Egyptian Test Study Guide

What tier is the Pharaoh in?

Tier 1

What tier are priests and nobles in?

Tier 2

What tier are merchants and craftsmen in?

Tier 4

What tier are officials and scribes in?

Tier 3

What tier are farmers in?

Tier 5

What tier are laborers and slaves in?

Tier 6

Why is a pyramid/triangle a fitting shape to reflect social class in ancient Egypt's society?

It illustrates the hierarchical structure, with a small elite at the top and a larger population base at the bottom, representing power distribution.

How might geography have impacted where Egyptians chose to place a pyramid?

Geography influenced pyramid placement by ensuring proximity to the Nile for transportation and resources, as well as aligning with the cardinal points for religious significance.

What is significant about Pharaohs continuing to build pyramids after a thousand years?

The fact that powerful rulers "resumed" building pyramids showed that they could've paused and then continued the builds due to other primary events.

What did Middle Kingdom architects do to protect their pyramids from looters?

The Middle Kingdom architects created trapdoors, blind passages, fortified walls, and stone slabs.

Why does the classic pyramid go out of style as the Egyptian dynasties go on?

Pharaohs probably didn't want to waste materials, though despite their advancements, precious items were still being stolen, plus the old, classic style of pyramids "went out," and people wanted to conserve space as their population increased.

How do the pyramids represent the success and growth of Egyptian life?

The pyramids symbolize the prosperity and architectural advancement of ancient Egypt, showcasing their religious beliefs, social organization, and the pharaohs' power. They served as monumental tombs, reflecting the civilization's achievements and eternal aspirations.

Define subterranean

relating to, or being situated below the surface of the ground.

How is the entrance of the pyramid connected to the subterranean chamber?

The entrance of the pyramid is connected to the subterranean chamber with the enlarged well shaft in the bedrock and a downward tunnel.

Describe how the subterranean chamber was left unfinished.

How the subterranean chamber was considered "left unfinished" is because of the rough and uneven floors, walls, and ceiling.

Why was the subterranean chamber left unfinished?

The subterranean chamber was left finished due to the belief that the chamber was originally created for Khufu, but the pharaoh later changed his mind for it to be built higher in elevation and cancelled the project.

 Why would the Egyptian architects build a chamber under a pyramid?

The Egyptian architects built a chamber under a pyramid to serve as a burial site for the pharaoh and to protect the royal tomb from grave robbers.

What was the Queen's chamber purpose?

The Queen's chamber purpose is to be the king's serdab, or a chamber containing the ka statue for housing the king's spirit, as it is believed that no queen was buried inside.

How did the architects prevent access to the King's chamber?

The architects prevented access to the King's chamber by sealing the chamber with a portcullis of three granite slabs designed to be lowered into place once the construction was finished.

Which Egyptian gods are represented in the King's chamber?

Ra & Horus

Where was Khufu's sarcophagus and body located?

Khufu's sarcophagus was located in the west end of the King's chamber while his body was never found.

Why were the pyramids and their construction important to Egyptians?

Pyramids and their construction were important to Egyptians because they symbolized pharaoh's power, strength, ability on ruling their kingdom. Constructing the pyramid is also a way to test out architects' skills.

What does the Ra Apophis myth tell us about?

This myth illustrates how Ra battles Apophis, the serpent of chaos, to ensure the sun rises each day.

What happened during the Middle Kingdom?

War broke out in Ancient Egypt in 2200 BC. Mentuhotep II had to unite Egypt and restore order in 2040 BC. This era became called “the Middle Kingdom.” During this period of time, Egypt was able to expand their wealth, making them a target.

Define Hyksos

A group of foreign rulers who invaded and ruled parts of Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period, introducing new technologies like the horse-drawn chariot.

How did Lower Egypt defeat the Hyksos?

King Ahmose of Upper Egypt rebelled, causing the Hyksos to lose control.

How did the Hyksos take over Lower Egypt?

The Hyksos invaded Lower Egypt around 1650 BC by living inside it, increasing their power and strength. They ruled for more than 100 years.

Define ouabet

Where embalmers had people mummified

Where would embalmers work during the Middle and New Kingdom?

Embalmers were located in tents near edges of the city in the Middle Kingdom. In the New Kingdom, embalming was moved to the city limits.

What is the complex way of embalming?

Body would be purified and a liquid would be injected through its rectum, later sealing the body for up to 40 days into natron, dried, and then wrapped in linen.

Is Ra the most powerful god?

Yes

How do poor people preserve bodies?

They bury them in the desert sand

Who is Anubis?

An Egyptian god associated with mummification and the afterlife, Anubis is depicted as a jackal or a man with a jackal head. He was believed to guide souls to the underworld and oversee the embalming process.

Who is the god of the underworld?

Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife and resurrection, is often identified as the ruler of the underworld.

What is the white feather of truth?

In ancient Egyptian belief, the white feather of truth, or an ostrich feather, is used to weigh the souls of the deceased against it to determine their fate in the afterlife. If your heart is lighter than the feather, you are pure and will be able to enter the Field of Reeds; if heavier, your heart will be eaten by the alligator god.

What impact did Egyptian mummification have on later historical periods?

-Middle Ages: Europe discovered Egyptian mummies and took them to a different country
-16th/17th century: pharaonic artifacts were found in curio cabinets
-Napoleon (1798-1802): overseen Egyptomania phenomenon. Many societies were founded by Egyptology during the time period

-1868: Cook agency held mass tourism; wealthy people would bring back mummies and scheduled an "unpacking" for them

Why do archaeologists greatly benefit from the ancient Egyptians practicing mummification?

Mummification provides archaeologists with well-preserved bodies and artifacts that offer insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices, health, and daily life.

Why are mummies important for ancient Egyptians?

Mummies are important for ancient Egyptians because they reflect their beliefs about the afterlife, preservation of the body for eternal life, and provide valuable information about their culture, rituals, and daily practices.