1. Ancient Egypt
Pyramids and Pharaohs

2. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
In ancient times Egypt was covered with swampland
The Nile river
Longest river in the world – 4,160 miles
Ancient Egypt was located along a 750 mile stretch of the Nile

3. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
Other natural advantages
Egypt has a frost free climate
Easy to grow many kinds of food
The Nile Valley contains several natural deposits
Granite
Sandstone
Limestone
The deserts and seas provided a natural barrier
The isthmus of Suez- trade route

4. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
Early steps towards civilization
Hieroglyphics
Papyrus
The Rosetta Stone

5. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
Two distinct kingdoms developed in Egypt
Upper Egypt (Southern Egypt)
Lower Egypt (Northern Egypt)
Menes
King of Upper Egypt
United all of Egypt around 3,200 B.C.
Pharaoh- “Great House”

6. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
The Old Kingdom
Many developments in science and art
Sphinx
Largest pyramids
2 classes
Peasants and Farmers
Nobility

7. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
The Middle Kingdom
Golden Age of Egypt
Nobles and priest began to weaken the power of the Pharaoh
Hyksos (war- like people from Asia)
Conquered part of Egypt, ruled for 100 years
Chariots
Compound Bow

8. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
The New Kingdom
Strong Pharaohs reunited the land
Drove the Hyksos out of Egypt
Thebes became capital
They built an Empire
Hatshepsut- first female ruler

9. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
The New Kingdom Continued
Amenhotep IV
Tried to bring out religious and social change
Egyptians were polytheistic
Amen believed in one god, the Sun (Aton)
He was unsuccessful in his attempt to change, priests did not want to give up power

10. Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
Egypt's Decline
The Assyrians began to take over as world powers
Egypt’s world dominance finally diminished

11. Egyptian Life and Culture
The Achievements of Ancient Egypt
Architecture and the Arts
Pyramids & Sphinx
There are still about 80 pyramids
Sculpture and paintings

12. Egyptian Life and Culture
Sphinx and Pyramids
The Great Pyramid
Ramses built this
for his wife
Ancient Egyptian Art
Ancient Thebes

13. Egyptian Life and Culture
Kom Ombo Temple
Court of Amenhotep
Statue of Amun
Head of Ramses

14. Egyptian Life and Culture
Science Math and Medicine
Calendars
Had a lunar calendar
Could predict the flooding of the Nile
Came up with a 30 day / 12 month calendar
Number system based on tens
Similar to the decimal system
Used geometry to build pyramids
Medicines

15. Egyptian Life and Culture
Education and Religion
Scribes
Learned to read and write
Worked for government
Other education was religious

16. Egyptian Life and Culture
Education and Religion Cont.
The afterlife
At first, only Pharaohs had an afterlife
Had to preserve body for the afterlife
Mummification
Placed objects in the tomb to help them in the afterlife
Treasure, a Book of the Dead

17. Egyptian Life and Culture
Society and Economy
Class was rigidly divided
Women were equal to their husbands
Could own property
Leave it to her daughter
Farmed cotton
Traded via caravan routes