Egyptian Civilization PDF

# Lesson 2: Egypt and the Mediterranean The Nile River played an important role in the Egyptian civilization since it could provide food and other riches to the people of Egypt. The Nile River originates in the middle of Africa and spans in a northerly direction for more than 4000 miles or about 6...

# Lesson 2: Egypt and the Mediterranean The Nile River played an important role in the Egyptian civilization since it could provide food and other riches to the people of Egypt. The Nile River originates in the middle of Africa and spans in a northerly direction for more than 4000 miles or about 6436 km. It is the longest river in the world. The Nile empties into the Mediterranean but splits into two major branches. This split forms a triangular territory called delta. The Nile Delta region was known in the past as Lower Egypt whilst the land upstream or to the south formed Upper Egypt. The Nile's yearly flooding was referred to as the "miracle" of the Nile. Heavy rains in central Africa caused the river to rise in summer, which left a deposit of mud that created an area of rich soil several miles wide on both sides of the river. This helped farmers in the Nile River to grow a surplus of crops, which allowed Egypt to prosper. The Nile was also used as a speedy way to travel through land, thus making communication faster and easier. Egypt had its own natural barriers that served as protection from invasion and provided security from invaders. Barriers included the deserts to the west and east, the Red Sea to the east of the Nile, the rapids on the southern part of the Nile, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. ## Egyptian Kingdoms Egyptian history was divided by scholars into three major periods namely: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. These three periods were marked with long-term stability, strong leadership, great building projects, freedom from invasion, and a culture rich with activities. In between were the intermediate periods of political disorder and invasions. Upon uniting Upper and Lower Egypt into a single kingdom and forming the first royal dynasty in around 3100 B.C., King Menes became known as the King of Upper and Lower Egypt. - Old Kingdom - Middle Kingdom - New Kingdom ## The Old Kingdom The period between 2700 B.C. and 2200 B.C. was considered as a period of prosperity and splendor for the Old Kingdom. During this period, Egyptian monarchs were given the title of pharaohs- which originally meant "great house" or "palace". Ancient Egyptians considered kingship to be a divine institution, and subjects were compelled to obey their pharaoh. Egyptian pharaohs had complete and absolute power to rule their people, but they were also supported by the Pharaoh's family. Later, a government bureaucracy developed. During this period, Egypt was divided into 42 provinces run by governors who were appointed by a pharaoh. The Old Kingdom was considered as a time of splendor and an example of its prosperity is the building of the pyramids for the dead. Egyptians practiced mummification as well. This was a process used to dry a dead body and thereby prevent it from rotting. ## The Middle Kingdom During the duration of 2055 B.C. to 1650 B.C., the Old Kingdom lost its values and stability paving the way to the rise of the Middle Kingdom. The people of Egypt used to describe this age as the golden era since it witnessed great rapidity in expansion. One of its major accomplishments was invading Nubia to the south. The Egyptians also built fortresses to protect the new, advanced frontier. Moreover, the pharaohs of all the lands used to send traders to Syria, Kush, Mesopotamia, and Crete. One great difference between the Old Kingdom and the New Kingdom is the way pharaohs handled issues. Back in the old age, pharaohs were entitled to power, and they were perceived as leaders with absolute power. However, during the Middle Kingdom, all pharaohs developed greater concern for their people. They also became very public with their actions and took public welfare as a priority. Pharaohs were expected to build public works for their people as well. ## Egyptian Accomplishments As time passed, people in Egypt progressed and advanced their skills further. In 3000 B.C., the uprising of writing occurred. The early form of writing was known as Hieroglyphics. Others described it as “priest-carvings" or/ and "sacred writing". Hieroglyphics was a complex way of writing used in tombs and temple walls. Other kinds of writing, hieratic script, were used for business transactions and daily life. These were written on papyrus and made of papyrus reed that grew along the Nile River. The Egyptians witnessed architectural and artistic achievements as well. They were experts in mathematics and could calculate area and volume. They also developed an accurate 365-day calendar. ## Eastern Mediterranean After about 1200 B.C., there was no dominant power in Western Asia. The Indo- Europeans were amongst the most significant nomadic people who settled along the Black Sea. With time, they moved into Europe, India, and Western Asia and formed the Hittite Kingdom which threatened the power of the Egyptians. After the collapse of the Hittites, the Phoenicians took over and expanded their trade. They produced goods such as purple dye, glass, and lumber, built ships, charted new routes, and became great international sea traders. They used the 22-alphabet letter in their writing. The Phoenician alphabets were then passed on to the Greeks and from them to the Romans.