Egyptian Civilization Chapter 2 section 4

Chief Gods and Goddesses Amon-Re – great lord of the gods Pharaohs were believed to receive their right to rule from Amon-Re Osiris – god of the Nile Isis – promised the faithful they would have life after death

A Pharaoh Tries to Reshape Religion Akhenaton- ordered priests to worship only Aton (a minor god) and to remove the names of other gods from their temples radical Was he effective?

Proving Oneself to Osiris Each soul had to pass a test to win eternal life To survive the journey in the underworld, Egyptians relied on the Book of the Dead Contained spells, charms, and formulas for the dead to use in the afterlife

Preparing the Dead for the Afterlife Egyptians believed the afterlife would be much like life on earth People were buried with everything they would need Mummification – preservation of dead bodies by embalming them and wrapping them in cloth During the New Kingdom, pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings Tutankhamen (“King Tut”)

King Tut’s Tomb

Egyptians Organize Their Society Pharaoh & Royal Family Govn’t Officials, High Priests & Priestesses Merchants, Scribes, Artisans Peasants

Egyptians Organize Their Society Most Egyptians were peasant farmers or slaves In the off season they would serve the pharaoh Temples, palaces, tombs Women would raise children, collect water, & cook Egyptians women had more power than other women in the ancient world

Keeping Written Records Hieroglyphics – a system in which symbols or pictures represent objects, concepts, or sounds Hieratic  demotic symbols – a cursive form of writing Papyrus – a paper like writing material

The Clues of the Rosetta Stone 1800s Jean Champollion deciphered the meanings of ancient hieroglyphics Rosetta Stone – hieroglyphics, demotic script, and Greek

Furthering Science and Mathematics Physicians performed surgery and believed in magic as well Mapped constellations and movement of planets Made a 12 month with 30 days calendar with 5 days added on the end Developed geometry