Egyptian Civilization The gift of the Nile The

Egyptian Civilization “The gift of the Nile”

The Impact of Geography

The Impact of Geography Nile The longest river in the world It splits into two branches Flows north, starting in the mountains of Africa, through deserts, and empties into the Mediterranean. Protection Unlike Mesopotamia, Egypt’s geography makes it difficult to invade Mediterranean Sea – North Red Sea – East Sahara – West African mountains / Cataracts - South

Review Question How did the Nile affect life in ancient Egypt? 1. Provided the “miracle” of the Nile, which allowed farming 2. Provided a natural barrier from invasions

Religion Polytheistic § Important gods were sun and land gods § Even the same god had different names depending on the role it took on, two names for the sun god were Atum and Re § Osiris and Isis (reborn)

Review Question Which gods were most important to the Egyptians? Atum, Re, Osiris, Isis (any god dealing with the land)

The course of Egyptian history Old Kingdom § King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 B. C. § King Menes also created the first dynasty (a family of rulers whose right to rule is passed on within the family) § King Menes took the title pharaoh (most common title for an Egyptian ruler) § Pharaohs had unlimited power but used a bureaucracy (non elected officials)

The course of Egyptian history The most important government official was the vizier (steward of the whole land) Pyramids were a cultural achievement of the Old Kingdom

The course of Egyptian history Pyramids were not merely built for decoration, they were used as tombs for pharaohs To prepare bodies for the afterlife, Egyptians used the process of mummification

Review Question Why was the mummification process so important to Egyptians? Because of their strong belief in the afterlife

The course of Egyptian history Middle Kingdom § Began around 2050 B. C. § Conquered Nubia and sent armies to Palestine and Syria § Drained parts of the Delta and used it for farmland. § Also dug a canal to connect the Nile and the Red Sea to aid in transportation

The course of Egyptian history Hyksos § Invaded from western Asia using horsedrawn chariots and bronze weapons New Kingdom § Began in 1567 B. C. used weapons brought by the Hyksos to overthrow them

The course of Egyptian history Accomplishments of the New Kingdom § Increased territory § Built new temples § Had a woman pharaoh Problems in the New Kingdom § Forced people to be monotheistic § Lost land to invaders § Ended when invaded by the “sea people”

Social Structure Egyptian society is shaped like a pyramid

Review Question How was Egyptian society like a pyramid? The most important groups (those at the top) were the smallest groups.

Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Men masters of their houses arranged marriages for their children Women well respected educated the children upperclass women even became preistesses

Review Question How were women treated in Egyptian society? Well respected, certain rights.

Writing and Education Hieroglyphics (priest carvings, sacred writings, writing of early Egyptians) Hieratic Script (simplified version of Hieroglyphics written on papyrus, paper made from a reed that grew along the Nile)

Achievements in Art and Science Architecture Pyramids, temples, and other monuments show artistic ability. Art Followed a particular formula, it gave it a distinctive look.

Achievements in Art and Science Mathematics Geometry, learned to calculate area and Volume (building temples) Science 365 day calendar Experts in anatomy (mummification)

Review Question What advances did Egyptians make in math and science? How are still used today? Geometry (area and volume) – buildings and modern architecture. Anatomy (modern first aid) – splints, bandages, treat fractures, wound care