Ancient Egypt

Geography of Egypt Surrounded by deserts on either side. Very little rainfall.

The Nile River Valley Waters of Nile come from the meeting of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Depended on the flooding of the Nile to produce fertile soil for agriculture.

Nile Delta Where the Nile River empties into the Mediterranean Sea. largest area of fertile land in Egypt. As a result, much of Egypt’s history is found here.

Deserts Nile Valley is sandwiched between the Western Desert and the Eastern Desert.

Western Desert

Deserts The deserts created protection from invasion. Insulated Egyptians from outside influences. Sources of minerals and building supplies - copper, gold, tin, limestone and natron - the drying agent used in mummification process.

The Mediterranean Sea Egypt’s major outlet for trade. Allowed Egypt to obtain a wide variety of goods.

Egypt’s Ancient History Divided into three kingdoms: Old BCE Middle BCE New

Prior to 3100 BCE Egypt was divided into Upper Egypt (southern) and Lower Egypt (northern). Collection of unorganized societies. White crown represented Upper Egypt. Red crown represented Lower Egypt.

King Menes United Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BCE. Red and white crown symbolizes their unity.

Old Kingdom: BCE Acquired tremendous wealth in material goods and new ideas through trade in Mediterranean. Mined copper in the Sinai Peninsula. Timber from Syria. Wine and oil from Crete. Potter’s wheel from Mesopotamia.

Imhotep First individual (non-ruler) whose life has been recorded and passed on through history. Called an Egyptian Genius. Founded Egyptian system of medicine. Designed and supervised the building of the first stone building and first pyramid.