VOCABULARY OF ANCIENT EGYPT

TOMB

a monument for housing or

commemorating a dead person. - house,

chamber, or vault for the dead

TOMB

PHARAOH

a ruler of ancient Egypt, somewhat like

a king

PHARAOH

Hieroglyphics

an Egyptian writing system in which picture symbols

stand for meanings or sounds

HIEROGLYPHICS

SCRIBE

an official or public secretary or clerk. A copier of manuscripts

AMULET

a charm (as an ornament) often

inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to aid the wearer or protect

against evil

AMULET

Sarcophagus

a stone coffin; usually decorated with jewels and

detailed paintings

Sarcophagus

Embalming

to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay. to fill with sweet odors

Pyramids

an ancient Egyptian

structure, built over or around a

tomb

PYRAMIDS

Scarabs

a stone or faience beetle used in ancient Egypt as a talisman, ornament, and a symbol of resurrection

SCARAB

Shaduf

counterbalanced sweep used since ancient times especially in Egypt for raising water (as for irrigation)

Barter

to trade by exchanging one commodity for

another

Papyrus

the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and

pressed into a material to write on

PAPYRUS

Sphinx

- a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle

SPHINX

Mummy

a body prepared for burial according to ancient Egyptian practice

MUMMY

Natron

a hydrous native sodium carbonate used in ancient

times in embalming, in ceramic pastes, and as a

cleansing agent

Silt

fertile soil deposited by a

river

Delta

the triangle-shaped deposit of rich soil at a

rivers mouth

DELTA

Cataract

a high waterfall or rapids

Cataract

Dynasty

a family or group that rules for

several generations