Ancient Egypt & Kush (Nubia) – II

Egyptian Life and Culture Agriculture –primary economic activity in Egypt; 80% of Egyptians were poor farmers; relied on irrigation from the Nile and the fertile silt deposited during seasonal floods

Writing Hieroglyphics –Egyptian writing system, one of the world’s first, used symbols “Book of the Dead” –hymns to gods such as Ra and described the process of mummification (1240 BC)

Rosetta Stone –a stone slab discovered in 1799 that was inscribed with hieroglyphics and their Greek meanings; best archaeological source for translation of glyphs Papyrus –long-lasting, paper-like substance made from reeds Writing

Architecture Pyramids –Old Kingdom tombs –Egypt’s most recognized symbol

Architecture Temples –Dedicated to gods and pharaohs

Sphinx –huge ancient Egyptian statue of an imaginary creature with the head of a person and the body of a lion; Great Sphinx of Giza (Old Kingdom) is the largest single-stone statue ever Obelisk –a tall, four-sided pillar that is pointed on top; like the Washington monument Architecture

Art Tomb Paintings –Murals

Art Carvings –“reliefs”

Art Jewelry & Decorations