Discussion Questions 4-3 & 4-4 When did the Middle Kingdom occur? When did the New Kingdom occur? How did Egypt grow powerful in the New Kingdom? Who were the two most successful pharaoh’s of the New Kingdom? List their achievements. What legal rights did women have in Egypt? List the notable achievements of the Egyptians. What was the importance of the Rosetta Stone?

End of the Old Kingdom The 160 years after the Old Kingdom was a time of turmoil in Egypt Pharaoh’s power was challenged Local nobles battled each other over power The kingdom had no central ruler Chaos disrupted trade with foreign lands Farming declined The people faced economic hardship and famine.

The Middle Kingdom Toward the end of the Middle Kingdom, Egypt again faced internal disorder The pharaohs could not hold the kingdom together. A group from Southwest Asia called the Hyksos invaded and conquered lower Egypt. They ruled for 200 years. Finally around 2050 BC, Mentuhotep II defeated his rivals and reunited Egypt. This began the Middle Kingdom 2050-1750 BC The period of peace and stability was short-lived.

Egypt Fights Back In the mid 1500s, a new leader emerged. Ahmose of Thebes drove the Hyksos out of Egypt and declared himself king of all Egypt. His rise to power marked the beginning of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom New Kingdom: 1550-1050 BC

Egypt grows powerful during the New Kingdom Captured Nubia and modern day Syria Conquered people paid taxes (tribute) Increased trade by building a canal between the Nile River and Red Sea. Its empire extended from the Euphrates River to southern Nubia south of Egypt.

Hatshepsut Around 1473 ruled with her husband Ruled on behalf of his child, finally making herself pharaoh. Became the 1st woman to rule Egypt in her own right Often wore men’s clothing and a fake beard. Avoided military conquests Expanded Egypt’s economy through trade Built many impressive monuments. 21 year reign. Her stepson overthrew her and her government. All monuments and traces of her reign were removed.

Ramses II Known as Ramses the Great (reigned 66yrs). Regained land in western Asia and rebuilt the empire. Launched a major building program, constructing several new temples. Restored sphinx, completed the temple of Karnak, temple in Abu Simbel.

Other Notable Pharaohs Amenhotep IV Changed the polytheistic religion to monotheistic. When priests protested he removed them from their positions, seized their lands, and closed temples. Changed his name to Akhenaton (Spirit of Aton) Neglected his roles of pharaoh and Egypt’s empire shrank. When he died, his son-in-law inherited the throne. Tutankhamen (King Tut) Boy King who inherited throne at age of 10 Restored Egypt’s old religion. Ruled for nine years and then died unexpectedly. Tomb was found untouched by Howard Carter in 1922. Contained the king’s mummy, treasures, and a gold mask of the kings face.

Daily Life in Egypt Scribes kept records and accounts of the state as well as religious and literary text. Artisans, Artists, and Architects worked as sculptors, builders, jewelers, and leather makers, etc. Architects designed the temples and were admired. Soldiers received land as payment Slaves had some legal rights and could sometimes earn their freedom. Women had certain legal rights Own property Make contracts Obtain a divorce

Egyptian Achievements Hieroglyphics Papyrus Egyptian Texts Temple of Karnak Sphinx The Pyramids Egyptian Art

Hieroglyphics Historians had known about hieroglyphics for centuries but were unable to read them. 1799: The Rosetta Stone was discovered. Had text in Greek as well as Egyptian. Scholars who knew Greek were able to translate hieroglyphics. 600 + symbols Symbols represented one or more sounds Could be written vertically, horizontally, and from the right or left

Today’s Assignment Classwork: Read the Pharaoh Reading Passage then answer the multiple choice questions. Turn this in today! Homework: Complete the Vocabulary Builder Handout for Sections 3 and 4. Due Tomorrow!! Read the directions carefully! This will be graded for accuracy.