BELLWORK: 8/22 Monarchy Dynasty Bureaucracy Empire For today’s bellwork, you will define important vocabulary words that relate to the development of early civilizations. All of these terms will be important in today’s study of Ancient Egypt so make sure you understand! Monarchy Dynasty Bureaucracy Empire THINKER: In your opinion, what was the greatest achievement of Mesopotamia?

Ancient Egypt As early as 5000 B.C., people settled around the Nile River. With its fertile soil and natural barriers to invasion, Egypt developed a strong civilization As time progressed, Egyptians created their own governments, empires, culture, and history.

The NILE RIVER , the longest river in the world (4,132 miles), flows north from the heart of Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. Its flood plain was a magnet for life -- human, plant and animal. Humans were drawn there because they could grow crops and settle into permanent villages.

TRANSPORTATION: The Nile River was the highway that joined the country together. Up until the nineteenth century, travel by land was virtually unknown.

For centuries, THE NILE RIVER FLOODED THE VALLEY, covering the land with a thick layer of fertile soil. Flooding occurred from July to September and marked the change of seasons. The Egyptians saw this as a blessing and it is still celebrated in Egypt today!

Bounded on the south, east and west by an impenetrable desert, and on the north by the sea, ANCIENT EGYPT was protected from outside influences, which allowed it to evolve in its own unique way.

Ancient Egypt You will now read more specifically about the advances of Ancient Egypt. (Nile River Valley) While reading, you will complete “mind map” notes! A mind map, or note web, is a strategy used to organize notes in a visual way. Follow the guidelines on the board. Pages 26-30