African Civilizations AASAD Chapter 2 Notes

BCE

Before the Common Era, the academic abbreviation for dates before year 1.

CE

Common Era, the academic abbreviation for dates after year 1.

Civilization

A term used to describe a complex society that includes agriculture, social inequality, and systems of governance.

Neolithic Revolution

A period marked by the transition from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities.

Polytheism

The worship of multiple gods, as practiced by ancient Egyptians.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system of ancient Egypt consisting of symbolic characters.

Pharaoh

The title used for ancient Egyptian rulers, considered to be divine.

Old Kingdom

A historical period in ancient Egypt (c. 2660–2160 BCE) known for pyramid building and strong pharaohs.

Intermediate Periods

Times of political instability in ancient Egypt when pharaohs had reduced authority.

Women in Ancient Egypt

Women had legal rights including owning property, divorce, and entering legal agreements.

Kingdom of Kerma

A powerful Nubian kingdom (c. 2400 BCE-1500 BCE) known for its wealth and trade.

Kingdom of Kush

Nubian kingdom (c. 1070 BCE-300 CE) known for its agricultural wealth and military strength.

Amarna Period

A brief period (1350-1325 BCE) of religious transformation under Pharaoh Akhenaten in ancient Egypt.

Ptolemaic Dynasty

The dynasty established by Ptolemy I in Egypt following Alexander the Great's rule.

Pharos of Alexandria

A famous ancient lighthouse built in Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Mummification

The preservation of bodies for the afterlife, an essential practice in ancient Egyptian burial customs.

The Nile River

The longest river in the world, vital for agriculture and transportation in ancient Egypt.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The largest pyramid built during the Old Kingdom, serving as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.

Hyksos

A group of foreign invaders who conquered parts of Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.

Aten

A sun god worshipped during the Amarna Period in ancient Egypt, promoted by Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Cleopatra VII

The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, known for her political alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

Agricultural Surplus

The excess production of food that allowed societies to support larger populations and specialized labor.

Nomes

Regional divisions in ancient Egypt, governed by nomarchs (regional governors) during the Middle Kingdom.

Egyptian Religion

A complex belief system that included a pantheon of gods, rituals, and an afterlife.