Lesson 1
How did the growing of surplus affect ancient Egypt?
It enabled some people to perform work other than farming.
Name one accomplishment of the Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom.
Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom built canals to control Nile floods. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom conquered land in Asia and Africa.
Why do people still admire the pyramids and art the Egyptians created?
They’re the largest structures on Earth.
What were three Egyptian achievements in science and mathematics?
The Egyptians created the calendar and irrigation system, and were skilled in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, astronomy, and medicine.
What was different about Kush's Meroitic script?
It was a true alphabet, its characters stood for sounds rather than ideas.
Describe how the Egyptian society functioned.
It functioned by encouraging all social label to work to support the Pharaohs who were seen as gods.
How is the creation of mummies related to Egypt’s dynasties?
After death, Pharaohs of Egypt were made into mummies to preserve them for the afterlife.
How did Egyptians use of hieroglyphics and papyrus help advance their society?
They made it possible for the Egyptians to share knowledge.
How did Egyptians’ knowledge of astronomy help them farm?
The Egyptians understood that the Sirius appeared above the horizon before sunrise about the same time of year as the Nile floods.
How did trade benefit both Egypt and Kush?
Both used trade to gain wealth and obtain goods they could not produce locally.
What role did the afterlife play in the lives of ancient Egyptians?
Egyptians believed they could overcome death in the afterlife, but they had to prepare for it.
Compare and contrast the ways in which farmers and scribes contributed to ancient Egyptian civilizations.
Farmers provided food for scribes and scribes kept record.
Why were Egyptians able to build the pyramids?
The Egyptians were skilled at geometry and engineering.
If papyrus couldn't last long in Egypt's dry environment, how would that have affected our understanding of ancient Egyptian society?
We wouldn't know much because the written records gave us a sense of what was in the hearts and minds of the Egyptian people.
Why might have the Kushites have depended more heavily on trade than the Egyptians?
The Kushites relied on trade for food, whereas the Egyptians did not.
What role did pharaohs, artisans, and the bureaucracy play in ancient Egypt?
Pharaohs led Egyptian society. Artisans made goods. The bureaucracy supported the pharaohs and ran the government.
How did the Nile contribute to the growth of ancient Egyptians culture?
The Nile floods helped the farmers grow surpluses.
How did writing make Egypt’s complex civilization and technology possible?
It allowed Egyptians to share and preserve knowledge.
Why did Egypt conquer Kush?
Egypt wanted control over the riches found in Kush.
How did trade cause culture and ideas to spread between Egypt and Kush?
Trade brought the Kushites and the Egyptians into closer contact with each other.
Describe the Nile and its importance to ancient Egypt.
The Nile begins in east Africa and flows north through Egypt to Mediterranean Sea. It was important to ancient Egypt because it provided water and made farming possible.
What role did pharaohs play in ancient Egypt’s religion?
Pharaohs were seen as gods and people had to obey them.
Why are the pyramids considered one of ancient Egypt's greatest achievement?
They were the largest structures on Earth and required organization, labor, and supplies.
Why did Egyptians want to trade with Kush?
To obtain goods they couldn’t produce themselves.
What was the impact of Kush moving its capital to Meroe?
Meroe was easier to defend. It provided more water for farming, growing trees, and making iron ore.