The Civilization on the Nile Ancient Egypt The Civilization on the Nile

Geography of Ancient Egypt

Crossroad: Africa and Asia

Flows North 4,145 mi. from mountains of Central Africa to Mediterranean Sea Significance of Nile Predictable flooding allowed settlement and the building of a civilization Silt formed from the flooding and crops were grown for subsistence and commercial uses ~ agriculture is Egypt’s major activity

Use of the Nile Living on the delta provided fertile soil Transportation was convenient through the region by river Fish and other resources abundant Irrigation Systems were quickly developed, beginning with the use of the shadoof Use of the Nile

Shadoof

In about 2600, the Old Kingdom began and lasted for nearly 500 years Upper Egypt in southern region of Nile River Lower Egypt in northern delta region Narmer, king of Upper Egypt led his army to take control of Lower Egypt and unite the civilizations around 3000 B.C. In about 2600, the Old Kingdom began and lasted for nearly 500 years

Organization of Old Kingdom

Characteristics of Old Kingdom

Gods of Old Kingdom God of River – Hapi Sun God – Re Harvest God - Osiris

Middle Kingdom Government overthrow of the pharaoh About 2300 BC to around 1786 BC Began trade with other regions Fell when invaded by Hyskos who came in with chariots and weapons made of iron Middle kingdom’s rule by Hyskos came to end when Egyptian’s rose up and drove them out

New Kingdom Kingdom grew rich and extended territory Pharaohs used military to push kingdom borders Queen Hatshepset and nephew extended land into Syria and Palestine

New Kingdom Characteristics

Decline of Egypt Priests gained too much power and wealth Power of pharaohs declined Power was taken away from priests Claimed one god – monotheistic People of Egypt did not accept new religion King Tut came to power and went back to old religion Egyptian Empire continued to decline due to many factors and taken over by Assyrians in 671 BC

Contributions of Egyptian Empire