Ancient Egypt

MOST important physical feature Longest river in the world

◦4,160 miles Transportation

◦South to North flow◦South blowing winds

Expected flooding patterns◦Irrigation◦Enriched soil

The Nile River

Delta – a plain at the mouth of a river. Looks like a fan.

Silt – fine soil found on river bottoms. *Nutrient rich*

Hapi – the Egyptian god of the Nile River◦“Hail to you, Oh Nile, who flows from the

Earth and comes to keep Egypt alive!” – ancient Egyptian prayer

The Nile River

1. Northern Flow

2. Green = Flooding

3. Winds south from Mediterranean

The Nile River

Left deposits behind….◦Granite◦Sandstone◦Limestone

WHAT ARE THESE?WHY DO THESE MATTER?

The Nile River

Hunting and fishing communities as early as 6000 B.C.

Settled farming communities around 5000 B.C.

Trade with Africa to the South◦Sail upriver.◦Cataracts – rapids◦Caravans

The Nile River

12,000 B.C.E. or earlier◦ Nomads

6,000 – 5,000 B.C.E. ◦ Fishing◦ Farming◦ Tools

First Peoples

Over Centuries: Two Distinct Cultures Develop

Upper Egypt in the South

Lower Egypt in the North

Videos

King Menes Unites Upper and

Lower Egypt Starts Dynasty

◦ Dynasty= a series of rulers from the same family or ethnic group

Overtime◦ Trade Improves◦ Land gains◦ Wealthier

“The Old Kingdom”

3200 BCE

2680-2180 BCE Rulers dubbed Pharaohs

◦ Means: Great House◦ Absolute/Unlimited Power◦ Govt. Leaders, judges, high priests, and generals

Two Social Groups◦ Lower Class: Peasants, farmers.

Owed service to Pharaoh◦ Upper Class: Pharaoh, Royal family, priests,

scribes, govt. officials

The Old Kingdom

Memphis – First “capitol” city. Lower Egypt Mastaba – First tombs/pyramids. Flat top The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

built.

The Old Kingdom

2180-2050 BCE Nobles gain strength Weakened Pharaoh Civil Wars between rivaling nobles Severe Drought 2200-2150 Regional Provinces actually did better

without Pharaoh◦ No tribute to Pharaoh, in control of resources

Two powerhouses emerge◦ Lower Egypt- Herakleopolis◦ Upper Egypt- Thebes

First Intermediate Period

2050-1650 BCE New line of pharaohs regain power Known as “Golden Age”

◦ Stability and prosperity Subtle change in social structure

◦ Afterlife more inclusive Canaanites from East move into the Delta

region. Originally workers, seize control 1780 BCE

◦ Pharaoh is weakened again◦ Nobles and priests gain power again

The Middle Kingdom

Hyksos (Canaanites)◦ Means “foreigners”◦ Technology

Chariots and compound bows1650-1570BCE: rule over much of EgyptAlly with NubiansThebes left to stand alone

Second Intermediate Period

1570 – 1080 BCE Upper Egypt forces Hyksos out Pharaohs

◦ Strengthen army: chariots and bows◦ Gain land

Eastern Mediterranean and Nubia in South Diplomacy, first official peace treaty on record 1258

Create an Empire◦ Individual rule over all◦ Colossal Building Projects

The New Kingdom

1080-300s BCE Few strong Pharaohs during New Kingdom “Sea Peoples” attack

◦ Weaken Foreign empires

◦ Assyrians, Nubians, and Persians attack By 300s, Egypt is ruled by foreigners

Post Imperial Era

Lower Egypt

Upper Egypt

Nubia The Nile River

80 Pyramids still stand today Paintings decorated Pyramids Hieroglyphics- Writing Calendar – 365 day cycle! Herbal Medicines – treat illness and

preserve bodies after death Mathematics – based on 10 Ship Building

Cultural Achievements

Scribes◦ Elite◦ Learn to read and write◦ Work for government◦ Taught others

Education

Early Egypt had local gods Often associated with an animal Major gods

◦ Amon: Creator I identified as the sun

◦ Osiris: Judged people after death

Religion

Farming!◦ Wheat for food consumption◦ Flax: spun into Linen◦ Cotton for making cloth

Trade◦ Mediterranean◦ Red Sea

Economy