AIM: TO WHAT EXTENT DID EGYPTIAN RELIGION AND SOCIETY MAKE THE KINGDOM A THEOCRACY? Do Now: What is an advantage of having an empire? What is an disadvantage to having an empire?

II. Upper and Lower Egypt This is confusing, but the region to the south of the First Cataract (an area of whirlpools and rapids) is called UPPER EGYPT. The Region to the north of the First Cataract is called LOWER EGYPT.

Upper and Lower Unification

III. Unification into One Kingdom People lived in villages as far back as 5000 BCE. Upper and Lower Egypt were distinct regions A king named NARMER united Upper and Lower Egypt around 3000 BCE. He established the first DYNASTY (we learned that word in the unit on Mesopotamia). Ancient Egypt had 31 dynasties, clumped into 8 periods, over a period of about 2600 years. During the OLD KINGDOM (2700 BCE – 2200 BCE), Egypt enjoyed stability and wealth. G. The king got a new title: PHAROAH, meaning “a king who is a god.” Thus, the ruler was a god-king.

I. Glories of the OLD KINGDOM Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt UNITED. Writing – HIEROGLYPHICS (pictures/symbols) developed. Mathematics – used to construct PYRAMIDS (tombs for pharaohs) Calendar – helped determine planting seasons.

Writitng hieroglyphs were first written on stone and clay, (as in Mesopotamia,) Egyptians soon invented a better writing surface—papyrus (puh•PY•ruhs) reeds. These grew in the marshy delta. split the reeds into narrow strips, placed them crosswise in two layers, dampened them, and then pressed them. papyrus dried, the plant’s sap glued the strips together into a paper like sheet.

II. Emergence of MIDDLE KINGDOM A. Series of weak rulers leads to Confusion and disunity B. But eventually strong rulers reestablish a strong kingdom – THE MIDDLE KINGDOM. C. Improved trade and better control of Nile River led to more farmland and more prosperity.

III. NEW OLD KINGDOM Renewes Egypt New series of strong pharaohs conquered nomads and reestablished independent kingdom. This is called the NEW KINGDOM. Strong army, including CHARIOTS. HAPSHETSUT’S stepson conquered kingdom of NUBIA to the south. He brought back GOLD, SLAVES, and IVORY. Areas as far west as PALESTINE and SYRIA conquered.

I. Egyptian Religion The Egyptians were POLYTHEISTIC – what does this mean? Gods to know: -- Ra – the sun god -- Osiris – god of the dead -- Isis – GODDESS – represented motherhood and wives. Over 2000 gods and goddesses C. The pharaoh (king) was a living god, who would continue to have power after his death.

Osiris – god of the dead Re – the sun god NOTE HOW THE EGYPTIANS PORTRAYED PEOPLE AND GODS IN THEIR WRITINGS. THE FACE WAS IN PROFILE WHILE THE BODY WAS SHOWN FRONT-ON. THIS IS NOT ANATOMICALLY CORRECT.

Isis – the goddess of motherhood and marriage

II. The Afterlife Egyptians believed in the afterlife. The believed they would be judged for their deeds upon death. The pharaoh’s eternal spirit was called the ka. The god of the underworld (the place where the dead go) would judge each person’s heart. A HEAVY HEART = NO GOOD. Thus, the heart was usually taken out of the body and placed in a jar. The Egyptians prepared the body for life in the underworld by MUMMIFICATION.

H. Inside each tomb were things a body would need on the journey to, and in, the underworld, such as clothing, furniture, jewels, and lucky charms. Wealthy Egyptians had their bodies placed in nesting coffins. A coffin of this type is called a sarcophagus.

Nobles and the wealthy could afford elaborate sarcophagi, often with the likeness of the dead person carved on the front.

A replica of the tomb of the young king Tutankhamun (“King Tut”), showing all of the items placed there that he would use in the afterlife.

III. To What Extent was Egypt a THEOCRACY? The pharaoh was a god-king, expected to rule wisely. The spirits of the gods were to guide the pharaoh. Priests performed sacred ceremonies on behalf of the people. Sacrifices to the gods were made. Public money went to build elaborate tombs for the pharaoh and high nobles. Does this fit the definition of THEOCRACY?

PHARAOH’S PRINCIPAL ADVISOR, CALLED A VIZIER ROYAL FAMILY PRIESTS, LARGE LANDOWNERS, MILITARY COMMANDERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MERCHANTS AND ARTISANS FARMERS AND UNSKILLED LABORERS SLAVES

Observe and Analyze Write down anything that surprised you about the pyramid of the population of Egypt

G. People were not locked into social ranks. H. Possible to move to higher status, usually by marriage or by getting a prime job awarded by the pharaoh or the king’s advisors. As in Sumer, women had some rights. J. Women could own and trade property. K. Women who divorced could get 1/3 of husband’s property. L. At least one woman king (Hapshetsut)