Ancient Egypt

· Egypt was once divided into two separate nations along the Nile River – Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt

· The Upper Kingdom was stronger and eventually united the two kingdoms into one great civilization

· The ruler wore a double crown which represented both kingdoms

· Menes was the first king to rule the great united Egypt

· The Old Kingdom was known as the “Age of the Pyramids”

· Djoser was the first pharaoh to order the creation of an enormous tomb – the Step Pyramid

· This was the first monumental stone building ever constructed in the world

· The Old Kingdom also witnessed the accomplishments of hieroglyphics, sophisticated engineering, temples and elaborate tombs, irrigation systems and improved farming techniques

· The Middle Kingdom was known as the “Age of the Nobles”

· 2040 Bc saw trade routes recognized and established creating great wealth for Egypt

· learning and education became important

· armies developed to preserve power to the pharaoh

· The New Kingdom was known as the “age of the Empires”

· Egypt grew to be the strongest empire of the ancient world

· Pharaohs were fearless, tireless, strong and invincible in battle

· Created leather body armour covered with metal scales

· Charioteers began to carry large shields

· There was a religious reformation (Tutankhamen)

· By 332 BC Egypt was weakened and dividing

Government

· The Pharaoh was seen as a god, a descendant of the great sun god, Re

· Pharaoh actually means “great house”

· Position of Pharaoh passed to the eldest son of the king’s chief wife; but four women claimed their birth right and ruled ancient Egypt

Law and Justice

· Ancient Egypt did not see law as a specialized area separate from the government but they did have laws and punishments and a tribunal or court system

· Priests, soldiers or government officials presided over local courts

Religion

· An integral part of Egyptian life

· They believed that immortal beings influenced ALL aspects of nature and every human activity

· They worshipped many different deities

· There were more than 80 recognized gods and goddess

· Many gods were associated with the life giving forces of nature

· The main god was the sun god Re – who was relied upon for a good harvest

· Isis was the most important goddess who represented female fertility and was worshipped as a devoted mother and wife

· Osiris ruled over vegetation and the dead and represented the constant renewal of life along the Nile

· Anubis, escorted the dead to the entrance of the afterworld

See page 94 of Prologue to the Present for a listing of the gods of Ancient Egypt

See page 97 of Prologue to the Present for an explanation of the Mummification process. Please learn the five steps involved.

Social Organization

Pharaoh – a living god who stood at the pinnacle of the social pyramid. People viewed the pharaoh as the owner of all land and citizens, bestowed all public officials, leader of all armies, the high priest of all gods.

Nobles and Military Leaders – Nobles held the highest positions in the bureaucrat or administrative departments. Important families help the most powerful of positions, which were passed on to the next generation. Nobles might also act as an overseer of property, serve as a steward to the pharaoh or supervise engineering and construction work.

Priests and Scribes – This group was the educated class of ancient Egypt. Priests delegated the tasks of managing religious functions. Scribes were highly respected because of their ability to read and to write hieroglyphics. They also collects taxes, kept records, wrote reports, educated the young and organized rations for the army.

Crafters – Earned a living because of their skills as weavers, sandal makers, incense moulders, potters, brick makers, jewelers, carpenters and goldsmiths. The Pharaoh or noble families employed some crafters.

Fellahin – Peasant farmers were the common folks of ancient Egypt. They made up the majority of the population and were mostly illiterate. They paid heavy taxes despite their low income.

Slaves – The slaves were prisoners of war from the Middle and New Kingdoms (ancestors). The females and children were given domestic work to do while the males were soldiers, farmers or labourers. Slaves could own property, rent land or be set free if the master chose to allow such activity.

See page 114 of Prologue to the Present for information of the Rosetta Stone

Topics for Group Sharing – pages 109 –121