Chapter 2
Why is the Nile River important to ancient Egyptian civilization?
The Nile provided water, fertile soil from flooding, transportation, and food. Its predictable floods helped Egyptians farm successfully and build a strong civilization.
What role did religion play in Egyptian life?
Religion influenced daily life, government, and beliefs about the afterlife. Egyptians believed in many gods (polytheism) and in judgment after death.
What is monotheism?
Monotheism is the belief in one God. The Israelites believed in one all-powerful God.
Why was Jerusalem important?
Jerusalem became the political and religious center of the Israelites, especially under King David and King Solomon.
What is democracy?
Democracy is a system of government where citizens participate in decision-making. Athens developed one of the first democracies.
What is meant by Egypt being a “gift of the Nile”
Without the Nile’s water and rich silt deposits, Egypt would have been mostly desert. The river made farming and permanent settlements possible.
What were pyramids used for?
Pyramids were tombs for pharaohs. Egyptians believed preserving the body helped ensure life after death.
Who was Abraham?
Abraham was considered the founder of the Israelite faith. According to tradition, God made a covenant (agreement) with him.
How did exile affect the Israelites?
When conquered by the Assyrians and Babylonians, many Israelites were forced into exile. This strengthened their religious identity and traditions.
What were the Persian Wars?
The Persian Wars were conflicts between Greece and the Persian Empire. Greek victories increased confidence and unity.
Who was the pharaoh
The pharaoh was the political and religious leader of Egypt. Egyptians believed the pharaoh was chosen by the gods and was responsible for maintaining order (ma’at).
What were pyramids used for?
Pyramids were tombs for pharaohs. Egyptians believed preserving the body helped ensure life after death.
What was the covenant?
The covenant was a promise between God and Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation.
How did geography affect ancient Greece?
Mountains separated communities, leading to the development of independent city-states. The surrounding seas encouraged trade and travel.
What was the Golden Age of Athens?
A period of great cultural achievement in art, architecture, drama, and philosophy under Pericles.
What is ma’at?
Ma’at was the Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, and justice. Egyptians believed the pharaoh had to maintain ma’at to keep harmony in the world.
Who were the Kushites?
The Kushites lived south of Egypt (in Nubia). They traded with Egypt and later conquered Egypt, ruling as the 25th Dynasty.
Who was Moses?
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus and received the Ten Commandments.
What is a city-state?
: A city-state is an independent city with its own government and laws, such as Athens and Sparta.
Who were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle?
They were important Greek philosophers who influenced Western thought, education, and government.
Describe the social structure of ancient Egypt
At the top were the pharaoh and royal family, followed by priests and nobles, scribes and artisans, farmers and laborers, and finally enslaved people at the bottom.
Who were the Israelites?
The Israelites were an ancient people who lived in Canaan and developed one of the first monotheistic religions.
What are the Ten Commandments?
They are moral laws given to Moses by God that guided the Israelites’ religious and social behavior.
How were Athens and Sparta different?
Athens valued democracy, education, and the arts.
Sparta focused on military strength and discipline.
What was Alexander the Great known for?
He conquered a vast empire and spread Greek culture across Asia, Egypt, and parts of Europe (Hellenistic Era).