Flashcards › Ancient Egypt

What are cataracts? Rapids which were difficult or impossible for boats to navigate. The early Egyptian civilization was divided into which two parts? Upper and Lower Egypt What is a delta? A triangle-shaped area of land made from soil deposited by a river. Two thirds of Egypt's fertile farmland was located on the Nile delta. What geographical features protected the early Egyptian civilization? Cataracts prevented boats from travelling the length of the Nile. The desert on both sides of the Nile made it difficult for invading armies. How did farmers use the Nile to grow their crops? They built canals to direct the Nile's water to the fields. Why was Egypt known as the ''gift of the Nile''? It flooded regularly bringing rich fertile soil which was very good farming. It also provided the Egyptians with fish, ducks and geese. The Nile also provided water which enabled people to grow an abundance of different crops such as wheat, barley, fruit and vegetables. They also kept livestock such as cattle and sheep. According to Egyptians what was the black land and what was known as the red land? The fertile silt turned the soil black. The red land was the lifeless harsh desert on either side of the Nile. What does pharaoh mean? The title used by the ruler of Egypt. What is a dynasty? A series of rulers from the same family. Where was Lower Egypt? Along the Nile River in northern Egypt. Why was the Nile River valley well suited for settlement? It had fertile land, near the sea for trade, fresh water supply for drinking and farming, abundant wildlife for hunting and protected by cataracts and the desert. Who was the first pharaoh of Egypt? Menes Why is Menes famous? He wanted to unify Upper and Lower Egypt. His armies conquered Lower Egypt. He then married a princess from Lower Egypt to strengthen his control over Lower Egypt. He built a new capital at the Southern tip of the Nile delta. Why did Menes and later pharaohs wear a double crown? They wanted to symbolize the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt and their power over both. When was the Old Kingdom? A period that lasted for about 500 years from about 2700 BC to 2200 BC. Why didn't Egyptians question the pharaohs authority? They believed that the pharaohs were both kings and gods on earth. He had absolute power over the land and people. It would be difficult to question a pharaohs authority as you would also be questioning a god. List the social hierarchy of Egyptian society starting with the most important. Pharaoh (Ruled Egypt as a god). Nobles (Officials and priests who helped run the government and temples). Scribes and Craftspeople (Scribes and craftspeople wrote and produced goods). Farmers, servants and slaves (Most Egyptians were farmers, servants and slaves). What job did most people in Ancient Egypt do? The majority of people were farmers. About 80%. Who was the most famous pharaoh in the Old Kingdom? Khufu who ruled in the 2500 BCs. Egyptian legend says he was cruel but records say that the people who worked for him were well fed. He is best known for the monuments that he had built. Egyptians believed in polytheism. What is polytheism? The belief in more than one god. The Egyptians believed in Re (Sun God) Osiris (God of the Underworld) Isis (God of Magic) and many more. Who built the pyramids and other monuments? Farmers. They worked on the pharaoh's building projects during the flood season when they couldn't work in the fields. According to Egyptian religion what is the afterlife? The belief in life after death. What was Ka? A persons life force. When a person died the Ka left the body but was linked to the body so couldn't leave the burial site. Why did the Egyptians mummify bodies? They believed that the Ka had to be able to recognize the body. So they had to prevent the body from decaying otherwise the Ka would suffer. Why were the Egyptian tombs filled with gold, jewelry, weapons, paintings,clothing and tools? The Ka needed all the same things as living people in the afterlife. Relatives of the dead were expected to bring food and drinks for the Ka. Why were only the rich and important people mummified and placed in tombs? It was an expensive process to mummify a body that took several weeks. The poor left their bodies in the desert where the dry and hot sand would preserve the bodies. What were mummies? They were embalmed bodies that were wrapped in cloth. What were Egypt's elite? They were people of wealth and power. How did the Egyptian's religious beliefs affect their burial practices? Believing that a body remained liked to the body, Egyptians developed mummification and filled tombs with foods and other items the spirit may need in the afterlife. How did the gods participate in the afterlife? They judged a persons soul and allowed people into the underworld. What are pyramids? Huge four sided stone tombs with four sides that meet in a point at the top. How are the pyramids an example of the Egyptian's understanding of engineering? The pyramids show that the Egyptians were able to apply their scientific knowledge for practical purposes. The Great Pyramid has a base of more than 13 acres and is made of more than 2 million limestone blocks. What does the construction of the pyramids tell us about the Egyptians? It shows that religion and the in particular the belief in the afterlife was very important to the Egyptians. It also shows that the pharaohs were important. Worker's graffiti tells us that they took pride in their work. The pyramids show that the Egyptians were capable of advanced engineering which required organization as more than 100,000 workers would have built a pyramid. Why did the pharaohs need the support of the nobles? They needed their help with running the government, support during times of crisis such as invasion or disease. Who was Queen Hatshepsut? She was married to the Pharaoh Thutmose II who died young. Because the next pharaoh was very young she took over power. She had many monuments built such as a temple at Thebes. She also expanded trade which helped later pharaohs build more monuments. Why did Queen Hatshepsut wear a beard and mens clothing? Many Egyptians believed that only men should rule. So she called herself king, wore male clothing and beard so that people would treat her as if she was a man. When was the Middle Kingdom? A period of stability which lasted from 2050 - 1750 BC. When was the New Kingdom? A period when Egypt reached the height of its power and glory. 1550 - 1050 BC Who were the Hyksos? A group from South-west Asia who invaded Lower Egypt using advanced weapons and chariots. They ruled the region for 200 years. Who was Ahmose of Thebes? He drove the Hyksos out of Lower Egypt and declared himself the pharaoh. Why is Ramses the Great famous? He was a great warrior and builder. He is known mostly for the large monuments he had built at Karnak Luxor and Abu Simbel. He fought in wars against the powerful Hittites. Why were scribes important? They recorded religious and literary texts. They also copied stories and poems. They worked in the temples and for government. They were so honored tat they did not pay taxes and became wealthy. Why were artists and architects important in ancient Egypt? They worked for the government and helped to build and decorate the pyramids and temples. These were important so talented artists and architects were sort after and well regarded. What rights did women have in ancient Egypt? They were able to make contracts, divorce their husbands and keep their property. Most women were devoted to their families and homes but a few did work as priestesses, royal officials, artisans or administrators. What was the Egyptian writing system called and how is it different to the English alphabet? Hieroglyphs. It was different because it has over 600 picture symbols whereas the English alphabet has 26 letters. What did the Egyptians keep their records on? Papyrus which is like paper and is made from pressing reeds. What stone found by a French soldier enabled archaeologists to decipher hieroglyphics? The Rosetta Stone. It contained Greek, Hieroglyphics and a later Egyptian language. What is an obelisk? A tall four sided pillar that is pointed on top. Why do you think pharaohs like Ramses the Great built huge temples? So that they could worship the gods but also so they could display their power and wealth. How were people and animals portrayed in Egyptian art? People were shown from the side apart from their bodies which were shown facing straight on. Animals were painted realistically. 4500 - 500 BC Early Egypt and Geography. The Old Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom New Kingdom. Egyptian Achievements.