Holt McDougal, Ancient Egypt Notes Sections 1-5

Holt McDougal, Ancient Egypt Section 1 Notes Geography and Ancient Egypt

Holt McDougal, Geography and Ancient Egypt The Big Idea The water, fertile soils, and protected setting of the Nile Valley allowed a great civilization to arise in Egypt around 3200 BC. Main Ideas Egypt was called the gift of the Nile because the Nile River gave life to the desert. Civilization developed along the Nile after people began farming in this region. Strong kings unified all of Egypt.

Holt McDougal, Egypt Section 1 Vocabulary cataracts delta Menes pharaoh dynasty

Holt McDougal, Vocabulary Cataracts- strong rapids Delta- a triangle-shaped area of land made of soil deposited by a river

Holt McDougal, Vocabulary Menes- Egypt’s first pharaoh. He united upper and lower Egypt. Pharaoh- title given to the ruler of Egypt Dynasty- a series of rulers from the same family

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 1: Egypt was called the gift of the Nile because the Nile River gave life to the desert. A.The Nile River brought life to Egypt and allowed it to thrive. B.Biannual flooding of the Nile made farming possible.

Holt McDougal, Where in the world is Egypt?

Holt McDougal, CFU Why is Egypt known as the “gift of the Nile”? What made it possible for Egyptians to farm the lands near the Nile River?

Holt McDougal, Features of the Nile A.The Nile is the longest river in the world, with a distance of over 4,000 miles. B.Ancient Egypt included two regions, a southern and a northern region, that were given their names by their relation to the Nile. C.At several points, the rough terrain caused cataracts, or rapids, to form. D.The Nile divided into several branches, forming a delta, a triangular area of land made from soil deposited by a river.

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CFU What is the name of the river that flows through Egypt? Explain what a cataract is. What causes cataracts to form? Explain what the delta at the end of the Nile River is like.

Holt McDougal, The Floods of the Nile A.Little rain fell in the Egyptian desert, but the Nile flooded every year in the summer and fall. B.The Nile’s flooding coated the land around it with a rich silt that made the soil ideal for farming. C.Without the floods, people could never have farmed in Egypt.

Holt McDougal, CFU How was Egypt a good place to farm if it receives only little rainfall? Explain why people could not have lived in Egypt if the Nile River was not there.

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 2: Civilization developed along the Nile after people began farming in this region. A.The Nile provided both water and fertile soil for farming. B.Egypt’s location offered another advantage because it had natural barriers that made it hard to invade.

Holt McDougal, The green areas along the river are flood plains. These areas are great for farming. Do you know why?

Holt McDougal, CFU Besides farming, what was another advantage to living in Egypt?

Holt McDougal, Canals were built to carry water to fields of wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables. The Nile allowed farmers to raise animals such as cattle and sheep. The river also provided many types of fish to eat, and hunters trapped ducks and geese. Nile Valley Natural barriers made Egypt hard to invade. Desert in the west was too big and harsh to cross. Mediterranean and Red Sea provided protection from invasion. Cataracts in the Nile made it difficult to invade from the south.

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CFU List 5 different food items that Egyptians could eat because of the Nile River. List all of the natural barriers that protect Egypt from invasion.

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 3: Strong kings unified all of Egypt. A.According to tradition, Menes rose to power in Upper Egypt and unified the two kingdoms by taking control of Lower Egypt and by marrying a Lower Egyptian princess. B.Menes was probably Egypt’s first pharaoh, the title used by the rulers of Egypt. C.He also founded Egypt’s first dynasty, or series of rulers from the same family. The First Dynasty lasted for about 200 years and extended Egyptian territory southward along the Nile.

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CFU Explain how Menes was able to become Egypt’s first pharaoh. Dynasties rise and fall, what exactly is a dynasty? Who starts the first dynasty in Egypt?

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Ancient Egypt Section 2 Notes The Old Kingdom

Holt McDougal, The Old Kingdom The Big Idea Egyptian government and religion were closely connected during the Old Kingdom. Main Ideas In early Egyptian society, pharaohs ruled as gods and were at the top of the social structure. Religion shaped Egyptian life. The pyramids of Egypt were built as tombs for the pharaohs.

Holt McDougal, Egypt Section 2 Vocabulary Old Kingdom Khufu Nobles Afterlife Mummies Elite Pyramids engineering

Holt McDougal, Vocabulary Terms and definitions 1.Old Kingdom- a period in Egyptian history that lasted from about 2700 BC to 2200 BC 2.Khufu- pharaoh of Egypt during the Old Kingdom 3.nobles- people from rich and powerful families 4.afterlife- life after death

Holt McDougal, 5. mummies- specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth 6. elite- people of wealth and power 7. pyramids- huge stone tombs with four triangle-shaped walls that met at a point at the top 8. engineering- the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 1: In early Egyptian society, pharaohs ruled as gods and were at the top of the social structure. A.The Old Kingdom was a period in which the Egyptians developed a system based on the belief that the pharaoh was both a king and a god. B.Khufu was a ruler of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. He is known for having great monuments, like pyramids, built in Egypt. C. As the population grew, social classes appeared. D. Egypt began to trade goods with its neighbors.

Holt McDougal, Egyptian Pharaohs

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CFU How did the Egyptians view their pharaoh? What is the pharaoh Khufu famous for? What caused different social classes to appear in Egypt?

Holt McDougal, Egyptian Society Social classes –Pharaohs ruled Egypt as gods. –Many nobles, or people from rich and powerful families, were officials and priests who helped run the government. –Scribes and craftspeople wrote and produced goods. –Farmers, servants, and slaves made up most of Egyptian society.

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CFU How is the social hierarchy for the Egyptians similar to the social hierarchy of the U.S.? Explain who the nobles in ancient Egypt were. What group of people made up the majority of ancient Egypt’s population?

Holt McDougal, Religion The Egyptians practiced polytheism. They had gods for nearly everything, including the sun, the sky, and the earth. These gods would often mix human and animal forms. Afterlife Egyptian religion focused on the afterlife, or life after death. They believed that when a person died, his or her ka left the body and became a spirit. Main Idea 2: Religion shaped Egyptian life. Mummies They developed embalming to preserve bodies and keep the link between the body and the spirit. The specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth were called mummies.

Holt McDougal, CFU How do you know that the Egyptians were polytheists? Explain why the Egyptians mummified their dead.

Holt McDougal, Pyramids are huge stone tombs with four triangular sides that meet in a point on the top. Historians are unsure how they were built. Pyramids displayed amazing engineering, or the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Main Idea 3: The pyramids of Egypt were built as tombs for the pharaohs. The size and shape of the pyramids showed the importance of pharaohs. They were the people’s link to the gods, so the Egyptians wanted their spirits to be happy.

Holt McDougal, Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

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CFU Why did the Egyptians build the pyramids?

Holt McDougal, Ancient Egypt Section 3 Notes The Middle and New Kingdoms

Holt McDougal, The Middle and New Kingdoms The Big Idea During the Middle and New Kingdoms, order and greatness were restored in Egypt. Main Ideas The Middle Kingdom was a period of stable government between periods of disorder. In the New Kingdom, Egyptian trade and military power reached their peak, but Egypt’s greatness did not last. Work and daily life were different for each of Egypt’s social classes.

Holt McDougal, Egypt Section 3 Vocabulary Terms Middle Kingdom New Kingdom trade routes Queen Hatshepsut Ramses the Great

Holt McDougal, Vocabulary terms with definitions 1.Middle Kingdom- a period of stability in Egypt from 2200 BC to 1750 BC 2.New Kingdom- a period of Egypt’s history when it reached the height of its power 3.trade routes- paths followed by traders

Holt McDougal, 4. Queen Hatshepsut- ruler of Egypt that increased trade during the New Kingdom 5. Ramses the Great- ruler of Egypt and great military leader during the New Kingdom

Holt McDougal, Following a period of competition for power between the nobles and the pharaohs, the Middle Kingdom began. Egypt fell into disorder around 1750 BC. A group called the Hyksos invaded and ruled the region for 200 years. Main Idea 1: The Middle Kingdom was a period of stable government between periods of disorder. The Egyptians fought back, and Ahmose of Thebes declared himself king and drove the Hyksos out of Egypt, beginning the New Kingdom.

Holt McDougal, CFU Explain what happened in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom.

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 2: In the New Kingdom, Egyptian trade and military power reached their peak, but Egypt’s greatness did not last. A.Fearing future invasions, the Egyptians took control of all possible invasion routes into the kingdom. B.Egypt took over vast lands and was the leading military power in the area. C.Egypt became rich because of the lands it conquered.

Holt McDougal, CFU What did the Egyptians do to prevent getting conquered again by nearby enemies? How was Egypt able to become so wealthy during the New Kingdom?

Holt McDougal, Growth and Effects of Trade A.Conquests brought traders into contact with distant lands, and trade routes, or paths followed by traders, developed. B.Queen Hatshepsut encouraged trade and used the profits to support the arts and architecture. C.Led by Ramses the Great, Egypt fought invaders for many years, leaving their empire diminished.

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CFU What caused new trade routes to develop between Egypt and its neighbors? How did Queen Hatshepsut help increase the Egypt’s wealth? Why is Ramses the Great so great?

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 3: Work and daily life were different for each of Egypt’s social classes. A.The complex society required people to take on many different kinds of jobs. B.Family life was very important in Egyptian society, and most Egyptians lived in their own homes. C.Women had many legal rights, including owning property, making contracts, and divorcing their husbands.

Holt McDougal, Scribes Few people were more respected than scribes. They did not have to pay taxes, and many became wealthy. Artisans, Artists, and Architects These jobs required advanced skills and were also very admired in Egypt. Egyptian Jobs Merchants and Traders Although trade was important, few held these positions. Some had to travel very long distances to buy and sell goods.

Holt McDougal, Soldiers Egypt created a permanent army that offered soldiers a chance to rise in social status and receive land as payment. Farmers and Other Peasants This group made up the vast majority of the population. They grew crops to support their families and to pay taxes. Additional Egyptian Jobs Slaves Slaves were usually criminals or prisoners. They had some legal rights, however.

Holt McDougal, CFU Name 2 rights that women had in ancient Egypt. Why would someone in Egypt want to be a scribe? What type of payment did an Egyptian soldier receive?

Holt McDougal, Ancient Egypt Section 4 Notes Egyptian Achievements and Ancient Kush

Holt McDougal, The Big Idea The Egyptians made lasting achievements in writing, architecture, and art. Main Ideas The Egyptians developed a writing system using hieroglyphics. The Egyptians created magnificent temples, tombs, and works of art. Egyptian Achievements

Holt McDougal, Egypt Section 4 Vocabulary Hieroglyphics Papyrus Rosetta Stone Sphinxes Obelisk King Tutankhamen export import

Holt McDougal, Vocabulary Terms with definitions hieroglyphics- Egyptian writing system papyrus- a long lasting paper-like material made from reeds Rosetta Stone- a stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics

Holt McDougal, sphinx- an imaginary creature with body of a lion and the head of a human obelisk- tall four-sided pillar that is pointed on top King Tutankhamen- Egyptian pharaoh during the New Kingdom.

Holt McDougal, imports- goods brought in from other regions exports- goods sent to other regions

Holt McDougal, Main Idea 1: The Egyptians developed a writing system using hieroglyphics. A.Hieroglyphics was the Egyptian writing system that consisted of 600 symbols, mostly pictures of objects. B.Each object represented a sound from the Egyptian language. For example, a picture of an owl represented the same sound as our letter m. C.Scribes wrote on papyrus using brushes and ink. D. Historians learned how to read hieroglyphics after discovering the Rosetta Stone, which was written in three languages. –Hieroglyphics –A later form of Egyptian –Greek

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PAPYRUS

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Rosetta Stone

Holt McDougal, CFU Explain how the Egyptian writing system worked. What did Egyptian scribes write on? How did historians figure out how to read hieroglyphic writing?

Holt McDougal, Egyptians believed the massive temples were homes of the gods. People visited to worship, offer gifts to the gods, and ask for favors. Main Idea 2: The Egyptians created magnificent temples, tombs, and works of art. Temples had Stone sphinxes were built to guard the temples An obelisk: a tall, four-sided pillar that is pointed at the top Painted walls and columns that also had hieroglyphics

Holt McDougal, SPHINX

Holt McDougal, OBELISK

Holt McDougal, PAINTED POTTERY The Egyptians created beautiful artwork on clay pots.

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Egyptian art filled tombs. Egyptian art was filled with lively, colorful scenes. Art showed historical events, everyday life, and religious events. Painting had a distinctive style in which people’s heads and legs are always seen from the side, but upper bodies are shown straight on. Tombs contained work such as: Art and hieroglyphics on walls and columns Stone statues and carvings –Egyptians were skilled stoneworkers. Jewelry

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Gold Jewelry The Egyptian jewelers made beautiful jewelry out of gold and precious stones.

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CFU List 5 Egyptian achievements. Describe what the inside of an Egyptian tomb looks like.

Holt McDougal, Ancient Kush The Big Idea The kingdom of Kush, which arose south of Egypt in a land called Nubia, developed an advanced civilization with a large trading network. Main Ideas The geography of early Nubia helped civilization develop there. Kush and Egypt traded, but they also fought. Later Kush became a trading power exporting and importing goods to and from far away lands.

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Egypt and Kush traded with each other. However, relations between Kush and Egypt became hostile. Egypt feared that Kush would become too powerful, so it invaded and conquered Kush. Kush was an Egyptian territory for about 450 years. Many Kushites adopted Egyptian religious practices, names, and language. Kush and Egypt traded, but they also fought. During a time of decline in Egypt, Kushite leaders regained control of Kush, becoming independent again.

Holt McDougal, CFU Where was the kingdom of Kush located? What did the ancient Kush develop and use to gain wealth? Name one way that the relationship between the Egyptians and the Kushites was positive. What happens to the kingdom of Kush when their relationship with Egypt becomes hostile?

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