Ancient Egypt Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms related to Ancient Egypt for exam preparation.

Cataracts

Rapids along the river.

Delta

A triangle-shaped area of fertile land at the end of the Nile River.

Nile River

The river where Egyptians settled, providing fertile soil, trade routes, resources, and transportation.

Pharaoh

The title of the rulers of Egypt, viewed and treated as gods.

Menes

The ruler credited with unifying Egypt and is considered the first Pharaoh.

Dynasty

A series of rulers from the same family.

Old Kingdom

The period in Egyptian history from about 2700 to 2200 BC known as the Age of Pyramids.

Khufu

A pharaoh of the Old Kingdom known for the Great Pyramid of Giza and other monuments.

Nobles

Individuals of high social status in ancient Egypt, often supporting the Pharaoh.

Afterlife

The belief in life after death, central to Egyptian religion.

Mummies

Preserved bodies, typically pharaohs, prepared for the afterlife.

Pyramids

Massive tombs built for pharaohs, demonstrating architectural achievements.

Merchant

A person who trades goods with other civilizations, typically in the middle class.

Trade Routes

Paths used for commercial trading of goods.

Middle Kingdom

The period of Egyptian history from about 2050 to 1750 BC characterized by order and stability.

New Kingdom

The period during which Egypt reached the height of its power and glory.

Queen Hatshepsut

One of the few female pharaohs, known for her prosperous reign and trade expeditions, she expanded Egypt's wealth and influence.

Ramses the Great

A powerful pharaoh known for expanding Egypt and building lasting monuments and he was a warrior.

Papyrus

A plant used to make an early form of paper.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system of ancient Egyptians using symbols.

Rosetta Stone

A stone slab that helped translate ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Sphinxes

Mythical creatures with the body of a lion and head of a human or animal.

Obelisk

A tall, four-sided, narrow, stone monument pillar with a pyramidal top.

King Tutankhamen

Also known as King Tut, a young pharaoh who became ruler at 9 and died at 18.

Import

Goods or crops brought into a country, purchased for economic exchange.

Export

Goods or crops sent out of a country for sale, generating income.

Engineering

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, particularly in building.