Ancient Egypt Notes
o Egyptians relied on the Nile River.
o The Nile River provided fish and supported plants and
animals.
o 2 rivers join to make the Nile (Blue Nile and White Nile)
o The Nile River is the world’s longest river and flows from the
south to the north.
A Sheltered Land
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Shortly before the Nile reaches the Mediterranean Sea it divides
into branches call a delta.
Sahara Desert – largest desert in the world
Egypt was naturally protected from enemies because it was
surrounded by deserts, rivers, deltas and cataracts (rapids).
The River People
o Used papyrus to make baskets, sandals, river rafts, and paper.
o Developed geometry to measure land
o Floods watered the land and provided fertile soils for crops to
grow.
Hieroglyphics
o Egyptians developed their own writing that was made up of
sound and picture symbols.
o Only scribes were taught to write.
o Men were allowed to become scribes.
A United Egypt
o Advances in farming, trade, and craft created a government in
Egypt.
o Villages chiefs were earliest rulers.
o Eventually some of the village chiefs formed kingdoms.
o The stronger village chiefs outlasted the weaker village chiefs
and eventually Egypt was divided into 2 kingdoms (Upper and
Lower Kingom)
Egypt’s Ruling Family
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3100 B.C. the 2 kingdoms became 1.
Narmer is credited for joining the 2 kingdoms.
Over time Egypt is ruled by 31 dynasties for about 2000 years.
Dynasty – time of rule from 1 family.
Early Egyptian Life
o Social classes set up as a pyramid.
o Social Classes from top to bottom:
Pharoah
Priests and nobles
Traders, shopkeepers, artisans, and scribes
Farmers and herders
Unskilled workers
o Higher on the pyramid – the more money you had
o Middle class ran businesses and sold goods.
o Farmers made up large part of population.
o Unskilled workers carried cargo from boats to market.
o Diets of bread, beer, vegetables, and fruits
o Father was the head of the family.
o Girls learned to sew and cook form mothers.
o Boys learned farming and other trades from fathers.
o Children did not attend school and played various games.
Location
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Located in northern Africa
Nile River runs through it
South of Mediterranean Sea
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West of Red Sea
Defenses – Nile delta, Sahara Desert, Eastern Desert, Nile
Cataracts
Egyptian economy – farming and trading.