egyptian civilization “the gift of the nile”. the impact of geography
TRANSCRIPT
Egyptian CivilizationEgyptian Civilization
““The gift of the Nile”The gift of the Nile”
The Impact of GeographyThe Impact of Geography
The Impact of GeographyThe Impact of Geography
NileThe longest river in the worldIt splits into two branchesFlows north, starting in the mountains of Africa, through deserts, and empties into the Mediterranean.
ProtectionUnlike Mesopotamia, Egypt’s geography makes it difficult to invadeMediterranean Sea – NorthRed Sea – EastSahara – WestAfrican mountains / Cataracts - South
Review QuestionReview Question
How did the Nile affect life in ancient
Egypt?
1. Provided the “miracle” of the Nile, which allowed farming
2. Provided a natural barrier from invasions
ReligionReligion
Polytheistic Important gods were sun and land gods Even the same god had different names
depending on the role it took on, two names for the sun god were Atum and Re
Osiris and Isis (reborn)
Review QuestionReview Question
Which gods were most important to the Egyptians?
Atum, Re, Osiris, Isis (any god dealing with the land)
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
Old Kingdom King Menes united Upper and Lower
Egypt in 3100 B.C. King Menes also created the first dynasty
(a family of rulers whose right to rule is passed on within the family)
King Menes took the title pharaoh (most common title for an Egyptian ruler)
Pharaohs had unlimited power but used a bureaucracy (non elected officials)
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
The most important government official was the vizier (steward of the whole land)
Pyramids were a cultural achievement of the Old Kingdom
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
Pyramids were not merely built for decoration, they were used as tombs for pharaohs
To prepare bodies for the afterlife, Egyptians used the process of mummification
Review QuestionReview Question
Why was the mummification process so
important to Egyptians?
Because of their strong belief in the afterlife
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
Middle Kingdom Began around 2050 B.C. Conquered Nubia and sent armies to
Palestine and Syria Drained parts of the Delta and used it for
farmland. Also dug a canal to connect the Nile and
the Red Sea to aid in transportation
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
Hyksos Invaded from western Asia using horse-
drawn chariots and bronze weapons
New Kingdom Began in 1567 B.C. used weapons
brought by the Hyksos to overthrow them
The course of Egyptian historyThe course of Egyptian history
Accomplishments of the New Kingdom Increased territory Built new temples Had a woman pharaoh
Problems in the New Kingdom Forced people to be monotheistic Lost land to invaders Ended when invaded by the “sea people”
Social StructureSocial Structure
Egyptian society is shaped like a pyramid
Review QuestionReview Question
How was Egyptian society like a pyramid?
The most important groups (those at the top) were the smallestgroups.
Daily Life in Ancient EgyptDaily Life in Ancient Egypt
Men
masters of their houses
arranged marriages for their children
Women
well respected
educated the children
upperclass women even became preistesses
Review QuestionReview Question
How were women treated in Egyptian
society?
Well respected, certain rights.
Writing and EducationWriting and Education
Hieroglyphics (priest carvings, sacred writings, writing of early Egyptians)
Hieratic Script (simplified version of Hieroglyphicswritten on papyrus, paper made from a reed that grewalong the Nile)
Achievements in Art and ScienceAchievements in Art and Science
Architecture
Pyramids, temples, and other monuments
show artistic ability.
Art
Followed a particular formula, it gave it a
distinctive look.
Achievements in Art and ScienceAchievements in Art and Science
Mathematics
Geometry, learned to calculate area and
Volume (building temples)
Science
365 day calendar
Experts in anatomy (mummification)
Review QuestionReview Question
What advances did Egyptians make in
math and science? How are still used today?
Geometry (area and volume) – buildings and modernarchitecture.
Anatomy (modern first aid) – splints, bandages, treatfractures, wound care