1. Pyramids on the Nile

2. Geography of Egypt The Nile River- the world’s longest river over 4,100 miles long. The Gift of the Nile Rich fertile black mud, called silt, left behind by the flooding of the Nile. Egyptians worshipped the land because of this gift, nicknamed “the gift of the Nile” by Herodotus in the 5 th century.

3. What do we remember about the Tigris & Euphrates River, challenge wise? Environmental Challenges -Mainly unpredictable floods This was not the case in Egypt. The Nile’s overflow was very regular. Still, life in Egypt was risky. Thousands would starve if the floodwaters were just a few feet shorter. Destruction would occur if the floodwaters were just a few feet higher. Limitations on living space around the Nile. People could only be so far from it. The desert on both sides of the Nile was harsh, and acted as a barrier to Egyptian civilization. Could this be good? Of course! Egypt was primarily isolated from warfare because its harsh desert surroundings. Not the case for the rest of the Fertile Crescent.

4. Take another look…

5. The Nile flows from south to north out of Lake Victoria. The winds blew south; southbound boats hoisted a wide sail. The ease of contact made possible by this watery highway helped unify Egypt’s villages and promote trade. The natural Barriers of Egypt are: deserts Red Sea Mediterranean Sea cataracts How Cool – 2 way travel!

6. How about this bad boy to sail the Nile? Only $100 million dollars

7. Around 3000 B.C.E. – King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt. (Narmer) Upper Egypt: higher elevation, southern Egypt. Lower Egypt: lower elevation, northern Egypt. Egypt Unites into a Kingdom

8. Pharaohs rule as gods In Mesopotamia, kings were representatives of gods. In Egypt, kings were gods. Egyptian god-kings were called pharaohs and thought to be near equals to the gods of the heavens. Theocracy - Type of government that is ruled based on religious authority. Builder of Pyramids Egyptians believed Pharaohs ruled even after death with their Ka. Kings had to reign forever so their tombs were very important. For the kings of the Old Kingdom, the resting place after death was an immense structure called a pyramid because of the “afterlife” The Old Kingdom - 2600-2180 B.C.E.

9. The Great Age of Pyramid Building Occurred During the Old Kingdom! Pyramids represented the strength of Egyptian civilization. They show that Old Kingdom dynasties had developed the economic strength and technological means to support massive public works projects, as well as the leadership and government organization to carry them out. No wheel to help build them! Tons of granite & limestone to haul! Each block weighed between 2.5 – 15 tons (Giza Pyramid). 2 million blocks used (Giza)

10. Religion and life Egyptians were polytheistic, like those of Mesopotamia. Worshipped over 2,000 gods for nearly all aspects of life. Death Royal and elite Egyptians’ bodies were preserved by mummification, which involves embalming and drying the corpse to prevent it from decaying. Book of the Dead – Scroll text collection of hymns, prayers, and magic spells used to guide the souls to the afterlife. Egyptian Culture

11. Marriage or job successfulness could change your status. Slaves could be freed as a reward for loyalty. Being able to read and write opened the doors for anyone. Women had many of the same rights as men. Life in Egypt – Just like this chart

12. Form of writing was known as hieroglyphics. Greek translation is “sacred carving” Egyptians invented papyrus reeds to write on – better writing surface. Rosetta Stone – used to translate hieroglyphics Egyptian Writing

13. Solar Calendar of 365 days, 12 months, 30 days per month, plus 5 holidays for feasting. Deadly accurate calendar falling short only 6 hours of a true solar calendar. Developed math skills of adding, counting, subtracting to help with tax collection. Famous Egyptian medicine Performed surgeries Check pulses Set broken bones with splints Treated fevers and wounds. Inventions

14. New farmland created. Nubians were conquered. Pharaohs restored law and order. 1640 BC- Hyksos invasion: used bronze weapons and horse drawn carriages “Rulers of foreign lands” The Middle Kingdom – 2040-1640 B.C.E.

15. drove out Hyksos Queen Hatshepsut – 1480 B.C., 1 st woman pharaoh King Tut – restored old gods Ramses II – Ramses the Great ruled 66 years The New Kingdom - 1567 to 1085 B.C.E.