Ch.4 Ancient Egypt and Kush Vocabulary

Section 1

Rapids along a river, such as those along the Nile in Egypt Cataracts Rapids along a river, such as those along the Nile in Egypt

a triangle-shaped area of land make from soil deposited by a river Delta a triangle-shaped area of land make from soil deposited by a river

Menes Legendary Egyptian ruler, he unified the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt and built the new capital city of Memphis

the title used by the rulers of Egypt Pharaoh the title used by the rulers of Egypt

a series of rulers from the same family Dynasty a series of rulers from the same family

Section 2

Old Kingdom the period from about 2700 to 2200 BC in Egyptian history that began shortly after Egypt was unified

Khufu Egyptian pharaoh, he ruled during Egypt’s Old Kingdome and is known for the many monuments built to honor him.

a rich and powerful person Nobles a rich and powerful person

Afterlife life after death

a specially treated body wrapped in cloth for preservation Mummy a specially treated body wrapped in cloth for preservation

people of wealth and power Elite people of wealth and power

a huge triangular tomb built by the Egyptians and other peoples Pyramids a huge triangular tomb built by the Egyptians and other peoples

the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes Engineering the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes

Section 3

Middle Kingdom the period of Egyptian history from about 2050 to 1750 BC and marked by order and stability

New Kingdom the period from about 1550 to 1050 BC in Egyptian history when Egypt reached the height of its power and glory

Rapids along a river, such as those along the Nile in Egypt Trade Routes Rapids along a river, such as those along the Nile in Egypt

Queen Hatshepsut Egyptian queen, she worked to increase trade with places outside of Egypt and ordered many impressive monuments and temples built during her reign

Ramses the Great Egyptian pharaoh, he expanded the kingdom and built lasting temples at Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel

Section 4

the ancient Egyptian writing system that used picture symbols Hieroglyphics the ancient Egyptian writing system that used picture symbols

Papyrus a long-lasting, paper-like material made from reeds that the ancient Egyptians used to write on

Rosetta Stone A huge stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics, Greek, and a later form of Egyptian that allowed historians to understand Egyptian writing

Sphinx An imaginary creature with a human head and the body of a lion that was often shown on Egyptian statues

a tall, pointed, four-sided pillar in ancient Egypt Obelisk a tall, pointed, four-sided pillar in ancient Egypt

King Tutankhamen Egyptian pharaoh, he died while still a young king. The discover of his tomb in 1922 has taught archaeologists much about Egyptian culture

Section 5

Piankhi Ruler of Kush, he was one of Kush’s most successful military leaders. His army captured all of Egypt.

a system of people in different lands who trade goods back and forth Trade Network a system of people in different lands who trade goods back and forth

Merchants a trader

items sent to other regions for trade Exports items sent to other regions for trade

goods brought in from other regions Imports goods brought in from other regions

Queen Shanakhdakheto Ruler of Kush, historians think she was the first woman to rule Kush. Her tomb is one of the largest pyramids in Meroe

King Ezana Aksumite ruler, he destroyed Meroe and took over the kingdom of Kush around AD 350