Egyptian Art Test Prep

Pharoah

A Pharaoh was considered the king of Egypt & viewed as a god/son of God or chosen by the gods.

Dynasty

A dynasty was a series of rulers/Pharaohs from the same family

Mastaba

Mastaba Means ‘Bench’ which is the first version of what would eventually become the pyramid. they are burial sites/something you would be buried in.

Sarcophagus

A stone or wooden coffin, often decorated with inscriptions or reliefs, used in ancient civilizations to house the body of the deceased, especially in Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Ka

In ancient Egyptian belief, the spiritual essence or life force of a person, which continues to exist after death and requires sustenance, such as offerings and prayers.

Funerary Temple

A temple built adjacent to or near a royal tomb in ancient Egypt, designed to honor and perpetuate the memory of the deceased pharaoh and facilitate offerings to their spirit.

Re (Ra)

The ancient Egyptian sun god, often depicted with a falcon head and a solar disk, who was considered the creator of the world and the source of life.

Osiris

The Egyptian god of the afterlife, resurrection, and agriculture, often depicted as a mummified king. Osiris symbolized death, rebirth, and eternal life.

Isis

An ancient Egyptian goddess associated with magic, motherhood, and healing, and the wife of Osiris. She was revered as a protector of the dead and the living.

Hieroglyphics

A system of writing used in ancient Egypt that combined logographic and alphabetic symbols, primarily carved or painted on monuments, tombs, and papyri.

Sphinx

A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human (or sometimes an animal), symbolizing strength, wisdom, and guardianship in ancient Egyptian culture.

Cartouche

An oval-shaped enclosure containing hieroglyphs that represent the name of a pharaoh or other royal individual, signifying protection and divine approval.

False Door

A non-functional, carved stone or wooden door in ancient Egyptian tombs, believed to be a symbolic portal through which the spirit of the deceased could enter or receive offerings.

These definitions are clear and concise, ideal for flashcards.

What were the main occupation of many Egyptian’s living in the Nile River Valley?

Farming/Agriculture. Because of the rich/marshy soil crops are easy to cultivate/grow.

What were the two kingdoms in Egypt & where were they located?

Upper Egypt (The Southern Part) & Lower Egypt (The Lower part)

describe the three kingdoms of Ancient Egypt

Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE)

• "Age of the Pyramids"; built Great Pyramids of Giza.

• Strong centralized government under divine pharaohs.

• Declined due to famine, economic strain, and weakened power.

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)

• "Golden Age" of stability, trade, and cultural revival.

• Expanded into Nubia; advanced literature and irrigation.

• Fell to internal strife and Hyksos invasion.

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE)

• "Imperial Age"; Egypt's peak of power and territory.

• Famous rulers: Hatshepsut, Ramses II, Tutankhamun.

• Declined due to corruption, invasions, and economic troubles.

Who conquered ancient Egypt

• Hyksos (c. 1650 BCE)

  • Invaded during the Middle Kingdom, introducing new military technologies like horse-drawn chariots.

  • Controlled parts of northern Egypt until they were expelled during the New Kingdom.

• Assyrians (c. 671 BCE)

  • Conquered Egypt during the Late Period, defeating its weakened rulers and incorporating Egypt into their empire.

• Persians (c. 525 BCE)

  • Conquered Egypt under Cambyses II, making it part of the Achaemenid Empire.

• Alexander the Great (332 BCE)

  • Conquered Egypt and established Macedonian rule. His general, Ptolemy, founded the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

• Romans (30 BCE)

  • Annexed Egypt after the defeat of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony, making it a province of the Roman Empire.

  • This marked the definitive end of Ancient Egypt as an independent civilization.

what were the pyramids originally covered in?

The pyramids were originally covered in smooth, polished white Tura limestone. This outer casing reflected sunlight, making the pyramids shine brilliantly and appear as "gleaming beacons" in the desert. Over time, most of this limestone was removed or eroded, leaving the rough inner core visible today.

What was the largest pyramid ever built

The great Pyramid of Giza which is also known as the Pyramid Of Khufu

what are the rules of ancient Egyptian art?

Proportion to show power ie: The Pharaoh is the largest in the picture , feet face forward to show movement , Face in profile but eyes face the audience/people in the room , Never what they actually , Figures had tiny waists & broad shoulders

How did the Egyptians view the Pharaohs?

The ancient Egyptians saw the pharaoh as a living god and the intermediary between gods and people, responsible for upholding Ma’at (cosmic order), leading the military, and ensuring prosperity through rituals and governance. In death, the pharaoh was linked to Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

What are the steps of mummification?

1. Removal of Internal Organs:

   • The first step was to remove the internal organs, as they were the most likely to decompose. The heart was often left in place, or in some cases, removed and preserved separately.

   • Organs like the stomach, lungs, liver, and intestines were removed and preserved in canopic jars.

2. Dehydrating the Body:

   • The body was dehydrated using natron (a type of salt) to absorb moisture. The body was covered in natron for 40 days to dry out the flesh and prevent decay.

3. Cleaning and Reshaping:

   • Once dried, the body was cleaned and reshaped. The skin was often massaged with oils and resins to maintain its appearance.

4. Wrapping the Body:

   • After reshaping, the body was wrapped in linen bandages, with layers of resin applied to help preserve the body. Each finger and toe might be individually wrapped, and amulets or charms were placed in the wrappings for protection in the afterlife.

5. Final Burial:

   • The mummified body was placed in a coffin or sarcophagus, and sometimes placed in a tomb with grave goods to assist the deceased in the afterlife.

Whats the evolution of the pyramid & how did it take it’s modern day look?

It started with the Mastaba/bench , then evolved into the step-pyramid , then eventually became the True Pyramid