Ancient Egypt

These flashcards summarize essential information from the lecture on Ancient Egypt, focusing on geography, society, religion, and historical developments.

What did Herodotus refer to ancient Egypt as?

The Gift of the Nile.

How did the Nile River contribute to Egypt's civilization?

It provided water for agriculture and easy transportation.

What geographical feature isolated Egypt from other civilizations?

The desert terrain surrounding it.

What characterized Egypt's society as highly centralized?

The concentration of population and the figure of the Pharaoh.

What was the 'Black Land' in Egypt?

The fertile land along the Nile River.

What does 'Red Land' refer to in ancient Egypt?

The dry, lifeless desert areas.

What is the annual flooding of the Nile known for?

Restoring the vitality of Egypt's land.

What factor made travel upstream on the Nile easier?

The north winds that aided sailors.

Why was Egypt considered geographically isolated?

Deserts and cataracts hindered invasions from outside.

What was the significance of Lower Egypt?

It was the northern part of Egypt, lower in elevation.

What marked the beginning of the Egyptian Civilization?

The emergence of agriculture around 5000 BCE.

Who is associated with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt?

The mythical king Menes.

What does hieroglyphs signify?

A system of pictographic writing developed around 3200 BCE.

What was papyrus used for in ancient Egypt?

To create a paper-like substance for documentation.

In which period was the Old Kingdom established?

Around 2686 BCE.

What was the role of the Pharaoh?

It was central to Egyptian political, social, and religious systems.

What concept does 'ma'at' represent?

Social and spiritual order, justice, and truth.

How did Egyptians view change in society?

As unnatural; they believed in timelessness.

What was the core of Egyptian mythology?

Cyclical concepts illustrated through stories like Osiris and Seth.

What is a mastaba?

An ancient burial structure used before pyramids.

Who was Imhotep?

The architect behind the Step Pyramid.

What was the significance of the Great Pyramid?

It represents the pinnacle of pyramid building and pharaoh power.

How did the pyramids affect pharaohs' power?

They underscored the pharaohs' representation of divine authority.

What characterized the class structure in ancient Egypt?

A pyramid-shaped hierarchy with a small nobility and many peasants.

What was unique about women's rights in ancient Egypt?

Women could own property and had legal rights independent of husbands.

Who was Mentuhotep II?

The ruler who re-unified Egypt during the Middle Kingdom.

What significant change occurred during the First Intermediate Period?

Power and wealth decentralized, spreading to local nobility.

Which foreign group invaded Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period?

The Hyksos.

What technological advancements did the Egyptians adopt to defeat the Hyksos?

Bronze weapons and horse-drawn chariots.

Who initiated a major religious reform in the New Kingdom?

Akhenaten.

What was Akhenaten’s major religious change?

The promotion of monotheism centered on the sun god Aten.

What happened to Akhenaten's religious reform after his death?

It quickly fell out of favor and was reverted back to polytheism.

How did the New Kingdom differ from earlier periods in Egypt?

Increased foreign influence and military engagement.

What caused the weakening of pharaonic power during the Middle Kingdom?

Increased threats and military needs altered the Pharaoh's role.

What role did the priests of Amon develop during the New Kingdom?

They gained significant power and political influence.

What was the impact of the Death Cult on Egyptian society?

It democratized access to the afterlife.