Ancient Egypt The Gift of the Nile

The Nile River Brought life to Egypt Bi-annual flooding deposited large amounts of silt. Without the flooding of the Nile, farming in Egypt would not be possible.

Civilization begins Nomadic Villages Farming

Civilization begins… Used irrigation to control the river’s flow Nile delta – large area of rich soil Grew variety of crops Barley, wheat, vegetables, fruit Nile provided water and food Fresh water, geese, duck, fish

Natural barriers Mediterranean and Red Seas Deserts Cataracts

Egypt Unites Egypt originally two parts: Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt Menes unites two parts by marriage to Lower Egypt princess Menes becomes 1st pharaoh and creates 1st dynasty

Bellwork: Quiz Chapter 4.1&2 In which direction does the Nile River flow? What physical feature is to the east and west of Egypt? What is the Gift of the Nile? Who is the most important person in Egypt? The most fertile soil in Egypt can be found in the _________, where the Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea.

Essential Question #7 What are the characteristics and accomplishments of the Nile River Valley civilizations?

The Old Kingdom A period in which the Egyptians developed a system based on the belief that the pharaoh was both king and god. Social classes appeared as population grew. Egypt began to barter/trade with other countries.

Egyptian Social Hierarchy Pharaoh Priests and Nobles Craftspeople and Scribes Farmers, servants, and slaves

Egyptian Religion Practiced polytheism Focused on afterlife Believed body and spirit were linked

Egyptian Pyramids Built as tomb for pharaoh Size and shape displays pharaoh’s importance People’s link to the gods Pharaoh Khufu builds Great Pyramid

The Middle Kingdom A period of order and stability that lasted until about 1750 BC Taken over by group called the Hyksos Ahmose of Thebes drove Hyksos out of Egypt and declared himself pharaoh of all Egypt

The New Kingdom Period during which Egypt reached height of power Military power made Egypt rich

Growth and Trade Used system of bartering Created trade routes to various lands Egypt took over Imports – goods being brought into the country Exports – goods being sent out of the country

Important People Ramses II – one of greatest pharaohs ever; great military leader Queen Hatshepsut – increased trade

Hebrews Became known as the Jews Moved from Mesopotamia to Canaan; became slaves in Egypt Practiced the world’s first monotheistic religion: Judaism Belief in one God; belief that God will send a messiah (savior) to save the Jewish people The Torah is the sacred text of Judaism were all of the origins and basic laws of Judaism are recorded.

Four Important Hebrew Leaders Abraham – called the “father of the Hebrews;” introduced belief in God to the Hebrews; lead the Hebrews into Canaan Moses – great leader of the Hebrews; lead the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt; God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (10 most important laws to live by; foundation of Judaism) to give to the Hebrews King David – founder of the Kingdom of Israel; established Jerusalem as a holy city King Solomon – built the first great Jewish temple; making Jerusalem and its temple powerful symbols of the Jewish faith in God