EgyptEgypt

Egypt’s Egypt’s SuccessSuccess

THE NILE was considered the SOUL as it was the THE NILE was considered the SOUL as it was the source of life and path to immortalitysource of life and path to immortality

Egyptians lived on Eastern side but buried on Egyptians lived on Eastern side but buried on Western sideWestern side

River was symbol of passage of one life to next River was symbol of passage of one life to next (eternity)(eternity)

Creation story began in swirling waters of the Nile Creation story began in swirling waters of the Nile when god Horus gave power to Pharaohs when god Horus gave power to Pharaohs

Ancient Egypt: StabilityAncient Egypt: Stability Ancient Egypt Ancient Egypt

lasted for lasted for 3500 years 3500 years due to factors due to factors in:in:

GeographyGeography PoliticsPolitics Social Social

structurestructure EducationEducation EconomyEconomy Religion Religion

= Stability was = Stability was goal and goal and change slow change slow and cautiousand cautious

HistoryEgypt was one of the longest lasting dynasties of the Egypt was one of the longest lasting dynasties of the ancient time. It held many great accomplishments, ancient time. It held many great accomplishments, including the pyramids. The biggest of which was built by including the pyramids. The biggest of which was built by King Khufu. It arose shortly after the decline of King Khufu. It arose shortly after the decline of MesopotamiaMesopotamia

State DivisionState DivisionEgypt was divided into many different parts. First the north from the south, then the north was divided into the east and the west. But these were more what we consider “The maritimes” or “Out West” here in Canada. Egypt was divided into 42 smaller cities or regions with what were called nodes.

Geography: Populated Geography: Populated AreasAreasThere were three main areas that were There were three main areas that were

populated in Egypt:populated in Egypt:

1. The Nile Valley 1. The Nile Valley sole source of water for Egyptsole source of water for Egypt Predictable flooding provided rich Predictable flooding provided rich

fertile soilfertile soil Both revered and feared (too much Both revered and feared (too much

flooding or droughts)flooding or droughts)

2.2. The Nile Delta The Nile Delta Area were Nile empties into Area were Nile empties into

Mediterranean SeaMediterranean Sea Largest piece of fertile landLargest piece of fertile land Encompassed major centres of EgyptEncompassed major centres of Egypt

3.3. FaiyumFaiyum Lake Moeris lies at end of branch of Lake Moeris lies at end of branch of

Nile is centre of oasis called FaiyumNile is centre of oasis called Faiyum Irrigation from Nile made Faiyum the Irrigation from Nile made Faiyum the

third most populated landthird most populated land

Geographic Effects Geographic Effects on Egypt’s on Egypt’s

stability and stability and historyhistory

Fertile soilFertile soil deserts provided protection and shelter from deserts provided protection and shelter from

outside influencesoutside influences Access to Mediterranean increased and Access to Mediterranean increased and

expanded trade and cultureexpanded trade and culture culture was one of stability and not rapid culture was one of stability and not rapid

changechange Deserts were an important source of minerals Deserts were an important source of minerals

and building supplies (copper, tin, gold and and building supplies (copper, tin, gold and natron, the drying agent used in natron, the drying agent used in mummification)mummification)

What determined Egypt’s What determined Egypt’s economic prosperity?economic prosperity?

WealthWealth AgricultureAgriculture made up most of Egypt’s wealthmade up most of Egypt’s wealth – – grain, vegetables, fruit, cattle, goats, pigs and fowlgrain, vegetables, fruit, cattle, goats, pigs and fowl Abundance and management of food suppliesAbundance and management of food supplies

(not royal treasury) was the measure of Egypt’s (not royal treasury) was the measure of Egypt’s wealth = full granaries, plenty of wildlife and fish, wealth = full granaries, plenty of wildlife and fish, and thriving herds were the signs of prosperity. and thriving herds were the signs of prosperity. These were the images used in the tombs of the These were the images used in the tombs of the Pharaohs to illustrate the wealth of their reignsPharaohs to illustrate the wealth of their reigns

EconomyEconomy Simple economy based on food production and minerals from desertSimple economy based on food production and minerals from desert access to the Mediterranean their routes extended trade as far as access to the Mediterranean their routes extended trade as far as

Northern Europe, subtropical Africa and the Near EastNorthern Europe, subtropical Africa and the Near East Trading was done by bartering goods (grain, oil, wheat)Trading was done by bartering goods (grain, oil, wheat) Taxes, salaries and loans were all paid entirely on goodsTaxes, salaries and loans were all paid entirely on goods extensive trading made Egypt a powerful influence on culture, art, ideas extensive trading made Egypt a powerful influence on culture, art, ideas

and technology (ie. Western calendar was taken from the Romans who and technology (ie. Western calendar was taken from the Romans who had borrowed it from the Egyptians)had borrowed it from the Egyptians)

Trade eventually grew and expanded, bringing new ideas and goods into Trade eventually grew and expanded, bringing new ideas and goods into Egyptian societyEgyptian society

Political:Egyptian Political:Egyptian PharaohsPharaohs

Egyptians were led Egyptians were led by Pharaohs.by Pharaohs.

They were priest-They were priest-kingskings

King Tut is the King Tut is the most famousmost famous

Using computers, Using computers, this image was this image was reconstructed reconstructed using his remainsusing his remains

PyramidsPyramids

These are the Giza These are the Giza pyramids, the most pyramids, the most famous.famous.

Pyramids were Pyramids were tombs for the tombs for the kings.kings.

These were built in These were built in 3500 B.C.E.3500 B.C.E.

How old are they?How old are they?

MummiesMummies

Egyptians who Egyptians who could afford to do could afford to do so would have so would have themselves themselves mummified.mummified.

They believed in a They believed in a better afterlife if better afterlife if their body was their body was preserved.preserved.

The Egyptians took out all of the internal organs, except the heart. When they removed them the organs were put in canopic jars, that were put in the tomb with the mummy. They did not take out the heart because it was believed to be the intelligence and emotion of the person. The Egyptians

thought the brain had no significant value, so they took it out through the nose. The body was packed and covered with natron (a salty drying agent). After this the body was left

for 40-50 days. 

Domestic Life: FamilyDomestic Life: Family

In many families girls usually married at ages 12 In many families girls usually married at ages 12 to 15to 15

A common couple were the ages of 12 to 30A common couple were the ages of 12 to 30 There was no ceremony, the bride just moved in There was no ceremony, the bride just moved in

with the husbandwith the husband Siblings were not allowed to marry and you Siblings were not allowed to marry and you

weren’t allowed to have more than one wifeweren’t allowed to have more than one wife Divorce was very simple, all you had to do is say Divorce was very simple, all you had to do is say

“I divorce you”“I divorce you” Very few children lived beyond five years of ageVery few children lived beyond five years of age

Role of WomenRole of Women

Women were almost equal to men in every way Women were almost equal to men in every way in rightsin rights

Women were allowed to be involved in Women were allowed to be involved in businesses and land dealsbusinesses and land deals

They were also allowed to get jobs, like providing They were also allowed to get jobs, like providing entertainment in temples or ceremonies as entertainment in temples or ceremonies as singers, dancer, or acrobatssingers, dancer, or acrobats

MarriageThere was no great ceremony for the There was no great ceremony for the

Egyptian wedding. The women Egyptian wedding. The women moved into the house, and bared the moved into the house, and bared the

children of the husband. But was also children of the husband. But was also given a dowry, as so if a divorce were given a dowry, as so if a divorce were to happen, the women would still be to happen, the women would still be

able to live.able to live.

Girls were normally married off at the Girls were normally married off at the age of 12-14. Men generally waited age of 12-14. Men generally waited for their careers to develop and they for their careers to develop and they

became stable and successful.became stable and successful.

Surrounding AreaSurrounding Area

Kebet located 7547 cubits north of ThebesKebet located 7547 cubits north of Thebes Good place to pick up exotic goodsGood place to pick up exotic goods Major cult centre for the deity MinMajor cult centre for the deity Min It is a great starting point of expeditions to the It is a great starting point of expeditions to the

gold mines or the Breccia mines in the eastern gold mines or the Breccia mines in the eastern desert. desert.

It was also a starting point for trading or military It was also a starting point for trading or military missions across the Red Sea. It is not an unusual missions across the Red Sea. It is not an unusual site to see soldiers carrying dismantled boatssite to see soldiers carrying dismantled boats

Kebet

Pyramid of KhufuPyramid of Khufu Is the largest pyramid in the Is the largest pyramid in the

Giza PlateauGiza Plateau Consists of the main pyramid Consists of the main pyramid

and three satellite pyramids and three satellite pyramids It was 275 cubits highIt was 275 cubits high It was not possible to enter the It was not possible to enter the

pyramidpyramid 20 000 were hired to build the 20 000 were hired to build the

pyramidpyramid Blocks were made and Blocks were made and

transported form quarriestransported form quarries The use of log systems and levis The use of log systems and levis

were used to transport and were used to transport and place the blocksplace the blocks

SphinxSphinx First monument of its First monument of its

kind in Egyptkind in Egypt Displays the face of Displays the face of

King KhafraKing Khafra Contains a deity of Contains a deity of

itself, the solar deity itself, the solar deity HoremakhetHoremakhet

Is connected to the king Is connected to the king and his divine powerand his divine power

Other kings have added Other kings have added improvements, like open improvements, like open air chapel!air chapel!

Two colossal statues Two colossal statues were built by Tuthmosis were built by Tuthmosis MenkheperureMenkheperure

The Temples of ThebesThe Temples of Thebes

The Karnak temple is located The Karnak temple is located on the east bank of the Nile on the east bank of the Nile river. It ‘s the second largest river. It ‘s the second largest temple complex in Egypt. temple complex in Egypt. Only the high priest has Only the high priest has access to the high chamber. access to the high chamber. The temple is dedicated to The temple is dedicated to the deity Amen.the deity Amen.

The ear chapel is the only The ear chapel is the only place that regular folk can place that regular folk can enter. It has giant ears enter. It has giant ears carved into the walls that carved into the walls that people whisper their desires people whisper their desires into. into.

The Temple at Karnak

Valley of the kingsValley of the kings It is also known as the “Great It is also known as the “Great

Noble Necropolis of Millions Noble Necropolis of Millions of Years of the Kings”. of Years of the Kings”.

It is the burial place for over It is the burial place for over 60 kings. It also contains 50 60 kings. It also contains 50 tombs that all follow a similar tombs that all follow a similar patternpattern

It is located on the west bank It is located on the west bank of the Nileof the Nile

The deity Meretsega meaning The deity Meretsega meaning “She Who Loves Silence” “She Who Loves Silence” supposedly protects the supposedly protects the valleyvalley

There are many halls found There are many halls found in the structure. An example in the structure. An example is The Hall of Hindering. This is The Hall of Hindering. This hall is a deep well chamber hall is a deep well chamber that acts as a deterrent to that acts as a deterrent to grave robbers; it also serves grave robbers; it also serves as being a symbolic burial of as being a symbolic burial of Osiris.Osiris.

The Temple of LuxorThe Temple of Luxor

This structure is known locally as Amenemopet This structure is known locally as Amenemopet which means Amun of Opet.which means Amun of Opet.

This temple is smaller than the one at Karnak, This temple is smaller than the one at Karnak, but no less impressive, though these two are but no less impressive, though these two are connected by one ceremonial way.connected by one ceremonial way.

The pylon at the temple is decorated with battle The pylon at the temple is decorated with battle scenes. These act as a warning to anyone who scenes. These act as a warning to anyone who plans to harm the Egyptians or the temple itself. plans to harm the Egyptians or the temple itself.

EntertainmentEntertainment

Religious festivals included a procession through the Religious festivals included a procession through the streets with a statue of the god or goddess. Offerings streets with a statue of the god or goddess. Offerings of gold and booty were offered to the god and then of gold and booty were offered to the god and then evenly distributed amongst the people.evenly distributed amongst the people.

The festival of drunkenness is the 5 day festival which The festival of drunkenness is the 5 day festival which included excessive consumption of beer and wine included excessive consumption of beer and wine which people thought let them communicate with the which people thought let them communicate with the gods.gods.

Festivals

SportsSports Faiyum, and the river Nile were popular Faiyum, and the river Nile were popular

destinations for competing in water sports destinations for competing in water sports such as swimming, fishing and fowling, such as swimming, fishing and fowling, though be wary of crocodiles in the Nile.though be wary of crocodiles in the Nile.

As per land sports, wrestling were a favorite, As per land sports, wrestling were a favorite, it was done naked with an optional belt for it was done naked with an optional belt for gripping and generally had no rules. Other gripping and generally had no rules. Other popular sports included stick fighting, popular sports included stick fighting, running and jumpingrunning and jumping

Chariot Racing was also a favorite of the Chariot Racing was also a favorite of the Egyptians though it was very dangerous, Egyptians though it was very dangerous, BUT A GOOD SHOW!BUT A GOOD SHOW!

5000 BC5000 BCThis was the time where people first started to This was the time where people first started to

settle along the Nile.settle along the Nile.

3110-2884 BC: King Menes Unites Egypt

King Menes was the first king to unite Egypt. He wore a red and white crown symbolizing the unity of upper and lower Egypt. This was also the beginning of the Old Kingdom.

2686-2648 BC: Step Pyramid 2686-2648 BC: Step Pyramid is Builtis Built

During the rule of king Djoser the first pyramid design was During the rule of king Djoser the first pyramid design was created at Saqqara. This pyramid was a step pyramid.created at Saqqara. This pyramid was a step pyramid.

2649-2150 BC: Old 2649-2150 BC: Old KingdomKingdom

The Old Kingdom was the very beginning of the The Old Kingdom was the very beginning of the great Egyptian civiliazation. Many trade routes great Egyptian civiliazation. Many trade routes were established, and monuments were built were established, and monuments were built including the Pyramids of Giza.including the Pyramids of Giza.

Map of Egypt during Old Kindom

2550-2490 BC: The Pyramids of Giza 2550-2490 BC: The Pyramids of Giza are Builtare Built

The three kings, Khufu, Khephren, and Menkare The three kings, Khufu, Khephren, and Menkare constructed the Great Pyramids of Giza.constructed the Great Pyramids of Giza.

2150-2135 BC: Old Kingdom 2150-2135 BC: Old Kingdom CollapsesCollapses

The Old Kingdom’s political systems begin to The Old Kingdom’s political systems begin to collapse. There is civil disorder, famine, and a collapse. There is civil disorder, famine, and a high death rate.high death rate.

2135-1986 BC: Egypt Splits

Egypt is split into northern and southern Egypt. The north is ruled from the city Herakleopolis, and the south is ruled from the city Thebes.

2134-2000 BC: 2134-2000 BC: Egypt is ReunitedEgypt is Reunited

Egypt is once again reunited under the rule of Egypt is once again reunited under the rule of Mentuhotep the 2Mentuhotep the 2ndnd. The capital is moved to Thebes. The capital is moved to Thebes

Mentuhotep the 2nd

1991-1700 BC: Middle 1991-1700 BC: Middle KingdomKingdom

At this time Egypt had just come out of 150 years At this time Egypt had just come out of 150 years of anarchy. Egypt once again began to flourish of anarchy. Egypt once again began to flourish and expand its trade and economy.and expand its trade and economy.

1937-1756 BC

Egyptian capital is moved to Memphis by Amenemhet. Later Egypt is divided into 4 regions by Sesostris the 2nd.

1877-1870 BC: Irrigation in 1877-1870 BC: Irrigation in the Faiyum the Faiyum

Irrigations schemes were now put in place at the Irrigations schemes were now put in place at the Faiyum. This would greatly improve agriculture Faiyum. This would greatly improve agriculture and probvied an abundance of food.and probvied an abundance of food.

1700 BC: Earliest evidence of medicine

With the creation of medicine Egypt was able to heal many that were sick. It also opened up new opportunities for trade.

1550-1070 BC: The New Kingdom1550-1070 BC: The New Kingdom

The New kingdom was a real time of change for Egypt. The New kingdom was a real time of change for Egypt. Many great rulers would rule during this time period. Many great rulers would rule during this time period. Also trade and territory would greatly improve. Also trade and territory would greatly improve.

1560 BC: War against the Hyksos1560 BC: War against the Hyksos

War between the Asiatic rulers and Thebes had War between the Asiatic rulers and Thebes had broken out. The Hyksos had invaded Egypt and broken out. The Hyksos had invaded Egypt and ruled it for about 150 years. ruled it for about 150 years.

1539-1295 BC: Egypt’s Great Rulers1539-1295 BC: Egypt’s Great Rulers

During these year Ahmose had driven the Hyksos During these year Ahmose had driven the Hyksos out of Egypt. This led to a number of great out of Egypt. This led to a number of great rulers, such as:rulers, such as:

Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis the 3Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis the 3rdrd Amenhotep the 4Amenhotep the 4thth TutankhamenTutankhamen

1470 BC: Hatshepsut’s Reign1470 BC: Hatshepsut’s Reign

Hatshepsut increased Egypt's economy immensely when Hatshepsut increased Egypt's economy immensely when she was Pharaoh. She ordered trading expeditions to she was Pharaoh. She ordered trading expeditions to the far south where she obtained rare goods. the far south where she obtained rare goods.

1450 BC: Tuthmosis the 3rd’s Reign

While Tuthmosis was in reign he expanded Egypt’s boarders greatly, especially to the south where there were many resources.

1367 - 1350 BC: Reign of Amenhotep 1367 - 1350 BC: Reign of Amenhotep the 4the 4thth

During Menhotep’s Reign he revolutionized Egypt’s During Menhotep’s Reign he revolutionized Egypt’s religious views. He had turned Egypt’s religious views. He had turned Egypt’s polytheistic society to a monotheistic society.polytheistic society to a monotheistic society.

1336-1350 BC: Tutankhamen's Reign

At only ten years old Tutankhamen came into reign. Though he only had a short rule he reversed Amenhotep’s monotheistic cult. After his death by a blow to the head (a seemingly homicide) the Egyptian civilization began its slow crumble.