ample evidence that ancient Egypt was rife with romantic love, marriages were arranged for social or family stability rat her than out of any glow of adoration.Legacy of Ancient EgyptBesides the pyramids and tons of sand to dig through to discover artefacts, the legacy left by the Ancient Egyptians is vast.Being surrounded by harsh terrain is one reason that the Egyptians did not suffer many invasions. Their territory was easy to defend, which relieved them of the obligation of constantly fighting off those who would endanger their way of life.Thus protected, they could devote almost all of their time to develop their cities, religion and society. They had time to ponder and create architectural marvels and technological wonders.From the papyrus to the ink to write with; from toothpaste to ox-drawn ploughs: some early Egyptian discoveries are still in use today, although in an updated form.Let’s not gloss over Egyptian writing! Samples of Egyptian hieroglyphs have been dated as far back as the 28th Century BC.Egyptologist Geoffrey Sampson contends that ancient Egyptians got the idea of creating a wri tten language from Mesopotamia because there is some evidence of cultural exchange between the two civilizations but, so far, the theory has not been substantiated.Still, it is important to know that the Egyptian scripts paved the way for the Phoenician alphabet which, in turn, evolved into the Greek and Aramaic writing scripts.Bottom line: the Egyptian script is the root of most scripts being used today.If that were all the claim to fame that ancient Egypt could make, it would still be substantial, wouldn’t it?Now discover other ancient civilizations’ legacies.