Topic 3: Ancient Egypt

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering geography, religion, historical kingdoms, notable pharaohs, society, literature, and architectural achievements of Ancient Egypt.

Cataracts

A group of rocky rapids that prevented travelers from sailing ships upstream on the Nile River.

Delta

An area of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river.

Silt

Fine mineral particles carried by a river that form fertile soil.

Kemet

Meaning 'the Black Land,' the name Egyptians gave to their country because of the rich, dark fertile soil left behind by yearly Nile floods.

The Red Land

The hot, deadly deserts located on both sides of the Nile River.

Narmer

The legendary ruler who united the two kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt, became the first pharaoh, wore a red and white crown, and founded Egypt's earliest dynasty.

Pharaoh

The king of ancient Egypt, regarded as a god on Earth and the human form of the god Horus.

Dynasty

A series of rulers from the same family.

Bureaucracy

A system of many government officials who carry out government rules and regulations.

Old Kingdom

A historical period from $2686\text{ BCE}$ to $2125\text{ BCE}$ marked by prosperity, political strength, cultural achievement, and the construction of the Giza pyramids.

Middle Kingdom

A historical period from $2055\text{ BCE}$ to $1650\text{ BCE}$ in which pharaohs built a system of canals to control Nile floods and irrigate farmland.

New Kingdom

A historical period from $1550\text{ BCE}$ to $1070\text{ BCE}$ representing the high point of Egypt's power and prosperity through military conquests in Asia and Africa.

Egyptian Social Pyramid

A social hierarchy headed by the pharaoh, followed by nobles, priests, and officials, then scribes, merchants and artisans, farmers, and finally enslaved debtors or prisoners of war at the base.

Amon-Re

The Egyptian sun god and most important deity, believed to die in the west and be reborn in the east as the sun rose each day.

Horus

An Egyptian god who legends say united the two lands of Egypt; pharaohs were viewed as the human form of Horus.

Mummy

A body that has been preserved so it will not decompose, allowing the spirit to recognize it and use it as a home in the afterlife.

Hatshepsut

One of the few female pharaohs of Egypt, who wore a false beard as a symbol of power and built Egypt's wealth through trade during a period of peace.

Thutmose III

A New Kingdom pharaoh who expanded and strengthened Egypt's empire by waging war in Africa, Syria, and the Fertile Crescent.

Ramses II

A powerful New Kingdom pharaoh who expanded Egypt's wealth through warfare and built more monuments than any other pharaoh.

Hieroglyphic

A symbol or drawing that stands for a word, idea, or sound, developed around $3200\text{ BCE}$.

Scribes

Literate officials who kept government records and preserved ancient knowledge, making them highly valued members of Egyptian society.

Papyrus

A writing surface similar to paper, named after the reed that grew along the Nile, which was lighter and easier to transport than clay tablets.

The Book of the Dead

A famous Egyptian literary and religious guide designed to help dead souls navigate the afterlife.

The Tale of Sinuhe

A famous work of ancient Egyptian literature recounting the story of an Egyptian official.

Imhotep

The ancient Egyptian architect who designed the step pyramid as a new type of tomb for rulers.

Pyramid

A massive stone structure with triangular sides built as a tomb for pharaohs and important figures.

Great Pyramid of Khufu

The first and largest of the three pyramids built at Giza during the Old Kingdom.

Sphinx

A famous monumental statue that guarded the road leading to Khafre's pyramid at Giza.

Sculpture

A statue or other free-standing piece of art made of clay, stone, or other materials.