The Foundations of Ancient Egypt: From Herodotus to the Middle Kingdom

Vocabulary flashcards that cover key concepts and terms from the lecture on the foundations of Ancient Egypt.

Herodotus

An ancient historian known for his writings about Egyptian cultures and the preservation of history.

Egyptologists

Modern scholars who study ancient Egyptian culture, history, and archaeology.

Manetho

A 3rd century BC Egyptian priest whose work helped organize ancient Egyptian history into dynasties.

Kemet

The name Egyptians called their land, translating to 'dark earth' or 'rich earth,' referring to the Nile River Valley.

Upper Egypt

The southern part of ancient Egypt, upstream on the Nile River.

Lower Egypt

The northern part of ancient Egypt, downstream, closer to the Mediterranean Sea.

Unification of Egypt

The process initiated by Menace around 3200 BC, bringing Upper and Lower Egypt together.

Dynasty

A series of rulers from the same family or lineage, a concept used by Manetho to organize Egyptian history.

Ma'at

Ancient Egyptian concept of order, stability, and harmony, maintained by the pharaoh.

Pharaoh

The title of the king of ancient Egypt, seen as a mediator between gods and the people.

Mastaba

A rectangular tomb design used in ancient Egypt, consisting of an underground burial chamber.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system of ancient Egyptians, utilizing symbols for sounds and concepts.

Phonographs

Symbols in hieroglyphics representing sounds.

Ideograms

Symbols in hieroglyphics representing entire concepts or ideas.

Rosetta Stone

A stone tablet discovered in 1798 that helped decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Old Kingdom

The period in ancient Egypt known for its powerful pharaohs and significant architectural achievements.

Ra

The dominant sun god in ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom.

Djoser

An Egyptian pharaoh known for commissioning the first pyramid, the step pyramid.

Sneferu

A pharaoh known for his architectural innovations, including the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The largest pyramid, belonging to Pharaoh Khufu, and a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Mummification

The process of preserving a body for the afterlife, significant in ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Canopic jars

Containers used in ancient Egypt to hold and preserve the internal organs of the deceased.

Anubis

The Egyptian god associated with mummification and the afterlife.

First Intermediate Period

A time of civil war and chaos in ancient Egypt that lasted for about 200 years.

Middle Kingdom

The historical period following the First Intermediate Period, characterized by a weaker pharaonic rule.

Amun-Ra

A new god created in the Middle Kingdom, merging the local god Amun with the sun god Ra.

Seisostris III

A pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom noted for his military campaigns and fortifications against Nubia.

Cataract (Nile)

Rapids or waterfalls along the Nile, significant for navigation and defense.

Civilization and Rivers

The theory that early civilizations arose around rivers due to the necessity of fresh water.

Tutankhamun

A relatively minor pharaoh whose intact tomb was discovered in 1922, providing insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Step pyramid

An architectural design of a pyramid with steps rather than smooth sides, introduced by Djoser.

Saqqara

The site of the earliest pyramids in ancient Egypt, notably Djoser’s step pyramid.

Memphis

One of the first capital cities of Egypt, associated with the early dynasties.

Pyramids and Economy

The construction of pyramids required extensive resources and labor, reflecting the economic power of the pharaohs.

Architect Imhotep

The architect credited with designing Djoser's step pyramid and regarded as a pioneer in architecture.

Kafra

A pharaoh sometimes associated with the construction of the Great Sphinx and the second pyramid at Giza.

Ancient Egyptian Religion

Polytheistic beliefs including numerous gods, rituals, and concepts of the afterlife.

Giza Plateau

The location of the Great Pyramid, and the site of other significant pyramids and monuments.

Lower Nubia

Region to the south of Egypt, posing a continual military threat to ancient Egypt.

Cultural Impact of the Nile

The Nile River's influence on agriculture, trade, and transport in ancient Egypt.

Hatshepsut

A notable female pharaoh who often disguised her gender and expanded trade networks.

Thebes

New capital established during the Middle Kingdom, replacing Memphis.

Pyramid Complexity

The evolution from simple mastabas to complex pyramids during the Old Kingdom.

Hieratic vs. Demotic

Two forms of hieroglyphics; hieratic being more formal and demotic being simplified for everyday use.

Tutankhamun's Tomb

The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, famously intact and rich in artifacts.

Nile's Role in Society

Central to the economy, agriculture, and culture of ancient Egypt; essential for survival.

Pharaoh's Responsibilities

To ensure prosperity and stability (Ma'at) in ancient Egypt, acting as a mediator between gods and people.