Egyptian Achievements Chapter 4 Section 4

Achievements To Name a Few ... Obelisks Cartouche Flat Roofed Homes Pyramids  Mummification  Unique Gods and Goddesses Written Language Written Laws Courts and Justice System Solar Calendar (365 days) & Egyptian Calendar (360 days)    Systems of Irrigation and the Shaduf  Papyrus   Book of the Dead Number system including fractions  

Hieroglyphics Egyptian hieroglyphics were one of the world’s first writing systems Hieroglyphics had over 600 different symbols – picture writing They could be written horizontally, vertically, read left to right or right to left

Try to memorize as many hieroglyphics on the next page as you can in 5 seconds. Ready? Go!

Okay, only 570 more to go.

Papyrus – Gee, that almost sounds like “paper.” They developed papyrus. A tough, paper-like material made from reeds Reeds were pounded into sheets and then pressed together It was very durable and rolled easily into scrolls

Egyptian papyrus scrolls survived well in the dry heat. We know much about Egypt because these scrolls held information about their style of government, science, medicine, and afterlife as shown here by pages from the Book of the Dead.

Many of their medical treatments included magic, herbs and other remedies to treat many disorders.   Some priests were specially trained as physicians to care for the sick, injured, and mentally ill. Patients were treated with respect, and their personal information was highly confidential.   When a person was ill, he or she would come to the temple or call for a doctor for a diagnosis. An obvious problem was treated with medicine, prayer, and magic. If a clear cause was not discovered, the diagnosis would usually be attributed to an evil spirit or curse. The physician would use magic spells or amulets (magic charms) to bring about a cure.

The Rosetta Stone The Rosetta Stone was written in Greek, late Egyptian, and hieroglyphics. We could read Greek. Because of this we got much of our knowledge of how to read hieroglyphics from its lucky discovery.

It was deciphered by a Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champoillon – who was actually kind of cute.

Egypt’s Great Temples Not only did the Egyptian build pyramids, but they also created magnificent temples They had to be beautiful structures because the Egyptians believed they were the homes of their gods. Some design features of these “homes” were obelisks, sphinxes, hieroglyphics, columns, paintings, and statues of gods, goddesses, and the pharoahs and their families.

Obelisks

Sphinxes

Temple of Karnak Temple of Karnak

Temple of Abu Simbel

Trivia Break

What did the ancient Egyptians call the star grouping we call the Big Dipper?   Answer: The Hippopotamus Where did ancient Egyptian women place or wear perfume? Answer: In wax cones on their heads Used to make bread and beer, what was the major crop of ancient Egypt? Answer: Barley

What was the most popular pet in ancient Egypt? Answer: A cat What breed of dog was used as a hunting dog in ancient Egypt? Answer: The greyhound The Christian cross was developed from what ancient Egyptian symbol? Answer: Ankh   What was the most popular pet in ancient Egypt? Answer: A cat What did the ancient Egyptians believe would cure a toothache? Answer: Fried mice!

Egyptian Art Egyptians took great care in creating objects of beauty so their dead could enjoy them forever in the afterlife.

King Tut The 1922 discovery of King Tutunkhamen’s tomb by English archaeologist, Howard Carter, gave the world some of the most exquisite artifacts known to man.

Sarcophagus of a King

Three Faces of Tut

Golden goddesses guarded him on his journey to the afterlife

Thieves Many tombs and temples had been robbed of their treasures.

Egyptian Painting Egyptians painted scenes from royal coronations to every day life People were painted with their legs viewed from the side while their upper torsos faced the viewer. This is called frontalism. A person was painted tall if they were important and small if they were common people, servants, or slaves.

Carvings Egyptians were masters at carving stone. They were skillful jewelers and goldsmiths

Take out your whiteboards.

Match ‘em up papyrus Rosetta Stone Language Painting subject Howard Carter 600 sphinx cats King Tut’s tomb Decorative architectural feature French Everyday life hieroglyphics Reed growing on riverbanks Greek Rosetta Stone archaeologist 1922 Champoillon Favorite pet greyhounds