Chapter 3 Notes Nile Civilizations

Chapter 3 Notes Egyptian Civilization developed along the Nile , as did other civilizations south of Egypt Egypt was one of the most stable and long-lasting civilizations of the ancient world

3.1- Geography and Early Egypt The Geography of Egypt The Nile is the most important physical feature in Egypt The Nile River is the longest in the world 4000+ miles The Nile flooded every year, were predictable, and left rich silt The Nile help prevent invasion because it flowed through a series of cataracts (rocky currents) The Sahara was on the opposite side of the Nile and its unlivable waste land discouraged invaders Two Kingdoms Farming villages consolidated into two kingdoms Lower Egypt – north towards the delta of the Nile Worshipped a cobra goddess Upper Egypt – south Worshipped a vulture goddess

3.1- Geography and Early Egypt Unification Unification – the two kingdoms unified in 3100 BCE under the leadership of Menes who was from upper Egypt and may have conquered lower Egypt Menes combined the cultures of the two kingdoms – their goddesses and symbols Menes founded Egypt’s first dynasty Historians organize Egyptian history by dynasties – 31 total

Knowledge Checkpoint How do historians organize Egyptian history? How did the Nile floods differ from those in Mesopotamia? How might the Egypt’s natural defenses- The Sahara and the Nile cataracts be viewed as a limitation.

3.1- Old Kingdom The Pyramids Beginning of the 3rd dynasty in 2650 BCE marked a period of stability for 500 years during which many institutions were created Most famous symbols of ancient Egypt The largest are located near Giza Built as tombs for Egypt’s rulers who were buried in chambers deep inside with many earthly treasures Pyramid design changed greatly over time – originally looked like steps, smooth side came later Took a long time to plan and build – built from the inside out with limestone Were built by peasants, not slaves

3.1- Old Kingdom The Pharaohs Egyptian government took shape during the Old Kingdom King headed the government – became known as pharaoh (great house) Pharaohs had absolute power, owned all the land, their word was law, acted as judges, lead the army Pharaoh had great power because people believed they were gods in human form Responsible for Egyptian prosperity and security, and ensuring the sun would rise, the Nile floods, and crops would grow Because the pharaoh is believed to be a god, government and religion and intertwined – Theocracy – a state ruled by religious figures

3.1- Old Kingdom Egyptian Bureaucracy Egypt was too large for the pharaoh to rule alone Bureaucracy established to delegate responsibilities Government officials were powerful – most powerful was the vizier (VUH-zir) who advised the pharaoh and carried out commands Hundreds of officials served under the advisor to ensure commands were implemented and made Egypt run smoothly

Knowledge Check Point Why were the Pyramids built? How did the first pyramids differ from the ones we are familiar with today? Why- other than the pay- do you think the peasants would have wanted to build the pyramid?

3.1 Middle Kingdom The Middle Kingdom Powerful local nobles asserted their power which rivaled the pharaohs power, which caused order and stability to decline Old Kingdom government collapsed in 2100 BCE leading to economic problems, invasions, civil war, famine, disease, and chaos Middle Kingdom begins in 2055 BCE with a new dynasty New dynasty restored stability, order, and prosperity. Encouraged trade and increased defense Trade routes were not always safe pharaohs sent armies to protect trade routes and built fortresses along the Nile Middle Kingdom falls to Hyksos (HIK-sohs) invaders in 1650 BCE Were people from Asia They fell to the Hyksos because they had military advantages that the Egyptians did not, such as, horse-drawn chariots, armor, and bows.

Knowledge Check Point Who were the Hyksos? Why would the Hyksos have had more advanced military technology than the Egyptians?

3.1- New Kingdom Securing Egypt Hyksos ruled Egypt for 100 years until nobles from Thebes drove them out of Egypt The nobles became the new leaders of Egypt which begins the New Kingdom The Hyksos invasion taught Egyptians that geographic barriers such as the desert and sea could not keep them secure and as a result they built a stronger and first permanent military Decided to create an empire to make “buffer” zones to invading armies

3.1- New Kingdom The Reign of Hatshepsut – 1500 BCE One of the few women to rule Egypt Took power when husband died, acted as regent until son could take throne Declared herself Pharaoh Took on more masculine qualities to be associated with male power – dress, title’s: son of the sun god, looks like a man in statues Encouraged trade – and went on a huge trade expedition bringing back gold, mrryh, perfumes, wild animals, and apes.

3.1- New Kingdom Monotheism in Egypt Ramses the Great Akhenaten took power in 1350 BCE He only worshiped one god, Aten the sun god, and banned the worship of any god but Aten Following Akhenaten, Tutankhamon (Tut) restored worship back to traditional gods Ramses the Great During most of the New Kingdom Egypt continued to expand its empire During the rule of Ramses the Egyptians and Hittites fought over territory – Ramses married a Hittite princess to form a truce Built more temples and monuments than any other pharaoh

3.1- New Kingdom Egypt’s Decline The reign of Ramses marked the end of Egypt’s greatness Invasions by foreign powers weakened the empire By the Sea People Egypt broke into smaller states as priests and noble attempted to seize power leading to more invasions Egypt was ruled by foreign invaders for 700 years, taking power back once from the Persians, only to lose it to them again The Persians did not hold Egypt for long, as it would fall to Greece under Alexander the Great Greeks ruled Egypt for over 300 years before it fell to the greatest power of the ancient world- Rome

Knowledge Check Point Who brought an end to Egypt’s history as an independent kingdom? Why was Ramses II called Ramses the Great?

Assignment Turn to Focus on Themes on page 71. Read Belief Systems and answer the 3 questions, we will discuss the answers shortly. (p. 71) Answer Section 1 Assessment questions (1-5, all parts) and turn into Moodle