The Kingdoms of Egypt  2 distinct cultures form along Nile –Lower Egypt: North – Closer to Mediterranean Sea –Upper Egypt: South  United by Menes: King of Upper Egypt around 3200 B.C.

Rulers of Egypt  Menes – forms a dynasty –Dynasty: right to rule that passes to children or relatives  Egypt’s rulers were religious and political leaders. –Regarded as gods: worshiped

Pharaohs  Means: “great house”  Duties of a Pharaoh: –Hold absolute power –Led government –Head of armies –Supreme judges

Old Kingdom: 2680 – 2180 BC  Great Sphinx/Pyramids built  Society split into two classes: –Lower: Peasants and farmers served in army/built pyramids –Upper: Pharaoh, royal family, priests, and scribes  First Intermediate Period

Middle Kingdom: 2050 – 1780 BC  “Golden Age” of Egypt –stability and prosperity  Hyksos: “foreigners” –Nomads from Asia –Invaded Egypt: destroyed cities  Second Intermediate Period

New Kingdom: 1570 – 1080 B.C.  Pharaoh’s regain power –Strong government and army  Hatshepsut: first female pharaoh  Amenhotep: tried to introduce monotheism –Belief in one god Aton: Sun god Unsuccessful

The Decline of Egypt  Ramses II: Last strong pharaoh ( B.C.)  Invaded by foreign empires –Assyrians and Persians