the topic is attached in the sources ( because it is too long)

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course Number
Date
Ancient Egypt and MesopotamiaMesopotamia civilization is considered the pacesetter for Egypt civilization that started 3000 B.C. The Egyptian civilization benefited much from the technology and trade influences emanating from Mesopotamia. Despite having a common preliminary point, the two civilization differ regarding artistic and cultural achievements. More is known about Egypt due to their monumental building than Mesopotamia despite the latter having a richer heritage (Chadwick, 59). Mesopotamia would not rival Egypt regarding artistic achievements.
The availability of stone necessitated the need to produce sculptures and magnificent architectural designs in Egypt. The construction of pyramids characterizes ancient Egypt. They were tall and pointed buildings with sloping sides which were purposely built for the burial of Pharaohs. After placing all the items needed in their afterlife, the tombs were sealed (Assmann, 68). Egyptian architectural achievements reflect their bureaucratic nature of centralizing powers. Pharaoh was the supreme ruler of Egypt and was adored and respected by the community and thus buried in a pyramid. However, some Pharaohs had their pyramids modeled according to their wishes which depict a bureaucratic system of administration. The ziggurats of Mesopotamia were dedicated to the worship of gods. Unlike, the Egyptian pyramids which were built from scratch, the ziggurats are natural but could be modified to suit their purpose through paintings.

The Ziggurats of Mesopotamia had a religious significance unlike the Egyptian pyramids built to honor their rulers.
Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were agricultural societies which predominantly depended on river Nile in Egypt and rivers Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia. Some groups lived in urban cities where they engaged in either artistic education or trade. Ancient Egyptians were optimistic and loved order and stability. However, this can be attributed to the reliability of river Nile through all seasons. Life in Mesopotamia was unpredictable due to a changing climate and thus unreliable rivers which were the primary sources of life. They were also engaged in frequent conflicts with their neighboring cities and tribes (Chadwick, 62). The Mesopotamians had to seek for alternatives to their unstable state. This situation prompted them to focus on science especially the technology and innovation part. Egyptians has a passion for mathematics and astronomy although their achievements were less develop as compared to those of Mesopotamia. Egyptians always reacted to counter the advancements of the Mesopotamians. They were rivals who always competed during the civilization era.
Writing is considered the hallmark of civilization among the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. Clay tablets were used to inscribe religious writings among the ancient Mesopotamians. However, clay tablets were also used to write mathematical and economic theories of great philosophers. Egyptians are remembered for the invention of papers from papyrus reeds which mostly grew along the Nile river banks (Chadwick, 127). The invention and advancement in the writing materials of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians revolutionized painting. However, pottery was closely related to painting to depict the rich cultural diversity of both groups. Royal paintings were common, and they prompted the need to modernize the writing materials to incorporate artistic paintings of mastery level.
Activities of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians were pivotal in instigating civilization. The two cultures are crucial to the current artistic, trade and agricultural advancements in the modern society. Despite having common motivating factors such as rivers that were the primary source of livelihood, the two cultures digressed at some points in the approach used to realize artistic and cultural achievements. The Mesopotamians were the pioneers of most advancements, but the efforts of the Egyptian in developing these advancements cannot be overlooked. Their competition was the route for invention and the modern advancements in the society (Pu, 38). Research shows that the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians embraced a dynamic that was flexible and adaptable to various artistic and cultural advancements.
Work Cited
Assmann, Jan. The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the time of the pharaohs. Harvard University Press, 2003.
Chadwick, Robert. First Civilizations: Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Oakville, Conn: Equinox Pub, 2004. Print.
Pu, Muzhou. Enemies of Civilization: attitudes toward foreigners in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. SUNY Press, 2005.