Ch. 2 Vocabulary: Ancient Egypt

1. cataract – steep rapids formed by cliffs and boulders in the river. 2. delta – an area of fertile soil deposited at the mouth of a river. 3. shadoof – a water wheel used to lift water from the river for irrigation 4. papyrus – reed plant of the Nile Valley used to make a form of paper.

5. hieroglyphics – system of writing made up picture symbols developed by the ancient Egyptians. 6. dynasty – a line of rulers from the same family. 7. pharaoh – an all powerful king in ancient Egypt. 8. deity – gods or goddesses.

9. The Book of the Dead – a collection of spells and prayers that Egyptians studied to obtain life after death. 10. Narmer – King who led his armies to unite Upper and Lower Egypt. 11. embalming – a process of preserving a person’s body after death. 12. canoptic jars - Pottery containers used to store the organs removed before mummification. 13. mummy – a body that has been embalmed and wrapped in linen through a process invented by the Egyptians.

14. sarcophagus - stone coffin made to hold the body of a important person. 15. pyramid - huge stone structure built by the ancient Egyptians to serve as a tomb. 16. tribute – forced payments made by one group or nation to another to show obedience or to obtain peace or protection. 17. incense – a material burned for its pleasant smell.

18. savannas – grassy plains that stretch across Africa south of the Sahara. 19. Sahara - largest desert in the world. 20. Giza – area on the west bank of the Nile which is the location of the Great Pyramid.

The End