Chapter 4 Section 1 and 2 Flashcards
rapids along a river, such as those along the Nile in Egypt
cataracts
a triangle shaped area of land made from soil deposited by a river
delta
legendary Egyptian ruler, he unified the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt and built the new capital city in Memphis. Also founded Egypt’s first dynasty
Menes
the title used by the rulers of Egypt. Means “great house”
pharaoh
a series of rulers from the same family
dynasty
the period from about 2700 to 2200 BC in Egyptian history that began shortly after Egypt was unified
Old Kingdom
Egyptian pharaoh, he ruled during Egypt’s Old Kingdom and is known for the many monuments built to honor him
Khufu
rich and powerful people
nobles
life after death
afterlife
specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth for preservation
mummies
people of wealth and power
elite
huge triangular tombs built by the Egyptians and other peoples
pyramids
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
engineering
Why was Egypt called the gift of the Nile?
The Nile River allowed Egypt to thrive. The river was so important to people in this region that a Greek historian named Herodotus called Egypt the gift of the Nile.
What attracted early settlers to the Nile Valley?
The early settlers chose the Nile Valley because they found plenty of food there to eat – plants, wild animals, fish. In time they learned how to farm and settled along the Nile.
Where was Lower Egypt located?
north of Upper Egypt
Why was the Nile Delta well suited for settlement?
The land was fertile for farming
How might the Nile’s cataracts have both helped and hurt Egypt?
The cataracts made sailing very difficult, protecting Egypt from invasion but also preventing easy transportation of goods by the Egyptians.
What foods did the Egyptians eat?
Egyptians had a varied diet including fish, beef, wild geese and ducks, wheat, barley, fruits and vegetables.
What role did the Nile play in supplying Egyptians with the foods they ate?
The Nile supplied the water for the fields through a series of canals built by the Egyptians.
How did the desert on both sides of the Nile help Egypt?
The deserts provided protection against invasion.
Who was the first pharaoh of Egypt?
Menes
Why did the pharaohs of the First Dynasty wear a double crown?
The double crown symbolized their rule over Upper and Lower Egypt
How was society structured in the Old Kingdom?
At the top of society was the pharaoh. Just below him were the upper classes including priests and government officials and other nobles. Next was the middle class, including lesser government officials, scribes, and rich craftspeople. Next came the lower class – more than 80 percent of the population – which was mostly farmers, servants, and slaves.
How did religious beliefs affect Egyptian burial practices?
Most of Egyptian religion focused on the afterlife. When a person died, his ka or life force left the body and became a spirit. The ka remained linked to the body and could not leave the burial site. The ka had all the same needs the person had while living – eat, sleep, be entertained. Because of this need, tombs were filled with objects for afterlife, including furniture, clothing, tools, and food.
Why were pyramids important to the ancient Egyptians?
The size and shape of pyramids were symbolic. The top pointed to the skies, symbolizing the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife. The Egyptians wanted the pyramids to be spectacular because they believed that the pharaoh as their link to the gods controlled everyone’s afterlife.
To what does the term Old Kingdom refer?
The Third Dynasty which began around 2700 BC
Why was the pharaoh’s authority never questioned?
Ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaoh came to earth in order to manage Egypt for the rest of the gods.
Why was embalming important to Egyptians?
Embalming preserved the body for the afterlife.
