rivers
Why did ancient Egyptians settle in the Nile River delta?
Fertile soil from annual Nile floods, reliable water for farming,
What type of government existed in Ancient Egypt?
What type of government existed in Ancient Egypt?
What was the purpose of mummification?
To preserve the body so the deceased’s ka (life force) could recognize it and the person could live in the afterlife.
What role did Ramses II play in Ancient Egypt?
Long‑reigning New Kingdom pharaoh known for military campaigns (e.g., against the Hittites), numerous monumental building projects (temples and statues, including Abu Simbel), and strong leadership that emphasized Egypt’s power.
How did the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom establish an empire?
Through military conquest, well‑organized armies,
Why was the Pharaoh such an important figure in Egyptian history?
Pharaoh was both a political ruler and religious leader
What was the leader of the government known as?
Pharaoh was the king - Vizier was in charge of the bureaucratic government
Why were Pharaohs buried with all of their possessions?
To provide the deceased (especially the pharaoh) with goods, food, tools, and treasures needed for the afterlife journey and comfort there.
How did “The Boy King”, King Tut, shed light on Ancient Egyptian culture?
Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb (discovered in 1922) preserved artifacts, burial practices, and material culture that provided scholars with unprecedented evidence about royal life, funerary customs, art, and beliefs.
Ka
The life force or spiritual essence of a person that continued after death and required a preserved body and offerings.
What were the two kingdoms of Ancient Egypt before unification?
What were the two kingdoms of Ancient Egypt before unification?
Why did Egypt want to expand their territory during the New Kingdom?
To secure trade routes, gain resources and increase power
Describe the passage into the Egyptian afterlife.
Beliefs included judgment before Osiris (weighing of the heart), need for preserved body and grave goods, use of spells from the Book of the Dead, and continuation of life in an idealized afterworld if deemed worthy.
How did the Egyptians develop their calendar?
By observing the annual Nile inundation and astronomical cycles (notably the heliacal rising of Sirius), they created a solar‑based 365‑day calendar (12 months of 30 days + 5 extra days).
Mummification
The process of preserving a body to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.
What are some of the major monuments in Ancient Egypt?
What are some of the major monuments in Ancient Egypt?
What group of people took over Egypt in the Middle Kingdom?
The Hyksos (foreign rulers who introduced new technologies like the horse and chariot).
How did power change hands from one Pharaoh to another?
Typically hereditary succession (usually from father to son), though succession could include siblings, marriage alliances, regency, usurpation, or disputes; priestly and noble influence could affect transfers.
What were Hieroglyphics?
What were Hieroglyphics?
Cultural Diffusion
The spread and blending of ideas, technologies, customs, goods, and beliefs from one culture to another through trade, conquest, migration, or contact.
What was the Rosetta Stone?
What was the Rosetta Stone?
List the Egyptian social structure in order.
Pharaoh → Nobles/royal family/high officials and priests → Scribes and skilled artisans → Merchants and traders → Farmers and laborers → Slaves/servants.
Why was Hatshepsut so important to Ancient Egypt?
She was a powerful female pharaoh who expanded trade, initiated major building projects (temples), and stabilized the economy; she promoted prosperity and legitimacy during her reign.
Describe the areas of ancient Egypt and how the Nile River flows.
Egypt included the fertile Nile Valley and Nile Delta (Lower Egypt) to the north and Upper Egypt (southern river valley) to the south. The Nile flows from south to north, emptying into the Mediterranean; the Delta is the fan‑shaped region where the river branches before the sea.
Nile River
The major river running south → north through northeastern Africa that provided water, fertile silt, transport, and sustenance to ancient Egypt.