Do Now! What are the 7 characteristics of a civilization for Egypt? Give Examples of: Social Structure Written Language Government Religion Culture Technology Stable Food Supply
Egyptian Religion
Religion Egyptians practiced a polytheistic religion They believed that honoring the Gods and Goddesses was a community effort Egyptians believed in an afterlife Egyptians mummified their dead to prepare them for their afterlife During the Old Kingdom, Egyptians only believed that pharaohs and the elite could go to the afterlife Only pharaohs and their relatives were mummified During the Middle and New Kingdoms, Egyptians believed that all people had a chance at eternal life Once mummified Egyptians believed that their soul would be judged by Osiris who would weigh their heart against a feather The feather symbolized justice
Symbols to Know Ankh Crook and Flail Sceptre or Staff Eye of Horus Symbol of life Carried in the hand Crook and Flail Symbol of kingship (caregiver / punisher) Sceptre or Staff Symbol of power and domination Eye of Horus Symbolizes royal power and courage
Ra God of creation/sun Egyptians believed that Ra created the world They believed that the rising sun was the symbol of creation
Amon God of the sun, fertility, and reproduction
Amon-Ra Egyptians usually combined the Gods Amon and Ra together. Eventually the two Gods merged into one god, Amon-Ra King of the Gods. Sun god and god of creation, who protected the rich and poor.
Osiris He was killed by his brother Seth out of jealousy Seth wanted to take his place as king His wife, Isis, found him and brought him back to life He was the God of the Underworld
Isis Wife and sister of Osiris Goddess of motherhood and love
Seth God of Chaos Murdered his brother Osiris and plucked Horus’s eye out
Anubis God of funerals and death He was thought to protect the dead He supervised embalming
Bastet The Goddess of cats, women, and children Egyptians believed cats were sacred because they killed rats and mice which ate their grain and caused diseases Sometimes cats were even mummified!
Bes Human-like God who wore a feathered headdress and a lion skin He protected women in childbirth He also protected children and families against evil influences
Horus Sky God Son of Osiris and Isis He gave power to each pharaoh
Sekhmet Lion-headed goddess The Goddess of medicine and war
Thoth God of wisdom and writing He helped Isis bring Osiris back to life
Hapi God of the Nile River