Pyramids on the Nile Objectives: Summarize the effect of geography on the development of Egyptian culture. Explain how Egypt united into a kingdom. Describe ancient Egyptian religion, social structure, and technology. Explain the decline of the Old Kingdom.

The Geography of Egypt Egypt’s settlements arose along the Nile river The river made the dry desert fertile for farming Yearly flooding also contributed to rich soil Provided ease of transportation A tomb relief depicts workers plowing the fields, harvesting the crops, and threshing the grain under the direction of an overseer.

Environmental Challenges Reduced flooding led to agricultural failure Over flooding destroyed houses and granaries The vast deserts on either side of the Nile acted as a barrier to other cultures Implications? Protected Egypt from outside invaders. Restricted access to other cultures. Egypt is often referred to as the gift of the Nile. How does this picture illustrate that?

The Rule of Ancient Egypt The region along the southern part of the Nile was known as Upper Egypt due to its elevation Lower Egypt was the region along the northern portion of the Nile For years, Egyptian villages lived under the rule of two separate kingdoms, Upper and Lower Egypt Eventually the two kingdoms were united under King Narmer Unification occurred around 3000 B.C. Established the capitol at Memphis, where the two kingdoms met Why?

Pharaohs Rule as Gods Pharaoh – King of Egypt Viewed as living gods Established a theocracy Theocracy – Type of government in which rule is based on religious authority Egyptians believed that their king ruled even after death Pyramid – Structure designed to serve as a tomb for deceased pharaohs Egyptian wall painting of the gods Ra and Osiris.

Egyptian Culture Egyptians were polytheistic Egyptians believed in the afterlife Weighing of the soul Royal and elite Egyptians would have their bodies preserved Mummification – Embalming and drying of a corpse to prevent decaying Anubis was the ancient Egyptian god associated with mummification and burial rituals; here, he attends to a mummy. Tutankhamun coffinette and mummy.

Life in Egyptian Society Egyptian Social Classes Egyptian society formed a pyramid Royalty at the top, peasants at the bottom Social mobility Women had many rights Egyptian Writing Hieroglyphics – Form of pictographic writing Papyrus – Reeds used to make a paper like sheet Egyptian Science and Technology Calendar Mathematics Architecture Medicine Egyptian hieroglyphics.