EGYPT “THE GIFT OF THE NILE”

SSWH1 The student will analyze the origins, structure, and interactions of complex societies in the ancient Eastern Mediterranean from 3500 BCE – 500 BCEB. Describe the relationship of religion and political authority in Ancient Egypt.E. Explain the development and importance of writing; include cuneiform, hieroglyphics, and the Phoenician alphabet.

EGYPTIAN GEOGRAPHY

EGYPTIAN GEOGRAPHYMAP – PAGE A17 & 36 Nile River – annual flood, predictable

Used irrigation ditches to water crops Natural barriers – deserts on both sides Delta – triangle shaped land at mouth of

river

GOVERNMENT:THE PHARAOH God-kings

Absolute/unlimited power

Theocracy – government is based on religious authority

EGYPTIAN SOCIAL LIFE

Pharaohpriests, gov’t

officials, army commanders,

wealthy landowners

merchants, artisans

poor farmers, laborers, slaves

Could gain higher status

RELIGION Polytheistic

Ra – sun god (main god)

Akhenaten (1364-1347 BCE) – monotheism w/ Ra as only god

RaEgyptian sun god

MUMMIFICATION Belief in afterlife

Mummification(embalm & dry corpse to prevent decay)

Anubis God & guide of underworld

Devourer of Souls

WRITING Hieroglyphics: Egyptian

pictograph writing

Papyrus : plant Egyptian’s used as paper

GOVERNMENT Unified kingdom & build

pyramids from 3000 BCE to 2180 BCE – Old Kingdom

2040 BCE – 1640 BCE Middle Kingdom (strong pharaohs, prosperity)

1570 BCE – 1075 BCE New Kingdom(built empire, power, wealth)

1200 BCE Empire declined & controlled Kush & Assyrians