1. Ancient Egypt

2. The Gift of the Nile The Nile Valley, 3000-2000 BCE
Gradual, predictable flooding
Inundation (July-October)
Sprouting
Summer

3. Unification of Egypt
Legendary conqueror Menes, c unifies Egyptian kingdom
Tradition: founder of Memphis, cultural and political center of ancient Egypt
Instituted the rule of the Pharaoh
Claimed descent from the gods
Absolute rulers, had slaves buried with them from 2600 BCE
Most powerful during Archaic Period ( BCE) and Old Kingdom ( BCE)

4. The Pyramids Symbols of the pharaoh’s authority and divine status
A testimony of the pharaohs’ ability to marshal Egypt’s resources
Largest Khufu (Cheops) 2.3 M limestone blocks avg weight 2.5 tons
Role: burial chambers for Pharaohs
Show construction of Temple here from Ancient Egypt VH 5431

5. The New Kingdom Imperial Egypt, 1400 BCE
Few pyramids, but major monumental architectural projects
Engaged in empire- building to protect against foreign invasion
Invasions of Kushites, Assyrians destroy Egypt mid 6th century BCE

7. Hieroglyphs Writing appeared at least by 3200 BCE
“Holy Inscriptions”
Writing appeared at least by 3200 BCE
Pictographic supplemented with symbols representing sounds and ideas
Survives on monuments, buildings and sheets of papyrus

9. Mummification and the Afterlife
It was inspired by the cycles of the Nile
Belief in the revival of the dead
First: ruling classes only, later expanded to include lower classes
Cult of Osiris
Lord of the underworld
Power to determine who deserved immortality
Held out hope of eternal reward for those who lived moral lives
Show second clip from Ancient Egypt, Sphinx through mummification