Exam 2 Study Guide Notes

  • Exam Overview

  • Date ranges standardized for easier recall.

  • Class information beyond slides is crucial; reach out to peers or attend office hours for assistance.

  • Exam consists of 10 known and 1 unknown question.

  • Important Ancient Egyptian Time Periods

  • Naqada Period: 4000 - 3000 BC

  • Old Kingdom: 2700 - 2200 BC

  • Middle Kingdom: 2100 - 1600 BC

  • New Kingdom: 1600 - 1000 BC

  • Essay Writing Tips

  • Include specific information beyond mere object descriptions (6-10 sentences).

  • Avoid using terms without context (e.g., "hierarchical proportion").

  • Provide explanations for visual elements and their significance (e.g., interpret a "big head" in terms of representation).

  • Discuss object usage and materials.

  • Key Artifacts and Structures in Ancient Egypt

  • Gebel el-Arak Knife

    • Naqada Period: 4000 - 3000 BC
    • Made of ivory and flint; serves as a non-utilitarian effigy.
    • Features a motif of a ruler between two lions.
    • Indicates warfare and societal competition.

  • Narmer Palette

    • Naqada Period: 4000 - 3000 BC
    • Size: Almost 2 ft tall, used for cosmetics but functions as a ceremonial piece.
    • Side 1: King Narmer depicted wearing Upper Egypt crown, engaging in violence against enemies; includes symbolism of god Horus and hierarchical name placement.
    • Side 2: Shows Narmer in Lower Egypt crown, conveys kingship symbols, featuring motifs of decapitated enemies.

  • Scorpion Mace Head

    • Naqada Period: 4000 - 3000 BC
    • Lime-stone mace, likely an effigy showcasing royal power; depicts irrigation work symbolizing king's authority.

  • Pyramid of Djoser

    • Old Kingdom: 2700 - 2200 BC
    • First "stepped" pyramid, part of a larger mortuary complex.
    • Aimed at ensuring the king's eternal afterlife.

  • Great Sphinx at Giza

    • Constructed by Khafre for his Valley Temple, massive stone sculpture potentially representing the king or Anubis.
    • Served as a significant site for offerings long after its construction.

  • Coffin of Tutankhamun

    • New Kingdom: 1600 - 1000 BC
    • Made of gold with spells from the Book of the Dead aimed at aiding his afterlife journey.
    • Decorated with royal symbols; luxurious and intricate design.

  • Middle Kingdom Developments

  • Emphasized succession laws to reduce conflict.

  • Recording of kings sharing power, exemplified by the stela of Amenemhat I.

  • Artistic shifts toward domestic and intimate scenes, diverging from traditional royal portraiture.

  • New Kingdom Major Temple Structures

  • Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak

    • Center symbolizes merging of Amun and Ra; major place of worship.

  • Temple of Hatshepsut

    • Built to honor her reign and achievements, portrays female power in a male-dominated society.

  • Temple of Ramses II

    • Celebrated military victories, structure required relocation due to modern damming.