Ancient Egypt Lesson 2

Question 1

What is a pharaoh

Answer 1

The title of the king of Egypt. It means “he who lives in the great house.”

Question 2

cartouche

Answer 2

an oval ring containing the sacred names of the king of Egypt

Question 3

vizier

Answer 3

the second in command to the king

Question 4

chancellor

Answer 4

the Egyptian government official who collected taxes

Question 5

uraeus

Answer 5

a brightly colored cobra goddess spitting fire at the enemies of Egypt. It was part of the war crown worn by the pharaoh.

Question 6

nemes

Answer 6

A cloth headdress woven of linen and gold threads worn by the pharaoh on informal occasions

Question 7

flail

Answer 7

a kind of whip held by the pharaoh to symbolize his power

Question 8

Why was it considered sinful to disobey the pharaoh?

Answer 8

Because it was believed that he was descended from the gods, so his command was never questioned. People could have their heads chopped off if they disobeyed him

Question 9

What was the main duty of the pharaoh as high priest of the land?

Answer 9

Appeal through religious rites to the deities responsible for important natural events (like flood and sun shine)

Question 10

List the pharaoh’s other 5 duties

Answer 10

• maintain order throughout the kingdom
• regulated labor of the farmers
• oversaw the building and maintenance of irrigation projects
• coordinate tax collection
• chief of justice

Question 11

Why did a bureaucracy of government evolve?

Answer 11

One man (the pharaoh) could not manage all of the duties to run the government. So, the pharaoh delegates some jobs to family members and other important people.

Question 12

Who was the Vizier?

Answer 12

A prime minister, who was second in command to the pharaoh. There were 2: one for the upper Egypt and one for the lower Egypt

Question 13

What were the 3 duties of the Vizier

Answer 13

• Handle everyday matters for the pharaoh
• oversaw the public works
• advised the pharaoh on important matters of state

Question 14

Why was the job of the pharaoh so easy?

Answer 14

He owned everything. Everybody worked for him. Everybody thought he came from the gods and controlled the weather and lands.

Question 15

Who was the pharaoh who reigned the longest- and how long did he reign?

Answer 15

Pepi II. He ruled for 94 years.

Question 16

Who was the heir to the pharaoh and who were they supposed to marry to keep the blood pure?

Answer 16

An heir was the oldest son of the pharaoh’s first wife. He would marry a sister of cousin (usually the oldest sister).

Question 17

Describe the attire of pharaoh as he sat upon the throne. Tell what he wore on his head and body. Also, what did he carry?

Answer 17

He sat on a wooden throne.
He wore a double crown of Upper and lower Egypt. Sometime he wore a war crown (kepresh).
He sometimes wore a nemes on his head- a linen/golden woven headdress.
In his hand, he held a crook and flail.
He wore a white linen skirt.
He wore lots of elaborate jewelry and leather sandals.