Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt

• Where was this?– Ancient Egypt was located in modern Egypt along

the Nile River.– There were two places in Ancient Egypt.– The Black Land – The Red Land– The Black land was next to the Nile, very fertile,

and supplied food.– The Red Land was located away from the river was

dry, but also had natural resources they used.

Ancient Egypt

When did Ancient Egypt exist?

• 3500 BC – 600 AD• http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/time/

explore/main.html

Characteristics of Ancient Egypt• Religion• They were polytheistic –

worshipped many gods.• Also, they built temples out of

stone in honor of their gods.• Amen (Amon) - Later Amen-ra

was the father of all the gods.• He is represented in art by a man

or a sun.• His sacred animals are a goose

and a ram.

Characteristics of Ancient Egypt• Mummification• Then they started

embalming people and wrapping them in cloth strips which would preserve their bodies.

• Pyramids were built to house the bodies of Pharaohs and their queens.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/uncovering-secrets-of-the-sphinx-5053442/?no-ist

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/02/ancient-egyptians-pyramid-stones-video_n_5248092.html

Book of the Dead

Collection of spells, hymns, and prayers intended to secure a safe passage to the underworld for the deceased

Characteristics of Ancient Egypt

• Daily Life• It revolved around the Nile which had yearly

floods which brought fertile soil.• People made their homes out of mud-bricks• Most people worked as field hands, farmers,

craftsmen, and scribes.• The river brought harvest and wealth to them.

Characteristics of Ancient Egypt

• Writing• They believed it was important to

communicate information about religion and government.

• They used something called hieroglyphics – a writing system using picture symbols.

• Wrote on papyrus (kind of like paper)• This helped preserve their culture.

Economics• Egyptians were farmers

along the Nile which was very fertile creating a surplus of food.

• Specialization of labor– Bread and beer making– Harvesting papyrus– Sailing merchant vessels– Herding animals– Making goods

The Nile Floodplain

Characteristics of Ancient Egypt

• Pharaoh• The leader of Ancient Egypt was known an

Pharaoh.• He owned all the land and was responsible for

laws, collecting taxes, and defense.• He was also their spiritual leader who built

temples and performed rituals to honor gods.

HIGH PRIESTS AND PRIESTESSESServed gods and goddesses

PHARAOHEarthly leader; considered a god

NOBLESFought pharaoh’s wars

MERCHANTS, SCRIBES, AND ARTISANSMade furniture, jewelry, and fabrics for

pharaohs and nobles, and provided for other needs

PEASANT FARMERS AND SLAVESWorked in the fields and served the pharaoh

Social Structure2