Exam Questions

Short Answer Example

• Major examples of artwork (relief work and sculpture, pottery) and monuments. From Naqada I-III (Predynastic) to 4^th dynasty. Example: Ivory label of king Den; Statue of Ankhhaf. I will include thumb-nail images, so you will be able to recognize the example.

Answer one out of four questions. Include a brief introduction, divide the body into three or four paragraphs, organized logically and chronologically (earlier to later), and conclusion. You will be able to focus on specific periods (Predynastic, Early Dynastic, or Old Kingdom; or explain developments over time. A strong essay will take an analytical approach and draw conclusions based on solid discussion of specific examples. Spelling will not count against the answer.

• How did social organization and stratification change in Egypt during the 4^th millennium and what is the archaeological evidence for this?

• What do the excavations of predynastic Hierakonpolis reveal about the consolidation of power that led to the ideology and role of kingship?

• How does royal tomb architecture develop from the Early Dynastic Period to the Early Old Kingdom and what motivated these changes?

• How was the Great Pyramid at Giza constructed and how was the work organized? Where did the workers, artisans, and overseers live, and what does this evidence suggest about the state-controlled projects?