Ancient Middle East and Egypt Section 4: Egyptian Civilization Witness History Audio: The Greatest of the Gods Religion Shapes Life in Ancient Egypt Egyptians worshipped many gods, but chief among them was the sun god, Re and (later) the lord of the gods, Amon-Re. Osiris and Isis were also important to most Egyptians. Pharaoh Amenhotem IV devoted himself to the worship of Aton and changed his name to Akhenaton. Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What role did the god Amon-Re play in the lives of the pharaohs?” (He gave them their right to rule and judged their actions.) “Based on this role, how do you think religion was viewed in ancient Egypt?” (It was taken seriously.) When showing Color Transparency 10, discuss what modern society has learned about Egyptians and their beliefs through their use of mummification. Note Taking Transparency 55 1 of 7

Ancient Middle East and Egypt Section 4: Egyptian Civilization How Egyptians Viewed the Afterlife Egyptians believed that Osiris and Isis gave them eternal life after death if they passed a test. To prepare their bodies for the afterlife they were mummified. Pharaohs’ tombs were filled with items they would need in the next life. Witness History Audio: Book of the Dead Color Transparency 10: Preparations for Mummification Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What role did the god Amon-Re play in the lives of the pharaohs?” (He gave them their right to rule and judged their actions.) “Based on this role, how do you think religion was viewed in ancient Egypt?” (It was taken seriously.) When showing Color Transparency 10, discuss what modern society has learned about Egyptians and their beliefs through their use of mummification. History Interactive: Mummification 2 of 7

Ancient Middle East and Egypt Section 4: Egyptian Civilization Egyptians Organize Their Society They Egyptians had a class system that put the Pharaoh at the top and peasants at the bottom. In the New Kingdom, people were able to move up in class because of increased trade and warfare. Women had greater independence than in other Ancient civilizations. Egyptians Make Advances in Learning Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What role did the god Amon-Re play in the lives of the pharaohs?” (He gave them their right to rule and judged their actions.) “Based on this role, how do you think religion was viewed in ancient Egypt?” (It was taken seriously.) When showing Color Transparency 10, discuss what modern society has learned about Egyptians and their beliefs through their use of mummification. The Egyptians developed several writing systems, beginning with Hieroglyphics. They invented a material to write on that was made from papyrus. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone allowed scholars to decipher the meanings of many hieroglyphics. Egyptian doctors and astronomers made many advances in their knowledge of the human body and the heavens. Scholars also developed geometry for surveying purposes. 3 of 7

Ancient Middle East and Egypt Section 4: Egyptian Civilization Egyptians Develops Arts and Literature Egyptian paintings, statues, and carvings tell much about their everyday life and religious beliefs. Egyptian literature honors gods and reveals the histories of warfare and the popular folk tales of the time. QuickTake Section Quiz Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What role did the god Amon-Re play in the lives of the pharaohs?” (He gave them their right to rule and judged their actions.) “Based on this role, how do you think religion was viewed in ancient Egypt?” (It was taken seriously.) When showing Color Transparency 10, discuss what modern society has learned about Egyptians and their beliefs through their use of mummification. Progress Monitoring Transparency 4 of 7

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