2.  Nile River—The Nile is the longest river in the world. It runs north through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea, a distance of 4000 miles.  Upper Egypt– southern region of Egypt. It is located upriver in the relation to the Nile’s flow. The Nile floods this region in mid-summer.  Lower Egypt– the northern region of Egypt. It is located downriver. The Nile floods this region in the fall.

3.  Pharaoh– the titles used by the rulers of ancient Egypt. Historians believe that Menes (MEE-neez) was the first pharaoh.  Dynasty– series of rulers from the same family

4.  Old Kingdom—period in Egyptian history that lasted for about 500 years from about 2700 to 2200 B.C. The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx were created during this time.

5.  Nobles- -people from rich and powerful families  Afterlife– life after death. This belief in the afterlife came from their belief in ka (kah)  Ka-- or a person’s life force. The Egyptians believed that when a person died their ka would become a spirit. However, their ka was linked to their body therefore it could not leave the burial site. The ka needs all the same things as a living person therefore the Egyptians would fill tombs with clothing, furniture, tools, jewelry and weapons. Relatives would bring food and drink to the their loved one’s tombs.

6.  Mummification- method of embalming to preserve bodies. Egypt’s royalty and elite were mummified.

7. Middle Kingdom-- period in Egyptian history from about 2050 to 1750 B.C. In the period Egypt becomes an international power by reconquering Nubia and expanding trade routes. New Kingdom-- period in Egyptian history from about 1550 to 1050 B.C. This was also the period that Egypt reached the height of its power and glory.

8.  Hieroglyphics– system of writing that used pictures to represent sounds or words.

9.  Papyrus– long-lasting paper-like material made from reeds; used to write on.

10.  Rosetta Stone– stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics. It was discovered in 1799 by a French soldier. It allowed historians to be able to read the Egyptian hieroglyphics.