1. Chapter 2.2: Pyramids on the Nile

2. Geography of Egypt The Nile River
Over 4100 Miles Long- the longest river in the world!
Yearly flooding brings silt from mountains of Africa; settles on Nile River’s banks; becomes fertile land.

3. Geography of Egypt (Continued)
If floodwater was just a few feet low, silt and water from crops was reduced. People starved (BOOOOOO!!!)
Desert lands on both sides of Nile forced Egyptians on small portion of land. Interaction with other societies was reduced (BOOOOOO!!!!)
However, deserts

4. Upper & Lower Egypt
Societies existed along the Nile from the Mediterranean Sea well into Africa’s interior.
From Mediterranean Sea to the First Cataract, 2 regions develop: Upper and Lower Egypt.
Upper Egypt: High elevation; from first cataract to Nile Delta.
Lower Egypt: Nile Delta – a delta is a section of river that has branched many times or “fanned out” into a rough triangle shape. A triangle was the Greek letter “delta”, so that’s where the term comes from.

5. Egypt Unites Into a Kingdom
5000 B.C. –
3200 B.C. – Developed into Upper & Lower Egypt. Each had its own King.
3000 B.C. –
Narmer is credited with uniting Egypt. He established his capital city, Memphis, where Upper and Lower Egypt met, creating the first Egyptian dynasty (there would be 31 dynasties over 2600 years!).

6. Pharaohs Rule as Gods Pharaoh: Ruler in Egyptian society.
They believed that the Pharaoh caused the rising and setting of the sun, flooding of the Nile, flourishing of crops, etc. It was the Pharaoh’s duty to promote truth, justice, and protect the empire.

7. The Pyramids
Egyptians believed that the Pharaohs had a ka (eternal life force) which allowed pharaohs to rule after their death.
Ka was like a living king in needs, wants, desires. What did Pharaohs want in life?
Pyramids not only reflected the importance of a Pharaoh, but also the advancement of civilization.

8. Religion and Life
Polytheistic – Believed in over 2000 gods and goddesses and built temples and statues to honor them. Major gods and goddesses were:
Re/Ra – The sun god
Osiris – The god of the dead
Isis – The ideal mother and wife
Believed in life after death.
Planned for death:
Built tombs
Practiced mummification
Filled tomb with items to be used in the afterlife.

9. Egyptian Society
Society formed a pyramid, with royals at the top, Upper class below them, followed by the middle class, and the lower class on the bottom.
Slave labor was common in Egypt. Slaves were usually obtained as prisoners of war.

10. Writing
Egyptian writing is called hieroglyphics (from Greek, meaning “sacred carving”).
Over time, hieroglyphs became associated with sounds and a verbal language developed.
Hieroglyphs deciphered by scholars using a key called the Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799.

11. Science and Technology
Calendar – Based on astronomical observations
Mathematics:
Developed a number system.
Used Geometry to set property boundaries and develop architectural principles that cannot be duplicated today!
Medicine:
Check heart rate using “pulse points”
Used splints to treat broken bones
Developed Minor surgical procedures