Quiz 2 Ancient Egypt

Question 1

UPPER OR LOWER EGYPT: southern region; most culturally, politically, and religiously significant

Answer 1

Upper Egypt

Question 2

UPPER OF LOWER EGYPT: northern region; less significant

Answer 2

Lower Egypt

Question 3

How did Upper and Lower Egypt unite into one kingdom?

Answer 3

King Narmer of Upper Egypt, who conquered Lower Egypt, unified the two countries.

Question 4

During what time period did the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt first happen?

Answer 4

They were unified in Dynasties I-II, 3100 to 2575 BC.

Question 5

What were some significant details of the Old Kingdom?

Answer 5

Distinguished from Early Dynastic Period by artistic, political, and cultural innovations.

Question 6

How was the Old Kingdom connected with the rest of the world?

Answer 6

Central government was located in Memphis. Invaded & occupied parts of Libya, Kush, Nubia, and Sinai.

Question 7

Old Kingdom government:

Answer 7

Strict social hierarchy with God-King (Pharaoh) on top.

Question 8

Old Kingdom technology/art:

Answer 8

Hieroglyphics, geometry, and architecture.

Question 9

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?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Significant details of Middle Kingdom:

Answer 10

Renaissance of art, culture, and strength

Question 11

Middle Kingdom connections:

Answer 11

Steady trade with Lebanon and Punt reestablished.

Question 12

Middle Kingdom stratification:

Answer 12

Nomarchies weakened (now overseers) and government centralized.

Question 13

Middle Kingdom artistic and technological advancements - how did it differ from Old?

Answer 13

Similar to Old Kingdom - sailing ships, weapons of war, etc. Advancements, however, in papyrus production; decline in architectural advancement

Question 14

Who were the Hyksos? Why are they significant? How might they relate to Biblical history (according to Flavius Joseph)?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Significant details of New Kingdom:

Answer 15

Hyksos conquered by Ahmose I. Egypt now a powerful imperial power.

Question 16

New Kingdom connections:

Answer 16

Trade connections throughout Near East and North Africa. Conflict with Hittites and Mesopotamians.

Question 17

New Kingdom stratification:

Answer 17

Native Egyptians back in power, highly centralized empire.

Question 18

Artistic/technological advancements of New Kingdom:
Differences from Old and Middle Kingdoms:

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Most significant Pharaohs in New Kingdom:

Answer 19

Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramessees II

Question 20

Hatshepsut achievements:

Answer 20

2nd female Pharaoh; re-extended Egyptians power into Kush and Punt - trading empire. Ruled openly as female Pharaoh.

Question 21

Thutmose III achievements:

Answer 21

“Thutmose the Great”; military conqueror, reconquered Nubia, conquered Canaan and Syria. Ruled Egyptian empire at its greatest extent.

Question 22

Ramessees II achievements:

Answer 22

“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)

Question 23

How does Exodus relate to Egyptian history? How can studying Egyptian history, religion, and mythology help us better understand our own religious tradition?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Who was Tutankhamun? Why is he significant?

Answer 24

King Tut was the son of Akhenaten & “Younger Lady”. Significant for pretty much being insignificant.

Question 25

How are other people like Horemheb, Theodore Davis, and Howard Carter related to “King Tut’s” story?

Answer 25

Horemheb began erasing Tut’s accomplishments. Single reference to Tut found by Davis in 1909 Howard Carter spent years searching for tomb (1915-1922).

Question 26

Who are the major gods and goddesses of Egyptian mythology?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

How is Egyptian religion similar to our own? How is it different?

Answer 27

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.