1. How did the early Egyptian civilization develop?

2. Geographic features of Egypt
A. Warm climate
B. Nile river- water source
C. Location- close to the Middle East- for trade
D. Desert – provided natural barrier

3. Is geographic features important in the development of early civilization?
How about in modern time?
How did geographic features affect the development of Egyptian civilization?

4. Old Kingdom B.C B.C.
sets the pattern for great Egyptian civilization-
the builders of Pyramid
The Old kingdom decline as a result of series of poor harvest and wars
Polytheistic

5. Middle Kingdom Traded with Mesopotamia
Change in religion- believed common people had eternal souls
Conquered by the Hyksos
The kingdom declined as a result of series of weak pharaohs

6. New Kingdom Age of Empire
Most of the Pharaoh’s were warlike and built Armies
The Empire began to decline as other strong civilization came to power
1200 B.C. - invaded by the “people of the Sea” and later invaded and conquered by Assyrians in 671 B.C.; 520 B.C. Persians took over

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbzxqeCJfic&feature=related 7:40

8. II. Features of the Egyptian civilization
Cities and towns
Central government- Dynasty where one family rules, Pharaoh is viewed as a god
Complex religion- polytheists with many priests, belief in afterlife
Public Works- the Pyramid and various architecture , roads
Social class
Writing system- hieroglyphics

9. III. Egyptian Society
A. Religion- polytheists, believed in after life. Practiced mummification to preserve the dead, built tombs
B. People
1. Peasant farmers and slaves- work the land and in off seasons served the pharaoh laboring on palaces and tombs
2. Women were not confined to their home.
They were allowed occupations such as
priestess, doctors, and merchants

10. Achievements and Contributions
1. Religion- polytheism
Belief in afterlife, MAAT virtues of good life to act rightly
2. architecture- built pyramids and tombs
3. Science- medicine and astronomy
4. Written records
5. Math
6. Arts and literature

11. Why was it possible for early civilization to flourish in Egypt?