Ancient Egypt 1st of two Power Points

Where in the World? Egypt developed in a river valley along the Nile River. It is located in Northeast Africa.

The Nile Nile is the world’s longest river. Flows 4,160 miles from the mountains of east Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. Last 600 miles is in Egypt.

Where did ancient Egyptians live? Most Egyptians lived near the river and its Delta. Delta: fan-shaped fertile area near the Mediterranean Sea. They farmed and were protected by invaders.

Upper and Lower Egypt Two kingdoms formed along the Nile. Upper and Lower Egypt. Narmer, a king of Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt and made one united kingdom.

Pharaoh Pharaoh was name given to Egyptian ruler. Means “Great House.” Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was a god on earth. Pharaoh owned all of the land which he gave as gifts. He was also in charge of all governmental actions.

Religion Egyptians believed in many gods and goddesses. Most important gods were: Re=Sun God, Hapi=River God, Horus=Sky God, and Osiris=the god of the harvest and eternal life.

Life after death? Egyptians believed that the soul could not live without the body. Embalmed bodies. Remove organs Slowly dry body. Wrap body in strips of linen.

Pyramids Pyramids were tombs for the pharaoh. Designed to protect the body from floods, wild animals, and robbers. The Great Pyramid was for Khufu.

Other monuments Khufu, Thutmose, and Ramses II were glorified with large monuments and statues. The Great Sphinx at Giza is an example. Great Sphinx has a body of a lion and a human head.

Trade and Conquest Egypt conquered many lands during its long history. 1700s BC Hyksos (from Asia) conquered Egypt. They ruled for 150 years. Egyptians learned to use bronze and iron weapons and horse-drawn chariots. Egyptians sought gold and gems in Kush (present-day Sudan)

Trade and Conquest Continued. First female pharaoh, Hatsheptsut expanded Egyptian trade. Traded with Phoenicians and Greeks. They spread ideas and accomplishments.

Egyptian Writing. Hieroglyphics: form of writing in which pictures were used for words or sounds. Carved hieroglyphics on monuments or on papyrus. Papyrus: is a plant that grows along the Nile and is used to make paper.

Mathematics and Medicine Egyptians used a number system based on 10. They used fractions and whole numbers. They developed geometry to survey and measure land. Created a calendar based on Nile’s annual flooding. In Medicine, Egyptians were the first to use splints, bandages and compresses. They were skilled in sewing up cuts and setting broken bones. They also had remedies for hair loss and indigestion.

Decline Eventually Egypt grew very weak. The priests struggled with the pharaohs for power. Lots of energy and money was used to keep neighboring countries under Egyptian control. Egypt was then conquered by greater empires. Greece and Rome.