Ancient Egypt~Nile River ValleyCharacteristics and Major Achievements

1. Why do you suppose the southern region of Egypt is called “Upper

Egypt”?

A: Because it is higher land (Nile River flows north).

2: What did Greek historian call the “gift of the Nile?”

A: Egyptian civilization

Importance:•Fresh water•Fertile soil•Route for trade/travel

3: What were the risks of farming near the Nile River?

A: Flood levels were unpredictable; some years floodwater would destroy fields and homes

4: What did ancient Egyptians do to manage the Nile River?

A: They built canals and strengthened riverbanks to keep it from overflowing

5: How did the writing materials of the ancient Egyptians differ from that

of the Mesopatamians?

A: Papyrus(from plant) Cuneiform (clay

tablets)

6: (cont’d) What problems might be associated with clay tablets?

A: They were heavy, not as easy to write on as papyrus, they were breakable

6: What was a pharaoh? Why might King Tutankhamen be so well known?

A: A pharaoh is an Egyptian kingKing Tut’s tomb was found almost exactly as it had been left thousands of years before

7: Why did ancient Egyptians build pyramids?

A: Pyramids were built to provide places for kings to spend the afterlife.

8: What is hieroglyphics?

A: A writing system that uses pictographs to stand for words or sounds.

8: (cont’d) How did the use of hieroglyphics help Egyptian builders?

A: To make lists of workers and supplies they needed for the project.

9: How did pharaohs get enough workers to build the pyramids?

A: Every Egyptian family had to help with the project-either as laborers, or providing food for the workers.

10: What beliefs did ancient Egyptians have about their ruling

pharaohs?

A: The pharaoh was believed to be the living son of the sun god, and was linked to the sky god. He was the main religious figure.

11: Why was the pharaoh so important to the Egyptians?

A: He was the chief judge, the commander in chief, he set a religious example to guide the common people.

12: How did ancient Egyptians prepare deceased loved ones for the

afterlife?

A: They treated their bodies with preservatives, or mummified them. They also filled their tombs with items they believed the deceased could use after death