Chapter 4.2 Egyptian Society

1. What natural feature was essential to the development of early Egyptian civilization? The Nile River was essential to the development of early Egyptian civilization.

2. What were the two original regions of Egypt before unification? Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt were the two original regions before unification.

3. Who is traditionally believed to have united Upper and Lower Egypt? Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt. 

4. What title was given to the rulers of unified Egypt? The title of pharaoh was given to the first ruler of Egypt.

5. How long did the rule of the pharaohs last in Egypt? The rule of the pharaohs in Egypt lasted 3,000 years.

6. What are dynasties in the context of Egyptian history? A dynasty in ancient Egypt was the time frame that rulers from the same family ruled.

7. What are the three main periods that historians divide ancient Egyptian history into? The three main periods of Egyptian history are the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom.

8. What period came before the Old Kingdom? The Early Dynastic Period came before the Old Kingdom. This is when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified.

9. What are the Intermediate Periods? The Intermediate Periods were the years between each major era. During the Intermediate Periods, there was not one central power that ruled over Egypt. These were times of change and conflict when outside powers tried to take control of Egypt. 

10. What was King Khufu best known for building? King Khufu was best known for building the Great Pyramid at Giza.

11. Where is the Great Pyramid located? The Great Pyramid is located in Giza.

12. How many blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid? More than two million limestone and granite blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid at Giza.

13. Who were Khufu’s descendants that also built pyramids at Giza? Khufu’s son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaura, also built pyramids at Giza.

14. Who was Hatshepsut? Queen Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh who ruled for 20 years during the New Kingdom.

15. What was unique about Hatshepsut’s depiction in artwork? Queen Hatshepsut was pictured wearing male clothing and a beard to show that she was just as powerful as a male pharaoh. 

16. What was Hatshepsut’s major focus during her reign? Queen Hatshepsut focused on trade and building projects, so her reign was peaceful.

17. Who was Thutmose III, and what did he accomplish? Thutmose III was Queen Hatshepsut’s stepson who ruled as pharaoh for over 30 years after Hatshepsut died. He was known as a successful warrior who conquered land for Egypt and helped make Egypt’s military strong.

18. What mystery surrounds the relationship between Hatshepsut and Thutmose III? It is a mystery whether Hatshepsut and Thutmose actually got along since Thutmose erased all records of Hatshepsut’s reign after she died and dedicated her monuments to other rulers. 

19. Who was Ramses II and how long did he rule? Ramses II was a pharaoh who ruled for 60 years during the New Kingdom. 

20. What types of achievements did Ramses II accomplish during his reign? Ramses II won many wars and built many temples and buildings during his reign, including his own city.