Egyptian Civilization and Dynasties

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ancient Egyptian civilization, its dynasties, significant events, and historical figures.

Ancient Egyptian Civilization

A river-centric civilization located along the Nile River, one of the oldest and most significant in human history.

Middle Kingdom

A period of ancient Egyptian history marked by stability and significant developments, occurring after the Old Kingdom and characterized by the reunification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Upper Egypt

The southern part of ancient Egypt, characterized by a series of population centers and culturally distinct from Lower Egypt.

Lower Egypt

The northern part of ancient Egypt that includes the Nile Delta, historically significant due to its political and economic activities.

Manetho

An Egyptian priest and historian who created a timeline of ancient Egypt's dynasties in the 3rd century BC.

Hyksos

A group of Semitic pastoralists who invaded Lower Egypt around 1700 BC, marking a period of foreign rule in Egypt.

Obelisks

Tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monuments with a pyramidion on top, erected in ancient Egypt to commemorate pharaohs and their accomplishments.

Nubia

An ancient civilization located to the south of Egypt, known for its pyramids and cultural exchanges with Egyptians.

Kush

A powerful kingdom that emerged in Nubia, known for its rich resources and dynasties that sometimes ruled over Egypt.

Regency

A temporary government created to rule in place of a monarch who is too young to rule, typically by a family member or trusted advisor.

Hatshepsut

One of the first female pharaohs of Egypt, who ruled during the New Kingdom and expanded trade and construction.

Akenaten

Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, who introduced a form of monotheism centered on the sun god Aten.

Tutankhamun

A young pharaoh whose intact tomb was discovered in 1922, significant for its treasures and historical insights.

Obelisk of Cleopatra

An ancient Egyptian obelisk originally erected by Pharaohs, now situated in Central Park, New York as a result of diplomatic gifts.

Akhetaten

The planned city built by Akhenaten to serve as a capital, dedicated to the worship of Aten.

Valley of the Kings

A burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles in ancient Egypt, located near Thebes.

Thutmose III

Often called the greatest pharaoh of the New Kingdom, he was known for his military exploits and territorial expansion.

Ramses II

Also known as Ramses the Great, he is celebrated for his length of reign, monumental constructions, and military leadership.

Lake Nasser

A reservoir formed by the Aswan Dam, significantly affecting ancient sites like Abu Simbel.

Mummification

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving a body for the afterlife through embalming and wrapping.

Pyramids of Giza

Iconic monuments of ancient Egypt built during the Old Kingdom as tombs for pharaohs.

Fertile Crescent

A historical region known for its rich soils and the emergence of agriculture.

Old Kingdom

The first of three main periods of ancient Egyptian civilization, known for its architectural achievements like pyramids.

First Intermediate Period

A time of disunity and chaos between the Old and Middle Kingdoms characterized by civil war and regional division.

Social and Emotional Frustration

The feelings experienced by Egyptians during the Hyksos invasion, as it represented a deep humiliation.

Amun-Ra

A composite deity representing the chief god of Thebes, Amun, and Ra, the sun god.

Tomb Complex

An elaborate burial site for pharaohs, often consisting of multiple chambers and functional designs for the afterlife.

Hatshepsut's Reign

Period marked by significant economic prosperity, trade expansions, and monumental building projects including her own temple.

Artisan Skill

The level of expertise and craftsmanship displayed in the construction of Egyptian monuments and obelisks.

Cleopatra the Seventh

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

Political Power Dynamics

How authority and influence shifted among different factions in ancient Egypt, especially during succession crises.

Cultural Reverberations

The influences and impacts of ancient Egyptian culture on neighboring civilizations and future societies.

Karnak Temple

A vast temple complex near Luxor dedicated to Amun-Ra, known for its impressive architecture and religious significance.

Funeral Parade

Ceremonies held in honor of deceased pharaohs, often featuring grand processions to their burial sites.

Artifacts of Tutankhamun

Notable treasures found in Tutankhamun's tomb, including gold jewelry, chariots, and ceremonial items.

Succession Crisis

A period of instability following the death of a ruler, leading to a struggle for power among heirs.

Divine Kingship

The concept of pharaohs as both political and divine figures, responsible for maintaining order and cosmos.

Egyptian Propaganda

The use of architecture, inscriptions, monuments, and art to promote the power and achievements of pharaohs.

Economic Connections

Trade relationships established between Egypt and surrounding regions to enhance wealth and resource availability.

Military Conquests

The expansion of territory through warfare as exemplified by Pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramses II.

Sacred Geometry

The mathematical principles applied by Egyptians in the construction of pyramids and temples.

Architectural Styles

Distinct styles of design that reflect the religious beliefs and societal structures of ancient Egypt.

Hybrid Gods

Deities that combine attributes of various gods, such as Amun and Ra becoming Amun-Ra.

Tangible Connections

Physical artifacts and remains that unite modern understanding of ancient Egypt with its historical experiences.

Nile River Fertility

The reliance of ancient Egyptians on the Nile's annual flooding to nourish agriculture and sustain civilization.

Dynastic Continuity

The unbroken succession of kingship from one generation to the next, vital for maintaining societal stability.

Cultural Decline

The gradual decrease in Egypt's influence and power, leading to its eventual absorption into empires.

Independence Transition

The process by which Egypt gained autonomy from external control, prominently marked in the early 20th century.

Archaeological Discoveries

Findings that contribute to our understanding of ancient cultures, including the intact tomb of Tutankhamun.