Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs and Geography

• Ancient Egypt was located in northeastern Africa, mainly along the Nile River.
• The Nile River, the world's longest river, offered water, transportation, and fertile land for farming.
• The Sahara Desert to the west and the Eastern Desert to the east provided protection from invasions.
• Deserts and the Nile River were the two major physical features of ancient Egypt.

The Pharaohs

• The pharaoh was the king or ruler of ancient Egypt, considered a god.
• Rulership was passed down through dynasties (families of rulers), with over 30 different dynasties in ancient Egypt's history.
• Hatshepsut was among the first female pharaohs, a great builder, warrior, and religious figure, known for building a huge temple, but was nearly erased from history.
• Cleopatra was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt who was known for alliances with Roman leaders, using intelligence and beauty to win battles.

Religion and Mummification

• Ancient Egyptians practiced polytheism, which is the belief in many gods and goddesses.
• Egyptians believed in an afterlife, in which the soul would live forever if the body was preserved through mummification.
• Mummification preserved the body after death to ensure the soul's survival in the afterlife.
• The body was embalmed, organs removed, and the body was wrapped in linen bandages as part of the mummification process.
• Tombs (pyramids for pharaohs) were constructed for pharaohs and important individuals.

Social Structure

• The pharaoh held the highest authority in Egypt.
• Nobles and priests were wealthy landowners and religious leaders who assisted the pharaoh in ruling.
• Scribes were educated individuals who could read and write, who kept government records.
• Artisans and merchants were skilled workers, comprising craftsmen and traders.
• Farmers were the largest class, responsible for growing food and working the land.
• Slaves worked on construction projects or in households.

Writing and Language

• Hieroglyphics, the Egyptian writing system, used pictures and symbols to represent words and sounds.
• Papyrus, a plant, was used to make paper-like material for writing.

Economy and Trade

• Agriculture was the foundation of the economy, primarily centered around wheat, barley, and flax.
• Egypt traded with regions like Nubia, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean, exchanging grain, gold, and papyrus.
• Egypt was known for producing pottery, jewelry, textiles, and sculptures.

Key Terms

• Mummification: the procedure of preserving the body for the afterlife.
• Pharaoh: the king of Egypt.
• Hieroglyphics: Egyptian writing system using pictures and symbols.
• Pyramids: Large tombs built for pharaohs.
• Nile River: The river that provided life and resources to ancient Egypt.