1. Egyptian Civilization
“The gift of the Nile”

2. The Impact of Geography

3. The Impact of Geography
Nile
The longest river in the world
It splits into two branches
Flows north, starting in the mountains of Africa, through deserts, and empties into the Mediterranean.
Protection
Unlike Mesopotamia, Egypt’s geography makes it difficult to invade
Mediterranean Sea – North
Red Sea – East
Sahara – West
African mountains / Cataracts - South

4. How did the Nile affect life in ancient Egypt?
Review Question
How did the Nile affect life in ancient
Egypt?
Provided the “miracle” of the Nile, which allowed farming
2. Provided a natural barrier from invasions

5. Important gods were sun and land gods
Religion
Polytheistic
Important gods were sun and land gods
Even the same god had different names depending on the role it took on, two names for the sun god were Atum and Re
Osiris and Isis (reborn)

6. Which gods were most important to the Egyptians?
Review Question
Which gods were most important to the Egyptians?
Atum, Re, Osiris, Isis (any god dealing with the land)

7. The course of Egyptian history
Old Kingdom
King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 B.C.
King Menes also created the first dynasty (a family of rulers whose right to rule is passed on within the family)
King Menes took the title pharaoh (most common title for an Egyptian ruler)
Pharaohs had unlimited power but used a bureaucracy (non elected officials)

8. The course of Egyptian history
The most important government official was the vizier (steward of the whole land)
Pyramids were a cultural achievement of the Old Kingdom

9. The course of Egyptian history
Pyramids were not merely built for decoration, they were used as tombs for pharaohs
To prepare bodies for the afterlife, Egyptians used the process of mummification

10. Why was the mummification process so important to Egyptians?
Review Question
Why was the mummification process so
important to Egyptians?
Because of their strong belief in the afterlife

11. The course of Egyptian history
Middle Kingdom
Began around 2050 B.C.
Conquered Nubia and sent armies to Palestine and Syria
Drained parts of the Delta and used it for farmland.
Also dug a canal to connect the Nile and the Red Sea to aid in transportation

12. The course of Egyptian history
Hyksos
Invaded from western Asia using horse-drawn chariots and bronze weapons
New Kingdom
Began in 1567 B.C. used weapons brought by the Hyksos to overthrow them

13. The course of Egyptian history
Accomplishments of the New Kingdom
Increased territory
Built new temples
Had a woman pharaoh
Problems in the New Kingdom
Forced people to be monotheistic
Lost land to invaders
Ended when invaded by the “sea people”

14. Egyptian society is shaped like a pyramid
Social Structure
Egyptian society is shaped like a pyramid
Pharaoh
Nobles / Priests
Merchants / Artisans
Scribes / Tax Collectors
Peasants (mainly farmers)

15. How was Egyptian society like a pyramid?
Review Question
How was Egyptian society like a pyramid?
The most important groups (those at the top) were the smallest
groups.

16. Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
Men
masters of their houses
arranged marriages for their children
Women
well respected
educated the children
upperclass women even became preistesses

17. How were women treated in Egyptian society?
Review Question
How were women treated in Egyptian
society?
Well respected, certain rights.

18. Hieratic Script (simplified version of Hieroglyphics
Writing and Education
Hieroglyphics (priest carvings, sacred writings, writing of early Egyptians)
Hieratic Script (simplified version of Hieroglyphics
written on papyrus, paper made from a reed that grew
along the Nile)

19. Achievements in Art and Science
Architecture
Pyramids, temples, and other monuments
show artistic ability.
Art
Followed a particular formula, it gave it a
distinctive look.

20. Achievements in Art and Science
Mathematics
Geometry, learned to calculate area and
Volume (building temples)
Science
365 day calendar
Experts in anatomy (mummification)

21. What advances did Egyptians make in
Review Question
What advances did Egyptians make in
math and science? How are still used today?
Geometry (area and volume) – buildings and modern
architecture.
Anatomy (modern first aid) – splints, bandages, treat
fractures, wound care