Understanding the Misconceptions of “Western Culture” and Its Historical Roots

When I first began studying Egyptology, I was surprised to find it grouped under Near Eastern Studies. To me, Egypt seemed distinct—more African, perhaps Mediterranean—but certainly not “Near Eastern” in the sense I initially understood. Over time, I realized this classification reflects a deeply historical and geographic perspective that ties Egypt to a broader cultural and historical context, including the Fertile Crescent and Mesopotamia. What’s even more intriguing is how terms like “Near East” and “Western culture” reflect the worldview of their creators—primarily Europeans—and how these terms have shaped our understanding of history.

This confusion highlights a broader misconception: that what we call Western culture originates in the Western Hemisphere. In reality, the foundations of what we consider “Western” are deeply rooted in the Eastern Hemisphere, which has historically housed 90% of the world’s population and nearly all the major civilizations that shaped global history.

The Historical Context of “Western Culture”

The terms “West” and “East” as cultural identifiers come from a European perspective. Here’s how this perspective evolved:

1. Ancient Greece and Rome:

The Greeks were among the first to distinguish themselves from their eastern neighbors, such as the Persians, referring to their own culture as “Western” in contrast to the “Eastern” world.

The Romans adopted this framework, positioning themselves as the heirs of Greek civilization and contrasting their “Western” empire with the cultures of the “East,” such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia.

2. The Division of the Roman Empire:

In 395 CE, the Roman Empire split into:

The Western Roman Empire: Centered in Rome, it influenced much of Europe and became the foundation of what we now call “Western” civilization. The Eastern Roman Empire: Based in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), it preserved Greek and Roman traditions but was considered part of the “East.”

This division was cultural and political, not strictly geographic. Both parts of the empire were in the Eastern Hemisphere, yet the “West” became a cultural and ideological identity.

3. The European Renaissance and Colonialism:

During the Renaissance, Europeans rediscovered Greek and Roman ideas, further cementing the notion of “Western” civilization. This identity expanded with colonialism, as European powers spread their influence to the Americas, Oceania, and beyond, framing themselves as the “civilized West” in contrast to the “traditional” or “exotic” East.

Where Does Egypt Fit?

Egypt’s inclusion in Near Eastern Studies highlights how interconnected these civilizations were:

• Egypt shared deep ties with Mesopotamia, the Levant, and the Mediterranean world.

• It was a bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe, influencing and being influenced by neighboring cultures.

Yet, geographically, Egypt is in the Eastern Hemisphere, just like Greece, Rome, and the rest of Europe. In fact, Italy and Greece—pillars of “Western civilization”—are themselves firmly in the Eastern Hemisphere, as are India, China, and the majority of Asia. These geographic realities underline how much of what we consider “Western” is actually Eastern in origin.

90% of Humanity in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres

Historically, about 90% of the world’s population has lived in the Northern Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere. This is due to:

• Geography: The majority of Earth’s landmass is in these hemispheres.

• Fertile regions: River valley civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China supported large populations.

• Connectivity: The Eastern Hemisphere had interconnected trade routes like the Silk Road, enabling cultural and technological exchange.

These regions shaped the foundations of global civilization, including what we now call “Western culture.” Ironically, the “West” has always been geographically and historically Eastern in origin.

Postmodernist Irony: Destroying Western Culture

Postmodernists who seek to deconstruct “Western culture” often do so under the assumption that it is uniquely European and colonialist. However, if they understood history, they would realize:

• “Western culture” is rooted in the civilizations of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.

• Its intellectual foundations—philosophy, law, and science—owe as much to the Middle East, India, and China as to Europe.

• By attempting to dismantle “Western culture,” they also unintentionally undermine the legacy of Native American and South American cultures, which were not historically tied to the European “West” at all.

This irony reveals a lack of historical perspective. While critiques of colonialism and Eurocentrism are valid, the broader attack on “Western civilization” ignores its deep interconnections with the Eastern Hemisphere and the global contributions that shaped it.

Personal Reflection

When I studied Egyptology, I didn’t fully grasp why it was part of Near Eastern Studies. Over time, I realized how interconnected these ancient civilizations were and how arbitrary our modern labels can be. The same can be said for “Western” and “Eastern” culture—categories shaped by historical power dynamics rather than geography.

Understanding these nuances reminds us that history is more complex than simple East-West binaries. The “West” isn’t confined to Europe, nor is the “East” monolithic. These terms reflect the perspectives of those who coined them, not the realities of the civilizations they describe.

Conclusion

The idea of “Western culture” as a purely European construct is a misconception rooted in historical convenience rather than fact. By recognizing the geographic and historical realities of the Eastern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the shared human legacy that shaped the world. It’s a legacy worth preserving—not dismantling—through thoughtful critique and informed reflection.