Ancient Egypt and the Nile River

The area where a river splits into multiple channels before entering the sea.

The land north of the Nile River delta in Egypt.

The land south of the Nile River delta in Egypt.

The annual flooding of the Nile River deposited this rich, dark soil.

The dry desert land surrounding the fertile Nile River Valley.

The period of Egyptian history (2700 BCE-2200 BCE) known for the construction of grand pyramids, including those at Giza.

A large, triangular structure built as a tomb for a pharaoh, such as the Great Pyramid at Giza, which required thousands of workers and years to construct.

The largest of the Egyptian pyramids, located at Giza, near Cairo. It was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.

A massive statue near the Great Pyramid at Giza, depicting a reclining human figure with a lion's head.

The annual flooding of the Nile River, which provided fertile soil for agriculture and played a role in the construction of the pyramids.

The first pharaoh to have a pyramid built for them, overseen by the great Imhotep.

The first pyramid ever built, designed and built by Imhotep for pharaoh Djoser.

A high-ranking official or counselor in ancient Egypt, often holding significant power.

The process of preserving a body for the afterlife, used by ancient Egyptians.

The ruler of Egypt, considered a god-king.

The Nile River was essential for Egyptian agriculture. Its annual floods provided fertile soil for farming, making it a vital resource. The Egyptians even considered the Nile a god named Hapi.

The ancient Egyptians believed in a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses. Amon-Re was the supreme deity, considered the king of the gods. Isis was associated with healing, motherhood, and other aspects of life. And Osiris was the god of the afterlife.

The Pharaohs were the rulers of Egypt, holding absolute power. Their decisions were considered law, and they were worshipped as gods by the people. They ruled for generations, creating dynasties of pharaohs.

Egypt's history was divided into three major periods: The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Each period was marked by significant changes in society, culture, and governance.

A dynasty refers to a succession of rulers from the same family. In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs often passed their power down to their sons or other family members, creating lasting dynasties.

Akhenaten, the pharaoh before King Tut, tried to change Egyptian religion from polytheism to monotheism, focusing on the sun god Aten.

Nefertiti, meaning "a beautiful woman has come", was the wife of Akhenaten and considered one of Egypt's most beautiful queens.

Ramses the Great ruled Egypt from 1279-1213 BCE, known for his military victories and signing the world's first documented peace treaty, with the Hittites.

Ancient Egyptian art often depicted figures in a half-profile pose, partly facing forward and partly to the side.

While consistent, ancient Egyptian art followed a set formula and wasn't focused on unique ideas. Even with repetitive styles, artists sometimes drew fun sketches.

A type of paper made from the papyrus plant.

Picture-like symbols used for writing by ancient Egyptians.

A simplified version of hieroglyphics used for everyday business.

Ancient Egyptians wrote on papyrus with black or red ink, but skilled painters also used other colors like white, blue, green, yellow, and orange.

Papyrus stalks were laid vertically and horizontally, then pressed together and left to dry. Multiple layers were glued together to create rolls.

A type of African rock art that shows figures with both human and animal characteristics.

A style of African rock art found in the Kasama hills of Zambia, featuring figures made of circles and lines in winding patterns.

A category of African rock art that includes paintings of animals and human beings, common in the northern and southern regions of Africa.

A style of African rock art found in Central Africa, characterized by finger-painted geometric images.

Rock painting is the oldest and longest-lasting form of art in Africa, dating back thousands of years.

The Bantu were groups of people who migrated across Africa from West Africa to the south and east, beginning around 1500 BCE.

The Bantu expanded their territories by moving farther each generation in search of fertile land and good grazing for their animals.

The Kingdom of Kush occupied the region of Nubia along the Nile River, south of Egypt.

Kush was a flourishing kingdom known for its iron tools and weapons, gold and ivory trade, and at times, control over Egypt.

After being ruled by Egypt for centuries, the Kingdom of Kush established its own thriving capital at Meroë, demonstrating its independence and resilience.

The Phoenicians' system of writing using 22 characters to represent sounds, making it easier to spell words than using pictures.

Made from snails, this purple dye signified royalty and was traded by Phoenicians along with other goods.

Meroë was an ancient African civilization located in present-day Sudan, known for its pyramids, palaces, and evidence of advanced water management.

The Nok people were an ancient civilization in West Africa, famous for their ironworking skills and terracotta sculptures.

A major Phoenician city in North Africa, founded by Phoenician colonists.

The Phoenicians traded lumber, purple dye, and crafts for these products.

Carthage was a powerful Phoenician city-state on the North African coast, known for its extensive trade network and naval power.

Phoenicians built large ships and sailed from this central coastal town to trade goods.

Axum was an ancient kingdom in East Africa, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, known for its trade and influence along the Red Sea.

Oral history is the transmission of knowledge and cultural stories from generation to generation through spoken words.