Chapter 2 Sec 2 Ancient Egypt

Nile River Were it not for the Nile River, Egyptian civilization could not have developed, as it is the only significant source of water in this desert region. The Nile flows from south to north, to its delta on the Mediterranean Sea. It would flood each year, bringing in silt-laden waters; when the waters receded the silt would stay behind, fertilizing the land, The silt would be helpful for growing crops. If a flood was too large it would wash over mud dykes protecting a village. A small flood or no flood at all would mean famine. A flood must be of just the right intensity for a good season Nile seen from satellite Nile River in Hieroglyphics Fertile soil grows lots of crops along the Nile River

Geographic Barriers Unlike Mesopotamia, Egypt had geographical barriers that protected it from invasion: the deserts to the west and east, the Red Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and rapids in the southern Nile.

Pyramids of Gaza

Religion Ankh Symbol – Key of Life or Eternal Life The Book of the Dead, magical spell to guide deceased’s journey in afterlife. The gods Osiris, Anubis, and Horus Religion gave the Egyptians a sense of security and timelessness. The Egyptians were also polytheistic The Egyptian ruler (Pharaoh) was called Son of Re, the sun god in earthly form. Deity on Earth. Isis brought Osiris back to life after his brother, Seth, had cut up his body into 14 pieces. Osiris had an important role as a symbol of rebirth, whether after physical death or through the rebirth of the land when flooded by the Nile. Isis’s bringing together the parts of Osiris’s body each spring symbolized the new life that the floods brought.

Religion &Mummification Because their religion stressed an afterlife, Egyptians devoted much time and energy into preparing for their journey to the "next world.“ The Hall of Maat is where the judgment of the dead was performed. This was done by weighing one's heart (conscience) against the feather of Maat (truth and justice). Here we see Anubis leading a deceased to the scales of Maat. Anubis weights deceased's heart against the feather to see if he is worthy of joining the gods in the Fields of Peace. Ammut is also present, as a demon waiting to devour deceased's heart should he prove unworthy. Thoth stands to the right of the scales recording the results. Having passed this test the deceased is now lead by Horus to meet the King of the dead, Osiris. The throne of Osiris rests on a pool of water from which a lotus flower is growing, upon the lotus stand the four sons of Horus. Behind the throne of Osiris stand Isis and her sister Nephthys.

Herodotus provides us with written evidence of the process of mummification. The British Museum contains objects and documents which help us to understand how this process was carried out. The Egyptians did not understand what the brain was for. They needed to take it out to preserve the body. The easiest way to do this was through the nose with a hooked probe. A small incision (cut) was made in the left side of the body to remove the internal organs. They left the heart inside the body. It would be needed during the journey to the afterlife where it was weighed against the feather of truth. They removed the other organs and dried them to preserve them.

They washed the body with pleasant smelling liquids. They then covered it in natron (natural salt) for 40 days. This dehydrated (dried out) the body and stopped it rotting. This ensured the body was preserved. Once the body had dehydrated it was washed again using perfumes and oils.

The clean and dehydrated body was then carefully wrapped in linen sheets and strips. The body was wrapped very carefully to look like a human figure. This shape could be used in the afterlife if the person’s body itself did not survive very well. Amulets were placed in the mummy wrappings. These were like good luck charms and were used to protect the body.

The mummified body was placed in a coffin. This coffin could be shaped like a human. The coffin could be painted or embellished with other decoration such as gold.

The family then took the coffin to the tomb. Funeral ceremonies were performed and the tomb was sealed with the hope that the dead person would reach the afterlife.

Hieroglyphics Hieratic: another form of writing in Egypt at the same time Sample of Hieratic

IV. Social Order. Priests Nobles/Warriors Scribes Merchants Peasants/Slaves Pharaohs Different order of classes. Few number as you go up the pyramid. Statues depicting lower class occupations

Achievements in Art and Science Pyramids, temples, and other monuments show the architectural and artistic achievements of the Egyptians. Artists followed a distinctive style. For example, human bodies were shown as a combination of profile, semi-profile, and frontal views to get an accurate picture. Because of mummification, Egyptians became experts in human anatomy. Archaeologists have discovered directions from Egyptian doctors about using splints, bandages, and compresses for treating fractures and wounds.  Semi-Profile Frontal Profile