Ancient Egypt

The Nile Valley ANNUAL FLOODS –Deposited Silt –Protected from other civilizations by deserts UPPER EGYPT –First Cataract to 100 miles of Mediterranean LOWER EGYPT –100 miles to River Delta –Upper and Lower were united in 3100 BC

Egyptian Religion Polytheistic Amon-Re, Sun God - Chief God Osiris - God of Underworld and Nile Strong Belief in Afterlife – Life after death would be like life on earth – Buried with items you need – Preserved bodies with Mummification FACT Egyptians believed that your heart would be weighed against a feather of truth. Sinners would be fed to a crocodile-shaped eater of the dead!

Egyptian Writing Lasting Records –Hieroglyphics used by Scribes –Demotic - Simpler form for everyday use –Developed Papyrus Rosetta Stone early 1800’S –Written in Hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek

Wisdom of Egyptians MEDICINE –Extensive knowledge of Human bodies –Surgical operations ASTRONOMY –Mapped Stars –Developed Calendar –12 Months of 30 Days –5 Days added to the end of the year MATHEMATICS –Developed Geometry –Engineering Skills (Pyramids)

Pyramids Most made during the Old Kingdom Were made to be the tombs for pharaohs They began as flat tombs called Mastabas.

Stepped Pyramid The great architect Imhotep decided to place one mastaba on top of another He is the first “artist” whom we know his name He created the “Stepped” Pyramid

Snefru’s Pyramids The Pharaoh Snefru constructed at least three pyramids. The “Collapsed” Pyramid A “Bent Pyramid” The first “true” Pyramid – Red Pyramid

The Giza Plateau Consists of many Pyramids and monuments: The largest – Pyramid of Khufu 2 nd – Pyramid of Khafre Smallest- Pyramid of Menkaure Many “Queens” Pyramids Great Sphinx