Ancient Egypt Pyramids Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the pyramids?

To protect the Pharaohs and his treasure so they can keep their items in the afterlife.

Provide 3 descriptions about the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The height (over 40 stories); 2) The base is 13 acres; 3) Each corner of the pyramid points to one of the cardinal points.

Why do we not hear much about Sneferu?

He didn't build the large pyramids; his mistakes taught everyone to build the pyramids - his sons and grandsons built the large pyramids of Giza.

Describe Sneferu the person.

Looks like a 'nerd,' receding chin, kind and approachable. Signup and view all the answers

What was the method of moving the limestone blocks?

Sleds and rollers. Signup and view all the answers

How many pyramids were built in Egypt?

Over 70. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common myth about how the pyramids were built?

The pyramids were built by slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Why did people want to build the pyramids?

100,000's of men were hired so they could have a job during the flood season, and to please the Pharaoh for the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Nile during spring?

It would flood the fields. Signup and view all the answers

Why was flooding of the Nile so important?

It left the land fertile; prevented the desert from taking over Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

List 3 crops the Egyptians grew through irrigation.

Flax, grains, vegetables. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it dangerous to die in a foreign land?

Unable to be mummified and properly buried, without these you couldn't enter the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it so important to protect the mummy?

If a robber disturbs the mummy, the Pharaoh could not exist in the afterlife and his objects would be taken away from him. Signup and view all the answers

What were the first tombs called to protect mummies?

Mastaba. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it almost impossible to stop tomb robbers?

Even though there was no access to the burial chamber from above ground, the robbers would dig their way in. Often tomb robbers were the people who built the tomb. Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take to build the step pyramid, and how many workers were involved?

2 decades, 1,000's of workers. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the pyramid collapse?

The outer casing rocks were unable to hold the weight, and the wall slid down and collapsed. Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem with Sneferu's second pyramid?

The weight of the pyramid was too much for the walls to support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Sneferu's second pyramid?

The Bent Pyramid. Signup and view all the answers

What did the priests leave for Sneferu hundreds of years after he died and why?

Bread and beer. So that he might have life, prosperity, and stability forever. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Sneferu's most famous son and what did he build?

Cheops, Great Pyramid. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Cheops' mummy?

Tomb robbers stole it. Signup and view all the answers

How did all things move in ancient Egypt?

By boat for long distances, by donkey for short distances. Signup and view all the answers

On what side of the Nile were pyramids built, and why?

West - symbolizes death because it's where Ra, the sun god, rested. Signup and view all the answers

When did the pyramid building age end?

When the last of Sneferu's line died. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Pyramids

Designed to protect Pharaohs and their treasures for the afterlife.

Great Pyramid of Giza Size

Height equivalent to over 40 stories.
Base covers an area of 13 acres.
Each corner aligns with a cardinal direction.

Sneferu's Historical Impact

Less recognition due to his role in early pyramid construction.
His design trials influenced successors, leading to the construction of the larger Giza pyramids by his descendants.

Sneferu's Personality

Characterized by a "nerd" appearance with a receding chin.
Depicted as kind and approachable.

Construction Techniques

Limestone blocks were moved using sleds and rollers.

Pyramid Count in Egypt

Over 70 pyramids were built throughout ancient Egypt.

Pyramid Construction Myth

Common myth claims that pyramids were constructed by slaves.

Motivation for Pyramid Building

Thousands employed during flood season for income and to honor the Pharaoh for the afterlife.

Nile River Spring Flooding

Seasonal flooding helped to irrigate fields.

Importance of Nile Flood Season

Flooding enriched the soil, maintaining fertility and protecting against desert encroachment.

Egyptian Irrigation Crops

Commonly grown crops include flax, grains, and vegetables.

Risks of Dying Abroad

Dying in foreign lands hindered mummification and proper burial, preventing access to the afterlife.

Mummy Protection Significance

Protecting the mummy ensured that the Pharaoh could exist in the afterlife; disturbance by robbers posed a threat to this existence.

Early Tomb Structures

The earliest tombs designed to protect mummies were called mastabas.

Tomb Robbery Challenges

Robbers often dug into tombs from below, sometimes comprising even individuals involved in construction.

Step Pyramid Construction

The step pyramid took two decades to build and required thousands of workers.

Sneferu's Early Pyramid Failures

His first pyramid collapsed due to structural failure of outer casing rocks under the weight.

Bent Pyramid Issues

The second pyramid, known as the Bent Pyramid, faced stability issues from excessive weight on walls.

Final Pyramid of Sneferu

The Red Pyramid is recognized as Sneferu’s third successful pyramid.

Permanent Offerings to Sneferu

Priests left bread and beer at his tomb to ensure his ongoing existence and prosperity after death.

Notable Descendant

Sneferu’s most famous son, Cheops, constructed the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Cheops' Mummy

Cheops' mummy was stolen by tomb robbers.

Movement in Ancient Egypt

Long distance transport was achieved by boat, while donkeys were used for shorter distances.

Pyramids and the Nile

Pyramids were situated on the west side of the Nile, symbolizing death as this was where Ra, the sun deity, rested.

End of Pyramid Age

Era of pyramid building concluded with the demise of the last of Sneferu's line.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the purpose, construction, and historical significance of the pyramids in ancient Egypt. Discover facts about the Great Pyramid of Giza, Sneferu's contributions, and common myths surrounding pyramid construction. This quiz will challenge what you know about one of history's most fascinating architectural achievements.