The Quintessential Book On Egypt: The Holy Land: A Novel

THE DEPARTURE FROM JFK AIRPORT NEW YORK

The year 4241 B.C.E. is the accepted date for the invention of the Calendar cultures of ancient Kemet.  This was based on an annual observation of the Inundation of the River Nile.  Such a calendar consisted of 3 seasons of 4 months each, and each month had 30 days, for a total 360-day year.  Soon they intercalated by adding 5 days for a total 365-day year.  However, while this was still short ¼-day, according to Cheikh Anta Diop, they had known this from as early as 4241 B.C. and corrected this disparity by adding 1 year every Sothic cycle of 1460 years.  This was the real “leap year” and not the present adding of a day every four years in February, which can really be considered a “leap day.” 

The Inundation lasted 4 months and covered the land.  It deposited a thick, rich, black, alluvial substance which acted as fertilizer.  Broderick’s Dictionary of Egyptian Archaeology (1902) mentions “boat building” as one of the most important trades in the Nile Valley.  Boats were made for fishing, leisure, funeral, and transport.  The Sun God rode across the sky in a solar barque or sun-boat so, ceremonial as well as divine boats can be found in the religious writings and beliefs. 

At various places, viz., Abu Simbel, Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Memphis, Nilometers were set up to measure the river’s volume, according to Wallis Budge. Through a viable post-Inundation strategy, engineers surveyed the lands to demarcate land-holdings and to facilitate effective farming techniques. As a result, the prosperous Kemetic culture of the Nile Valley, with agriculture as a mainstay, gave the nation enormous food surplus, and the development of arts and crafts that signaled the development of cultural mores and a tradition.  Their ingenuity became a powerful bargaining asset for trade and other relations with neighboring states. 

Thus, whether in trade, religion-with its Heaven/Hell concepts, transportation, farming, division of labor and specialization of crafts, mathematics, art and architecture, mining and industry, and even defense, the Nile permeated every aspect of the early African way of life. 

Luxor Hotel Check in and Orientation. 

Dr. Fred Monderson.  Good afternoon my brothers and sisters.  We made it to Luxor.  This is a city of extraordinary historical importance.  It has been around and dominated this nation and world longer than any other nation on earth.  Look around.  Learn.  Be wise.  Many of you who are from such places as New York, California, Chicago and Detroit, know of slicksters.  However, the slickest people I know of are in this African city.  So be careful.  When you go out do so in pairs or in groups.  Try to do all your shopping in the daylight.  There are not many places to go at nights but do be careful if you go out at night.  Be careful at all times.  The Tourist Police make an extraordinary effort to aid tourists.  Do not be too surprised by the escorts they provide for us.  As I said they make a special effort to ensure our security. 

This is an educational trip for you to become wiser.  As the proverb says, we are seeking knowledge, wisdom and understanding.  Let us share experiences, talk to each other at breakfast, dinner, on the bus and everywhere.  Let us multiply our knowledge.  Discuss the lectures, the temples, tombs, guides, Nile River, museums, pyramids and let us all gain from the experience.  Ask your questions; inject any and all words of wisdom you may have encountered in your various walks of life.  Let us make this trip interesting so that we can all grow from wh