New Kingdom Egypt Society to the Death of Amenhotep III - Year 12 Ancient

What is the geographical setting of New Kingdom Egypt?

Egypt is located in the North-East of the African continent, in what is known as the Near East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east.

What natural barriers protected Egypt from foreign influences?

The western desert formed a natural barrier between Egypt and Libya, while the First Cataract at Aswan formed a natural barrier between Egypt and Nubia.

What does the term 'Kmt' mean in ancient Egyptian geography?

Kmt means 'black land' and refers to the fertile soil deposited by the annual floods of the Nile River.

Who were the main neighbors of New Kingdom Egypt?

Libya to the west, Palestine, Syria, Babylonia, Naharin, Assyria, and Anatolia to the north-east.

What is 'Dsrt' in ancient Egyptian geography?

Dsrt means 'red land' and represents the desert regions outside the fertile Nile Valley.

What are two distinct areas of Egypt in terms of geopolitical division?

Lower Egypt, which includes the Nile Delta, and Upper Egypt, which extends from the southern border at Aswan to Memphis.

What material was crucial for building in ancient Egypt?

Mud from the Nile was essential for making bricks, a major building material.

Identify two significant temples in ancient Thebes.

The Temple of Amun at Karnak and the Temple of Amun at Luxor.

What was the purpose of the Valley of the Kings?

It served as the royal necropolis for New Kingdom Pharaohs, housing their tombs cut into limestone cliffs.

What is the Opening of the Mouth ceremony?

A significant funerary ritual that allowed the deceased to eat in the afterlife, symbolizing the transfer of power.

Define the role of the vizier in New Kingdom Egypt.

The vizier was the chief minister and king’s deputy, responsible for overseeing the administration and reporting directly to the king.

What is 'ma'at' in ancient Egyptian society?

Ma'at refers to the concept of order, truth, and justice that the Pharaoh was responsible for maintaining in the universe.

What significant materials did Egypt trade during the New Kingdom?

Timber from Byblos, gold and ebony from Nubia, and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan.

What festival celebrated the fertility of Amun-Re?

The Opet Festival, which involved a procession confirming the king's favor with the gods.

Who was the god of the afterlife in ancient Egypt?

Osiris, who was associated with resurrection and the judgment of the dead.

What was the Book of the Dead?

A funerary text for commoners that contained spells and instructions for navigating the afterlife.

Identify the significance of the Heb-Sed Festival.

It ensured the pharaoh's power and renewal of kingship, usually celebrated after 30 years of reign.

What is the primary role of priests in ancient Egyptian temples?

They served the gods and conducted rituals and offerings, but did not minister to the public.