History (Ancient Egypt)

How could Egypt prosper for so long?

Isolation - protected by desert on each side and Egyptian society evolved slowly (sheltered form outside influence)

Stability - change was slow and methodical

Geographic influence of Egypt

fertile soil

desert provided protection and shelter from outside influence

access to the Mediterranean increased and expanded trade and culture

culture was one of stability and not rapid change

deserts were important sourced of material and building supplies : copper, tin, gold and natron

What are the three main areas populated in Egypt?

The Nile Valley

The Nile Delta

Faiyum

Which Pharaoh unified Egypt circa 3100 BCE?

King Menes united Egypt which then became one of the world’s greatest civilizations

What is this?

The Victory Tablet of Narn (King Menes)

What is the order of development for the pyramids?

Mastabas:

Imhotep’s stepped pyramid at Saqqara:

Pharaoh Sneferu’s and Bent Pyramid

Pharaoh Khufu, Khafre and Menkure (pyramid of Giza):

The pyramids were built on the _________ of the Nile, as the ____________. This represented the ___________. 

(east = _______) (west = _____)

west side

sun sets/falls on the west

cycle of life

rebirth and

death

Which Pharaoh was the most enthusiastic builder of the pyramids?

Pharaoh Sneferu ( father of Khufu ). Built 4 pyramids during his rule

In the 26th century BCE, as Egyptian civilization was reaching its heights, three kings — _____, his son ______ and his grandson _______ — ordered the construction of three huge pyramids that would serve as their tombs. The first o these, the ____________ is the largest ever built. It stands with the other two pyramid and the Great Sphinx in a cluster near the town of ____.

Khufu

Khafre

Menkure

great pyramid

giza

Which Pharaoh built the great pyramid?

King Khufu

4 interesting facts about the pyramids

• estimated construction is 20-80 years

• only error of less the 0.1 in construction of the pyramid

• each block weighs average of 2.5 tons - 15 tons

• 920 meters around

Describe the chamber in the Great Pyramid

• the heart of the burial chamber is 66 ft below with 6 million tons of limestone above

• filled with riches for Pharaoh to take into the afterlife

• there were false doors, staircases, and corridors

• in the king’s chamber laid and empty coffin, King Khufu was never placed in his burial place

What is the oldest and longest stone sculpture from the old kingdom? Which God? Stands for?

• The Sphinx

• represented Ra

• the incarnation of royal power and the protecter of the temple doors