EGYPT The Passageway to Africa

Development of Egypt Geological advantage Egypt develops along the Nile river The Nile flows from South to North making it possible to bring goods north Northern winds blow North to South so if you put a sail up you can travel south along the Nile Predictable flood patterns make it easy grow food

Other Natural Advantages Climate allowed for a yearly harvest (no frost) Easy transportation along Nile allowed for facilitated trade Delta contains very rich soil which could be used all over for planting Granite, limestone, and sandstone were plentiful Desert and Sea provides a natural protective barrier Isthmus of Suez provides a controllable gateway to the middle east

Picto-graphic Timeline Assignment Individually students should read pages and in their notes write down historical events that took place from Egypt’s origin to their demise. Each student will then construct their own timeline with at least 10 specific events labeled on the timeline. Each event must have a written explanation that explains its significance as well as a picture/icon that represents it. Timelines should be colored Timelines will be worth 20 points 10 events with pictures each worth 2 points= 20 pts. Some events to consider using: Menes rule, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, Sphinx, Hyksos, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Amenhotep IV, Ramses II etc

The Old Kingdom Egypt had developed from a tribe of Ethiopians called the Nubians sometime around 6000BC Upper Egypt contained southern colonies along the Nile while Lower Egypt was centered around the Nile Delta in the North Around 3200 BC Menes, a king of Upper Egypt, conquered the kingdom and developed a dynasty The leaders of Egypt from the time of Menes would be known as Pharaohs They held absolute power and were revered as Gods.

Written Language Around 3000 BC Egyptians from Menes line develop Hieroglyphs as a primary form of writing Hieroglyphics contained about 600 signs and were carved into stone initially but eventually put on Papyrus The introduction of written language greatly increased technological advancement as well as the study of history Scribes that could learn how to read and write became important members of society

Rosetta Stone Key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs Discovered in 1798 and deciphered about 25 years later Written in Egyptian demotic, Greek, Hieroglyph

The Old Kingdom BC Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom developed impressive irrigation systems from the Nile to ensure a large harvest There were two classes of people Lower were slaves and farmers (most people) Upper class were royal family members, priests, scribes and specialized artisans Enslaved kingdoms worked the land and with extra workers Pharaohs began using their slaves to construct great monuments Great Sphinx built by Khafre around 2500 BC to demonstrate their leaders power

Middle Kingdom 2050 BC-1780 BC Began strong but then fell apart as contention between priests and pharaoh grew Hyksos invade around 1700’s BC and change Egypt They brought new technologies in warfare such as the composite bow and the chariot Some claim that they could be the ancient Hebrews (Joseph of Egypt) Manetho (a later Egyptian) claims they were horrible people who enslaved and murdered women and children Can we trust him?

New Kingdom BC A new Empire is created Hatshepsut: First female ruler of Egypt Improved trade in the empire to bring in new technologies Constructed the Obelisks (tower structures) Thutmose III: Destroyed images of his mom Conquered most of the territory around the Nile Improved trade with the middle east

New Kingdom cont Amenhotep IV: Introduced monotheism under god Aton (the sun) Moved the capital from Thebes to Tel’amarna (not a good decision) Changed his name to Akhenaton Odd body shape and depictions on temples make some wonder if he was.... An alien?! Ramses II (the great) Last good ruler of the new kingdom Established a peace treaty between Egypt and the Middle East Regained much of the old empire lost by Amenhotep to the Sea Peoples

Egyptian Mythology Horus Set Thoth Khnum Hathor Sobek Ra Amon Ptah Anubis Osiris Isis Ammit Bastit Babi