Ancient Egypt and Kush

Study Guide for Unit 3 Test

Most ancient Egyptians settled along the Nile River. The Nile River provided fresh water for drinking, food (fish) and trade (navigable river). Papyrus reeds were very useful for many reasons.

The deserts of Egypt and Kush were helpful because they provided natural barriers to keep out invaders. Think…would you want to travel many miles in hot, dry desert conditions?

The Sea of Galilee was a source of fresh water for ancient people.

The Dead Sea is unique because it’s too salty for any form of life. It’s great for floating.

People in Canaan depended on the vegetation of the Jordan River.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is unique because it is built of more than 2 million stone blocks and there are tunnels and chambers inside.

Ramses IIPharaoh of EgyptBuilt many templesGreat military leaderFought against the Hittites and eventually signed the first peace treaty with them.

Pharaoh, Government officials, Priests, scribes, artisans, peasants and slaves.

Definition of the Egyptian AfterlifeWhat was the Egyptian afterlife and how was it described?. The Egyptian Afterlife was seen as a perfect existence in an ideal version of Egypt. The Afterlife was a place of complete bliss, delight and peace. The Afterlife was referred to as the Field of Rushes or Field of Offerings. Ancient Egyptians provided for their afterlives according to their earthly means.

The Ancient Egyptians were preoccupied by death and believed that after death they would go to the dark and terrifying place called the Underworld. The Underworld was a land of great dangers and various tests through which every Egyptian would need to pass before passing into the Afterlife.

Ancient Kush was well know for gold. It was also a center for trade.

*Nubia*Gold*Kandakes*Paintings on Ancient Egyptian Tomb walls.

Ancient Kush moved its capital city to Meroe. Meroe was rich in iron which was used for making advanced weapons.

The first Monotheistic religion, meaning they believe in one God which was a new idea in ancient times.

The only remnant of the Ark in Jewish life today is the Holy Ark in which Torah scrolls are kept in synagogues. These Arks often are decorated with copies of the Tablets, reminiscent of the contents of the actual Ark of ancient times.

Jerusalem: A holy city

The Ark of the Covenant was kept in a holy Temple in Jerusalem.