Chapter 2 Section 2

Egypt’s Old Kingdom

Old Kingdom Rulers

• Old kingdom was known for growth and prosperity

• Egyptians built cities and expanded trade• Strong Government was established

Old Kingdom Rulers (con’t)

• Pharaoh- All powerful ruler– Unity of Kingdom depended on strong leader– Considered son of Re, the sun god

• Many officials controlled the day to day aspects of the government

Egypt’s Religion

• Worshipped many deities-polytheism

• Believed the gods controlled forces of nature and human activity

• Re- sun god• Hapi- god of the Nile• Isis-loyal wife and mother

Life After Death

• Egyptians had hopeful outlook for afterlife

• The Book of the Dead– Spells and Prayers they needed to get in the

afterlife

Life after Death

• At first believed only Pharaoh and elite would achieve afterlife

• The Pharaoh needed a body to travel to the afterlife.– Embalming process– Mummification process

Egyptian Medicine

• Through embalming much was learned about the human body

• Herbs and drugs to treat illness• Stitch up cuts and set bones• First specialist in medicine• Medical books

The Pyramids

• Pyramids-mountain like structures build of stone-served as tombs for Pharaohs.

• Protected bodies and held supplies

The Pyramids (con’t)

• Thousands of people and years of work

• Farmers during the Nile’s floods

• Skilled workers had specific jobs

The Pyramids (con’t)

• Stones would be carried from miles away

• Barges carried stones on the Nile to building site

• Stones pushed up ramps

The Pyramids (con’t)

• Entrance to pyramids faced north– Developed principles of astronomy – 12 month calendar developed

• Measuring for the pyramids led to advances in math– Number system based on 10

The Great Pyramid

• Built for King Khufu in Giza

• Tallest structure in the world for over 4,000 years – 500 feet tall; covers nine football fields

• Each block weighs 2.5 tons