1. Government of Ancient Egypt
Mrs. DelGrosso/ Ms. West

2. Why is government necessary?
Turn and talk with a partner and discuss why a government is essential for a civilization

3. Early Government
In the earliest days of Ancient Egypt, there were villages with chiefs in charge
Over time, chiefs united villages into kingdoms

4. Rise of power
By 4000 B.C.E., two kingdoms overpowered others: the kingdom of Lower Egypt and the kingdom of Upper Egypt
By 3100 B.C.E., the two kingdoms united to become one under a man named Narmer (sometimes known as Menes)

5. Why would he want to unite Lower and Upper Egypt?
To have control over the fertile land
Because a united country would be stronger than two separate lands

6. Narmer’s legacy Narmer became the first pharaoh – an all-powerful king

7. Keeping it in the family
After Narmer passed away, the power remained in his family
Dynasty: A line of rulers from one family
Ancient Egypt was ruled by 32 dynasties

8. What type of government was Ancient Egypt
Egypt was both a monarchy and a theocracy
A monarchy is a government where the king has all of the power
A theocracy is a government where the king has all of the political power AND religious power

9. Job Description of a Pharaoh
They created all laws
They hired officials to make sure irrigation canals and grain storage places were built and repaired
They made sure crops were planted
They controlled trade
They collected tax payments of grain from farmers
They directed temples to be built and helped with religious ceremonies
They were in charge of the army

10. Why did people respect the pharaoh?
They respected the pharaoh because they believed a strong leader was important
They also thought he was the son of the Egyptian sun god, Ra

11. Vizier
The vizier was the second in command. He was the “right hand man” to the pharaoh
He helped the pharaoh with anything that was needed
He was also the highest judge in the court
Many officials like scribes and tax collectors would report to the vizier

12. How do historians organize the history of Egypt?
They divided ancient Egyptian history into three periods: Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom that range over 1,500 years.
Read the article with a partner and highlight two important facts about each period of time
Then, record what you find on your timeline

13. Old Kingdom
2700 – 2200 B.C.E.
During this period, the Egyptians focused on making pyramids
Pyramids became known as one of Egypt’s greatest legacies.
Legacy: A gift left from a period of time

14. Middle Kingdom 2100 – 1800 B.C.E. Egypt became stronger
Egyptians achieved a great deal in literature, art and architecture

15. New Kingdom 1500 – 100 B.C.E. The Egyptians became a world power
They conquered many other nations