Ancient Civilizations: Egypt

Ventre’s Adventures

Geography & Environment

On which continent is Egypt located? On which continent is Egypt located? Africa; in the northeastern region Africa; in the northeastern region The Geography

I.Location 1.North Africa 2.Natural barriers: Mediterranean Sea, Sahara Desert, Red Sea A.Result = less prone to invasion. The Geography

On which river did the ancient Egyptians settle? On which river did the ancient Egyptians settle? Nile River Nile River WHY?? WHY?? The Geography

I.Nile River 1.World’s longest river (4130 miles) 2.“Gift of the Nile”  annual flooding that deposits rich soil. 3.Benefits A.Easy communication. B.Transportation. C.Ample water supply.

Nile River

Upper Lower Menes Upper vs Lower

Society

Great to be an Egyptian? A social hierarchy not locked in.A social hierarchy not locked in. Possible to change status via marriage, personal success, etc.Possible to change status via marriage, personal success, etc.

Royal RoyalFamily Upper Class: Priests, Army, Gov’t Middle Class: Merchants and Artisans Lower Class: Peasant Farmers and Laborers

Intellectual History

Writing Earliest form of writing = pictographEarliest form of writing = pictograph

The Importance of Writing In hieroglyphics:In hieroglyphics: Images stand for ideas, as well as for soundsImages stand for ideas, as well as for sounds The image of an OWL stands for the m sound, as well as for the bird itselfThe image of an OWL stands for the m sound, as well as for the bird itself

The Importance of Writing Hieroglyphics: developed from pictographsHieroglyphics: developed from pictographs Images stand for ideas, as well as for soundsImages stand for ideas, as well as for sounds

Papyrus - A paper-like material - Now scribes could write on a more compact surface, instead of stone or clay.

As the Egyptian civilization declined, any chance of deciphering hieroglyphics was lost…. Rosetta Stone

Religion & Government

Polytheism:Polytheism: The worship of many godsThe worship of many gods Worshipped gods and goddessesWorshipped gods and goddesses Egyptian Religion

Ra Ra – the sun god. He was the most important god of the ancient Egyptians. Isis Isis – the protective goddess. She used powerful magic to help people in need. Anubis Anubis – the god of embalmin g and the dead. Osiris – god of the dead, and ruler of the underworld. Brother and Sister

Seth Seth – the god of chaos. Atum Atum – the creator god. Believed to be the first god to exist. Sekhmet Sekhmet – goddess of war. Horus Horus – god of the sky. Protector of the pharaoh.

Who is this?

Egyptian Government Theocracy:Theocracy: Type of gov’t in which rule is based upon religious authorityType of gov’t in which rule is based upon religious authority

Egyptian Government PharohPharoh Egyptians believed that their kings, or pharaohs, WERE godsEgyptians believed that their kings, or pharaohs, WERE gods Pharaohs VERY POWERFUL!Pharaohs VERY POWERFUL! Ruled religion, government & militaryRuled religion, government & military

What is Ka? Egyptians believed that the Pharaohs possessed an eternal life force, also known as kaEgyptians believed that the Pharaohs possessed an eternal life force, also known as ka

What is Ka? Ka allowed pharaohs to rule for all of eternity; therefore, their tombs were even more important than their palaces on earthKa allowed pharaohs to rule for all of eternity; therefore, their tombs were even more important than their palaces on earth