CH. 2-A EGYPT Egypt Geography and the Nile &safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
Self Starter: On your Cornell notes: Think about what you know about Ancient Egypt and the Nile River. When you think of the Nile river…. What questions do you have about the river and how it was used in the Ancient times. Try to list at least 5 or more questions.
Where some of these your questions? Ch. 2-A Egypt Where is the River Nile? Where is the source of the River Nile? Which two main rivers flow into the River Nile? Why did the Ancient Egyptians live near the River Nile? Why was the Nile River so important to the Ancient Egyptians? What else did the Nile provide for the Ancient Egyptians? What was the area next to the River Nile Called? When did the Nile flood? Why did the Nile Flood? Why does the Nile not flood now ? Who was the Nile God? Interesting facts about the River Nile
Where is Egypt? Because of the dry climate of Africa the Nile river valley had plentiful wild game and water It is located in the Northern part of Africa
Where does it start?
They called the gift from God. The people along the Nile called the land Kemet, meaning rich, black, soil.
How long is the Nile River? FACT: Most of the Egyptians lives along the narrow strip on the east back of the river which makes up only 4% of the country! The Nile river is the longest river in the world it is: 4,160 miles long It creates an enormous oasis extending the length of Egypt
نهر النيل Nile River
How is the Nile Used? FACT: The Nile river flows to the NORTH! The Nile in ancient times served as a major highway, a source of food and water.
Did the Nile have any other importance? The seasonal rise and fall of the Nile was important for survival of those ancient Egyptians. They knew when the floods would come on the day that Siruis, (the dog star) would rise at dawn.
How did the Ancient people of Egypt control the River? There were three phases (seasons, which were 4 months each) : For the people of Egypt it was determined by the Nile. Phase #1 Nile Rose (starting in July) Phase #2 Nile flooded Phase #3 River recede to its original level.
How did they use the Nile for Agriculture?
How is it used today? Is it different than the ancient times?
New Technology for Egypt In the 1900s the Egyptian population exploded. To support the growing population Dams were built to effectively use the Nile.
Building the Dam FACTS: The Dam was started in 1960 and finished in 1971 The Lake reservoir behind the Dam is Lake Nasser. A short history of Dams in Egypt e=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
The Dam brought many changes to Egypt They were able to cultivate 1.3 million acres and have crops year round The flooding was not so devastating were they could not control it.
Aswan Dam from space fety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
Could the Dam create any problems for Egypt? FACT: The total population of Egypt is about 71 Million Because the silt does not filter down the river, the farmers now have to fertilize the land. Chemical fertilizers! There is a problem with water evaporation on the land Because farming is done all year round, the wet land does not dry out, creating a bacteria in the soil which contributes to many deaths in Egypt.
Two Kingdoms: Upper and Lower Egypt LLLLocated in the South UUpper Egypt is the southern part of the country, bordering on Nubia. It is the drier and more mountainous part and the desert comes closer to the river. Papyrus did not grow here. Located Located in the North Lower Egypt is the northern part of the country, bordering on the sea. The Nile splits into several branches and forms a great V-shape called the Delta. Lower Egypt is the wetter and more fertile part of the country. Papyrus grew here. Upper EgyptLower Egypt
King Menes ruled Upper Egypt about 3100 BCE FACT: Egypt unlike Mesopotamia quickly became united under a single political and economic system He united the two kingdoms by conquering lower Egypt and gaining more power He gain farmlands He established the First Egyptian Capital Memphis (Located by modern day Cairo)
Sinai What is this peninsula called? Located in Egypt
Menes is believed to establish the first What is a Dynasty? *A ruling family* Dynasty =true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
There have been about 30 Dynasties between 3100 BCE and 1090 BCE Scholars have divided Egyptian history into three major periods. Times between the three kingdoms were times of civil war and invasion. Between the three kingdoms it left Egypt without a strong dynasty
Old Kingdom – The pyramid Age BCE The period is known as the most dynamic period. 1.Egypt had a strong monarchy capable of maintaining peace. (Pharaohs, (Egyptian rulers) acquired power and organized a strong centralized government. They divided kingdoms into provinces and appointed officials to supervise tax collection. 2.Development of Engineering skills. a.Pyramids b.Large stone structures. (First pyramid built for Zoser (Djoser)
The Step Pyramid at Djoser
3. Introduction to Hieroglyphics 4. Invention of their calendar 5. Agricultural develops- learn to control the Nile. By 2200 BCE peasants revolved and Civil War breaks out, lasting 150 years. The Old Kingdom’s treasury was exhausted by the huge expense of building pyramids, thus the Old Kingdom ends.
Middle Kingdom Age of the Nobles BCE 1. The Hyksos invaded Northern Egypt (about 1700BCE) and crushed the Egyptians. However the Egyptians remained united. 2. Canals were built and trade flourished 3.Temples were built a. Luxor b. Karnak
4- Mummification rights were given to the lower class. 5. Nobles gained more freedom 6. Thousand of Acres of land were cultivated By 1800 BCE a weak Pharaoh left Egypt in turmoil and civil war brook out. Thus the decline of the Middle Kingdom
Egyptian power reached its peak during the New Kingdom. Ambitious pharaohs established great empire. Wealth increased from trading taxes that were collected from loot that was conquered in outside lands. Rich cargo of Ivory, Incense, Ebony, and Gold were collected. Even Monkeys for private zoos were collected New Kingdom- Age of the Empire
The first woman- Hatshepsut becomes Pharaoh. Her Stepson Thutmos III becomes a brilliant military leader and expands the empire. Thutmos III raised great monuments to his own greatness. New Kingdom Another great Pharaoh during the New Kingdom was Ramses II Cont..