Ch. 4 Ancient Egypt and Kush

Section 1: Geography and Ancient Egypt Nile played a vital role. Divided Ancient Egypt into two regions: Lower Egypt Upper Egypt Cataracts – strong rapids Delta – a triangle-shaped area of land made of soil deposited by a river

Development of Civilization Civilization developed here more than 12,000 years ago. Advantages of the Nile River valley: Flooding brought deposits of silt Irrigation and canals moved water Natural barriers provided protection

Unifying Egypt Menes - wanted to unite Upper and Lower Egypt Became Egypt’s 1st pharaoh – title used by the rulers of Egypt. Built a dynasty - series of rulers from the same family. Establish Memphis as the capital.

Section 2: The Old Kingdom Period of Egyptian history that lasted from about 2700 to 2200 B.C. Pharaoh was both a king and god. Most famous was Khufu.

Social Structure

Religion and Egyptian Life Practice polytheism. Afterlife – life after death. Burial practices: Embalming – removal of vital organs Mummies – specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth Elite (people of wealth and power) were mummified.

The Pyramids Royal tombs Pyramids – huge stone tombs with four triangle- shaped walls that met in a point on top. Great Pyramid of Khufu 481 feet tall 2 million limestone blocks Engineering – the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

Section 3: The Middle and New Kingdom Middle Kingdom – period of order and stability that lasted until about 1750 BC. Hyksos invade and conquer Lower Egypt Eventually driven out. New Kingdom – period during which Egypt reached the height of its power and glory Built an empire.

As empire grew, so did trade Trade routes – paths followed by traders Helped increase the power of the pharaoh Society became complex People took on different jobs Scribes Artisans, Artists, and Architects Soldiers Farmers Slaves

Family Life Men – marry young, start a family Women – take care of home and family Did have rights – own property, make contracts, divorce their husband. Both boys and girls were given an education Boys, at the age of 14, left school to enter their father’s profession.

Egyptian Achievements Hieroglyphics – Egyptian writing system 600 symbols Papyrus – a long lasting, paper-like material made from reeds Rosetta Stone – a stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics