Egypt Study Guide

Vocabulary Delta – the lowlands formed by the silt left at the mouth of a river Silt – the rich fertile soil left behind on the land from floodwaters Inundation – one of the three seasons in Egypt – when the Nile River floods the land Canals – channels dug into the land to carry and help control the floodwaters

Vocabulary Pharaoh – the ruler of Egypt who controlled all of the land and all of the people Hieroglyphics – Egyptian writing Papyrus – a paperlike material made from reeds Pyramid – a tomb for ancient Egyptian rulers Obelisks -

Obelisks Egyptian Obelisks What is an obelisk and what is its purpose? Obelisk Definition: An obelisk is a monumental tapering column carved from a single block of stone, with a square cross- section and capped with a pointed top called a pyramidion. Obelisks were set in pairs, at the entrances of temples, and to some Old Kingdom tombs and closely related to the cult of the Sun God Ra also known as Atum. Obelisks symbolized the stability and the creative force of Atum. Obelisks were believed to act as magical protection to the monuments such as temples and tombs.

Obelisk of Hatshepsut Obelisk at Karnak

Hatshepsut The only woman in Egypt to rule as pharaoh

Amenhotep IV Ruled during the New Kingdom and introduced Egyptians to the single God, Aton

Alexander The Great Greek ruler who conquered the Persian Empire and gained control of Egypt. He was undefeated in battle and created of one of the largest empires in history stretching from the Mediterranean to the Himalaya.

Problems with the waters from the Nile River Too much water on the land Too little water on the land What are some solutions?

Solutions for too much water Divert water away from farmland Build reservoirs for holding water Build dams and dikes for controlling the water Can you think of any more? Now, which is the best solution, and why?

Solutions for too little water Dance a rain dance Dig wells Build water storage sites Irrigate with Nile river water Can you think of any more? Now, which is the best solution and why?

Achievements and changes during Egyptian History Old Kingdom – Started a colony in Lower Nubia to get resources there – Traders were sent farther south in Africa – Technology to construct the pyramids – Development of mummification

Achievements and changes during Egyptian History Middle Kingdom – Conquered all of Nubia – Expanded Egyptian trade – Change in society – rights that had once been for pharaohs alone were now for all Egyptians – Changes in government – pharaoh appointed governors for the nomes. This gave paraohs more control New Kingdom – First woman ruler - Hatshepsut – Egypt’s first full-time army began – Egyptian Empire grew to largest size – Worship focused on one god – the Aton – Used hidden tombs to bury pharaohs

Egyptian Hierarchy – Status in society Pharaoh Priests and Nobles Craftworkers, merchants, scribes Farmers Slaves

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