Egypt’s Old Kingdom

Pharaoh( kings) All powerful ruler, guided every activity, his/her word is law must be obeyed Paid the greatest respect - “smell the earth” Head of the civil administration and commanded many resources: – Grain storage building and collection – Told people when to plant crops – Administered trade – Chief priest to every god in the kingdom – Chief warlord- head of their fighting forces

Why did the People Serve the Pharaoh -They believed the unity of the kingdom depended on a strong ruler -Considered the son of Re the Egyptian sun god -“God on Earth”- controlled Egypt’s welfare -Running of sacred bull- to ensure flooding and rich soil -Cutting of the 1 st grain – ensure a good harvest

Egypt’s Religion

Re (Ra)- Sun God Hapi – Goddess of the Nile River Isis- Goddess of loyal wife and mother Osiris- God of death and rebirth Many more Gods and Goddesses that controlled the forces of nature and human activities

Life after Death

Life in the next world would be better than life on earth Book of the Dead – collection of spells and prayers that were studied to obtain life after death Osiris would meet newcomers at the entrance of the next world

Afterlife of Pharaohs Pharaoh’s spirit must reach next world to look after Egypt Spirit needed the body to make the journey to the afterlife Mummification- embalming to protect the body – Remove organs and place in clay jars – Special salt applied to body- dry out and then removed – Oils applied and body cavity was filled with linens, perfumes and spices – Body wrapped tightly in strips of linen

Mummification Body placed in several wooden coffins, one inside of another Coffin placed in tomb All things needed by the Pharaoh would accompany them – Food, beds, chairs, knives, tableware, swords, chariot, jewelry, musical instruments, and many ritualistic religious items – Tombs had elaborate wall draws and much decoration