Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile https://www.flocabulary.com/ancient-egypt/
The Nile River Source of life in an otherwise desert environment Mediterranean Sea The Nile River Source of life in an otherwise desert environment Floods every year, depositing lots of rich Silt- nutrient filled soil. Attracted Neolithic farmers to the Black Land-rich silt covered land reaching 10 miles out from the river Grew wheat for food and Flax for clothing Outside the black land was the Red Land-a huge sunbaked desert Protected Egypt from invasion, but limited where its people could live Gulf of Akaba Gulf of Suez Nile River Red Sea
The Nile River Livable land was wider near the Nile’s Delta- the triangular shape of land where the river meets the ocean Silt collects here since the river flows south to north, into the ocean
Upper and Lower Egypt 2 distinct regions Upper Egypt is in the South Lower Egypt is in the North Separated by the 6th Cataract- or waterfall, of the Nile Upper and Lower Egypt had separate rulers until 3100 B.C.
King Menes In 3100 B.C. King Menes United Upper and Lower Egypt into a single state. Egypt is the first unified state Menes used the Nile river as a trade route, sending goods, people, and warriors up and down.
The Old Kingdom Menes wanted his son to rule after him, so he created a Dynasty- a ruling family who would pass down power father to son. Called the rulers Pharaohs Centralized government power Pharaohs were seen as rulers, judges, generals, priests and GODS, they had absolute power.
The Old Kingdom Government was called a Theocracy- because the religious and political leader was the same person. Relied on Viziers or chief ministers to supervise the day to day business of government. “Let not your heart be puffed up because of your knowledge; be not confident because you are wise. Take counsel with the ignorant as well as the wise” – Advice to Viziers
Tombs of Legend The Old Kingdom is also called the Pyramid Age The pyramids at Giza were built Tombs were specifically designed to represent the Pharaoh they were for. Pyramids were filled with what the rulers would need in the afterlife Took so long to build, they were often started when a new Pharaoh took the throne
Khufu Khafre Giza Menkaure
Pyramid Geometry http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/geometry/index.html
Building Pyramids Made from limestone Each block Weighed 2 ½ tons each Used earthen ramps to build the structure Egyptian slaves moved the blocks into position Showed the strength of the Egyptian Government
Fall of the Old Kingdom Power struggles, crop failures, and the cost of the pyramids caused the fall of the old kingdom. 100 years of unrest later the Pharaohs united the land again and the Middle Kingdom emerges
The Middle Kingdom Tough time for Egypt Nile did not flood regularly Corruption and rebellion happened often Egyptian government increased irrigation, creating more farmland Egyptians occupied Nubia (for its gold) and had to constantly defend it.
Invasion of Egypt! Hyksos invaded Egypt in 1700 BC and occupy Northern Egypt Superior technology of War chariots dominated Egyptians The Hyksos dominated for 100 years until new Pharaohs rose to create the New Kingdom
Egyptian Empire The New Kingdom rises Powerful Empire Reached the whole way to the Euphrates River Trade, War, and Migration are spreading culture to Middle East and other parts of Africa Powerful new rulers emerge
Queen Hatshepsut Daughter and Widow of two Pharaohs Ruled in the name of her son Named herself Pharaoh Dressed as a man to show authority False beard! Encouraged trade with the eastern Mediterranean Received medications from Punt
Ramses II Many military victories Expansion of the empire to Syria Signed the first peace treaty to have survived the test of time After his death The Egyptian Empire slowly declined
Egypt and Nubia After Egypt’s Decline, in 750 B.C. Nubia invaded Egypt and ruled it for 100 years Saw themselves as restoring Egyptian glory Observed Egyptian Laws and Customs Ruled as pharaohs until the Assyrians drove them out with iron weapons