Ancient Egyptian Civilization Overview

Ancient Egyptian Civilization

• Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted over 3,000 years, one of the world's longest-lasting.
• Originating around 6000 BCE, small villages evolved into states, forming Upper and Lower Egypt (Nile River flowed south to north).
• By 3100 BCE, the two kingdoms unified under a pharaoh, marking the beginning of recorded history.

Periods of Ancient Egypt

• Early Dynastic Period (ca 3100 BCE - 2575 BCE): Early pharaohs consolidated power, claimed divine protection, and developed hieroglyphic writing for record-keeping (taxes, decrees).
• Old Kingdom (ca 2575 BCE - 2150 BCE): Characterized as the "Age of Pyramids," known for the construction of large pyramids by powerful pharaohs. Associated with the sun god Ra.
• First Intermediate Period (ca 2130 BCE - 1938 BCE): Pharaohs lost power due to drought; local leaders assumed control.
• Middle Kingdom (ca 1938 BCE - 1630 BCE): Reunification under Mentuhotep II; significant art production, story-telling, and construction of Karnak Temple started.
• Second Intermediate Period (ca 1630 BCE - 1540 BCE): Weak pharaohs; Hyksos invaders ruled the north, Kushites ruled the south.
• New Kingdom (ca 1540 BCE - 1075 BCE): Reconquest and the reign of well-known pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II, a peak period of prosperity and power. Ramses II constructed numerous memorials, including statues at Abu Simbel.
• Third Intermediate Period (ca 1075 BCE - 656 BCE): Drought, famine, and foreign invasions; some pharaohs, like Taharqa (from Kush), rebuilt temples and even initiated pyramid construction again.
• Late Period (ca 656 BCE - 332 BCE): Native Egyptian rule ended as King Darius I (Persia) took control.
• Macedonian and Ptolemaic Egypt (332 BCE - 30 BCE): Alexander the Great conquered Persia; Ptolemy I Soter, a Greek general, became ruler and Greece ruled. Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic ruler, lost to Octavian (Rome).

Life in Ancient Egypt

• Most people were farmers living near the Nile River, cultivating crops (wheat, barley, flax, papyrus, and more) assisted by flood cycles.
• Monumental constructions (pyramids, tombs) were created during flood seasons by surplus labor.
• Scribes and people like priests and doctors also made up part of the population
• Women enjoyed more freedoms than other ancient cultures; they had similar rights, could own property, and had jobs as doctors, priests, and scribes.
• Egyptians enjoyed leisure activities like boating, playing games, music, and dance.

The Afterlife

• Egyptians believed in an afterlife similar to their life, lasting into the next realm.
• Mummification and tombs were crucial for the soul's journey.
• Graves were filled with provisions, games, and clothing for the next life.
• Gods like Anubis guided souls, and Osiris judged them.
• Other gods (Isis, Tefnut) were believed to have roles in everyday living.

Importance Today

• Ancient Egyptian monuments attract millions of tourists annually.
• Egyptians developed a solar calendar and are credited with early math and multiplication techniques.
• These people developed the hieroglyphic writing system; symbols represented words/sounds, with writings in major historical sites for documentation.
• Egyptians worshipped over 2000 gods and goddesses.