Quiz 2 Ancient Egypt Flashcards
UPPER OR LOWER EGYPT: southern region; most culturally, politically, and religiously significant
Upper Egypt
UPPER OF LOWER EGYPT: northern region; less significant
Lower Egypt
How did Upper and Lower Egypt unite into one kingdom?
King Narmer of Upper Egypt, who conquered Lower Egypt, unified the two countries.
During what time period did the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt first happen?
They were unified in Dynasties I-II, 3100 to 2575 BC.
What were some significant details of the Old Kingdom?
Distinguished from Early Dynastic Period by artistic, political, and cultural innovations.
How was the Old Kingdom connected with the rest of the world?
Central government was located in Memphis. Invaded & occupied parts of Libya, Kush, Nubia, and Sinai.
Old Kingdom government:
Strict social hierarchy with God-King (Pharaoh) on top.
Old Kingdom technology/art:
Hieroglyphics, geometry, and architecture.
What is the purpose of the pyramids? Who built them? Who built the Great Sphinx of Giza? What can we learn about Egypt from these monuments?
Pyramids were tombs for the Pharaohs.
They were built by Egyptians.
Knafre built the Great Sphinx.
We can learn about Egyptian history - kingship, families, etc.
Significant details of Middle Kingdom:
Renaissance of art, culture, and strength
Middle Kingdom connections:
Steady trade with Lebanon and Punt reestablished.
Middle Kingdom stratification:
Nomarchies weakened (now overseers) and government centralized.
Middle Kingdom artistic and technological advancements - how did it differ from Old?
Similar to Old Kingdom - sailing ships, weapons of war, etc. Advancements, however, in papyrus production; decline in architectural advancement
Who were the Hyksos? Why are they significant? How might they relate to Biblical history (according to Flavius Joseph)?
Likely semitic people from Canaan - ruled Lower Egypt as Dynasty XV.
Significant because they conquered Lower Egypt.
They were later conquered by Ahmose I.
According to Flavius Joseph, they were Hebrew rulers.
Significant details of New Kingdom:
Hyksos conquered by Ahmose I. Egypt now a powerful imperial power.
New Kingdom connections:
Trade connections throughout Near East and North Africa. Conflict with Hittites and Mesopotamians.
New Kingdom stratification:
Native Egyptians back in power, highly centralized empire.
Artistic/technological advancements of New Kingdom:
Differences from Old and Middle Kingdoms:
No pyramids; Pharaohs buried underground. Large stone temples, advanced chariots and weapons of war. New items - horse, chariots, and bronze weapons. Kings buried in Valley of Kings; height of Egypt’s power is reached.
Most significant Pharaohs in New Kingdom:
Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramessees II
Hatshepsut achievements:
2nd female Pharaoh; re-extended Egyptians power into Kush and Punt - trading empire. Ruled openly as female Pharaoh.
Thutmose III achievements:
“Thutmose the Great”; military conqueror, reconquered Nubia, conquered Canaan and Syria. Ruled Egyptian empire at its greatest extent.
Ramessees II achievements:
“Ramessees the Great”, “Great Ancestor”; considered greatest king in Egyptian history; led military campaigns; established peaceful relations with Hittites, widening trade empire; oldest person ever issued a passport (+3000 y/o)
How does Exodus relate to Egyptian history? How can studying Egyptian history, religion, and mythology help us better understand our own religious tradition?
Exodus - “Book of Names”. “True” name of a god = key to god’s power. Pharaoh of Exodus is unnamed, often considered to be Thutmose, Ramessees II, … based both on timeline of Jewish arrival in Canaan and expulsion of Hyskos.
Name of God (Yahweh) first revealed to Moses. 10 Plagues: each specifically attacking “gods” of Egypt.
Who was Tutankhamun? Why is he significant?
King Tut was the son of Akhenaten & “Younger Lady”. Significant for pretty much being insignificant.
How are other people like Horemheb, Theodore Davis, and Howard Carter related to “King Tut’s” story?
Horemheb began erasing Tut’s accomplishments. Single reference to Tut found by Davis in 1909 Howard Carter spent years searching for tomb (1915-1922).
Who are the major gods and goddesses of Egyptian mythology?
Ma’at, Ra, Amun, Atum, Horus, Apepp Ogdoad, Thoth, Nun&Naunet, Heh&Hauhet, Kek&Kyaket, Amun&Amunet, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys
How is Egyptian religion similar to our own? How is it different?
Both believe in Afterlife & final judgement.
We are monotheistic they are not,
we believe in Heaven & Hell (and Purgatory), NOT our hearts begin weighed against a feather.
