Chapter 2, Section 2 “Pyramids on the Nile”

The Geography of Egypt Egypt’s settlements arose along the Nile on a narrow strip of land made fertile by the river. Yearly flooding of the Nile left rich fertile soil. The deserts surrounding Egypt kept Egypt isolated from invaders.                        

Egypt as a Kingdom Pharaohs were kings who were considered gods. Theocracy – rule based on religious authority. The pharaoh was at the center of Egypt’s religion and government.

The Pyramids Egyptians believed a pharaoh’s soul existed even after his death. The pyramids were built to house the pharaoh’s soul after death.

The Pyramids, continued Of interest [don’t write down] – the Great Pyramids at Giza were perfectly engineered with giant stones which weighed between 2.5 & 15 tons. Each pyramid contained more than 2 million stones stacked to a height of 481 feet, covering more than 13 acres.

Egyptian Religion Egyptian religion was polytheistic. Re – sun god Osiris – god of the dead Isis – goddess who represented ideal mother and wife Egyptians worshiped more than 2,000 gods and goddesses and built pyramids to honor each.

Egyptian Afterlife Egyptians believed that their souls would be judged after death. A good heart would get eternal life in the beautiful Other World. Pyramids and mummification were made to prepare the soul for the journey in the afterlife.

Egyptian Writing Egyptians wrote using a picture-type writing called hieroglyphics. Egyptians wrote on an early form of paper called papyrus.                                      

Invaders in Egypt Egyptian prosperity and independence ended with the invasion of the Hyksos, who ruled Egypt from 1630-1523 B.C.