Chapter 2, sections 1-4

 The Nile River is the longest river in the world. Begins in the Rift Valley and flows north to the Mediterranean Sea.  4,160 miles long  The area around the Nile Delta is known as Lower Egypt.  The Nile River is the longest river in the world. Begins in the Rift Valley and flows north to the Mediterranean Sea.  4,160 miles long  The area around the Nile Delta is known as Lower Egypt.

Cataracts: rapids on the Nile River which provided natural barriers against invaders. Why do you think the rapids stopped invaders? Weren’t there other ways to travel? Cataracts: rapids on the Nile River which provided natural barriers against invaders. Why do you think the rapids stopped invaders? Weren’t there other ways to travel?

 The Sahara Desert is the largest in the world.

 Nile River flooding is dependable and gentle enabling the Egyptians to have productive farms and live well.  B/c markers would wash away, Egyptians began using surveying methods to mark boundaries of farms.  Nile River flooding is dependable and gentle enabling the Egyptians to have productive farms and live well.  B/c markers would wash away, Egyptians began using surveying methods to mark boundaries of farms.  In comparison, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were unpredictable. Mesopotamians never knew if the rivers would flood or how much flooding would occur.

 Reed plant that grew along the Nile was papyrus. Egyptians used papyrus for making baskets, sandals & river rafts. Later used it for making paper.

 Irrigation enabled the Egyptians to grow wheat, barley, and flax. * flax was one of the first crops domesticated by man. Flax is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Linen cloth made from flax was used to wrap the mummies in the early Egyptian tombs.

 What were hieroglyphics?  Egyptian writing system using pictures and symbols for ideas and sounds.  What were hieroglyphics?  Egyptian writing system using pictures and symbols for ideas and sounds.

 By 4000 B.C. Egypt was made up of 2 kingdoms, the Nile Delta was Lower Egypt, to the south was Upper Egypt.  Who united the kingdoms in 3100 B.C.? What did he wear to indicate the union of the 2 kingdoms? Narmer

 When family members pass ruling power from one generation to the next is known as a dynasty. What dynasties can you think of today?

 Pharaoh=Great House  All powerful ruler whose authority was not questioned  Was considered the son of Re, their sun god. King Menkaure (also known as Mycerinus) and his Queen (probably Kha-merer- nebty II). From Giza, Menkaure Temple; Dynasty 4, B.C.; Death Mask of Tutankhamun. The death mask of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun is made of gold inlaid with colored glass and semiprecious stone.

 Egyptians believed in many gods, which means they were…? Main god was Re, or their sun god, another important god was Hapi, who ruled the Nile River. Isis and Osiris ruled the underworld.

 Ancient Egyptians believed after a long journey a dead person would reach a place of peace and plenty.  The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells and prayers Egyptians would memorize in order to gain entrance to the afterlife.

 Each pyramid sits on a square base, with the entrance always facing north.  Egyptians used astronomy to determine true north, also developed 365 day calendar grouped into 3 seasons.  Farmers, surveyors, engineers, carpenters, and stone cutters were all used to build pyramids for the pharaoh.

 Largest pyramid built was for King Khufu, one of three in Giza. It is 500 feet high and covers the area of 9 football fields, contains 2 million stone blocks each weighing 2.5 tons.  The Great Pyramid was the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years.  Built w/o the use of animals, special tools or wheels.

Pyramids at Giza The Sphinx

 The Middle Kindom-2050 B.C B.C.  Egypt took control of new lands, Nubia to the south and attacked what is now Syria. Conquered peoples sent tribute, or forced payments to Egypt enriching their kingdom. Known as a golden age of prosperity, achievement and stability in Egypt.

 By the end of the Middle Kingdom, Hyksos, mighty warriors from western Asia attacked Egypt with weapons made of bronze and iron while Egyptians fought with copper and stone weapons.  Hyksos, ruled Egypt for about 150 years until Egyptian prince, Ahmose led an uprising that drove the Hyksos out of Egypt.

 Ahmose’s reign begins the New Kingdom from B.C. to 1080 B.C. when Egypt reached the height of its power.  1480 B.C. Queen Hatshepsut concentrated on building the economy by increasing trade agreements.

 Historians believe cattle herders migrated south of Egypt around 2000 B.C.into an area known as Nubia or Kush. Located close to the 3 rd cataract on the Nile R.  Cattle grazed on the grassy savannas.  Also farmed but were most known for their warrior skills.  More powerful Nubian villages took control over weaker ones and organized the kingdom of Kerma.

 Resources Egyptians sought from Kerma were: gold, ivory, cattle, enslaved and soldiers.  B/c of close proximity and desire for Kerma’s resources, Egypt is often clashing with them.  1400’s B.C. Egypt takes control of Kerma for 700 years. During this time, many Egyptian ways are adopted. Does it stand to reason they would have already adopted many of their ways due to oppression?

 Napata, capital of Kush, was located on a major trade route.  Location, location, location  728 B.C. Kush takes Egypt  600’s Assyrians invade Egypt  Iron weapons and tools are introduced to Kush  Capital city moved to Meroe were iron deposits are found. New wealth is reflected in their buildings and housing.