Egypt’s Old Kingdom
Soon after Sumer arose in Mesopotamia, another great
civilization was born in Egypt. This civilization would grow into a
mighty empire whose impact can still be felt today.
The Mighty Nile
The Nile is the world’s longest river. It begins in the
mountains and marshes of central Africa and runs north. As it flows
toward the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile falls over several
.
At its mouth, the Nile forms a delta. The soil in the delta is rich and
good for farming.
Around 8,000 years ago, hunter-gatherers settled along the
Nile River. They came from Africa and Asia. The Nile valley was
green and fertile. These people built villages and farmed the land.
They became the first Egyptians. Most first Egyptians lived along
the river.
The land of ancient Egypt provided natural protection from
outsider invaders for the people. On either side of the Nile are
burning deserts. The delta and the cataracts also protected the
Egyptians from river attacks.
The Egyptian Empire
Life in the Old Kingdom
Egyptian dynasties are grouped into three periods: the Old,
Middle, and New Kingdoms. During the Old Kingdom, Egyptian
civilization grew strong. The Egyptians created a system of writing,
using small pictures, called hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics were
carved into stone. Egyptians also wrote on paper, called papyrus
that was made from a marsh reed plant.
The ancient Egyptians believed in many deities. Each deity
controlled a force of nature. One Egyptian deity was the pharaoh.
Egyptians believed that he was related to Ra, the sun god.
Egyptians also believed in life after death, the afterlife. They
thought it was important to protect the pharaoh’s body after his
death. That way, he could continue to look after Egypt. So they
built a great tomb for each pharaoh.
The pharaoh’s tomb was a pyramid. Deep inside the tomb
lay the pharaoh’s mummy. Mummies were buried with things they
would need in the after life
Two Kingdoms
At first, Egypt was made up of two kingdoms. These were
Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. Then ca. 3100 B.C.E., the two
kingdoms united. The first ruler of united Egypt started a dynasty.
The all-powerful ruler of Egypt was called a pharaoh. The
Egyptians believed their pharaoh to be a god.
The Old Kingdom
Around 2300 B.C.E. , Egypt’s Old Kingdom fell apart. Powerful
nobles battle for control. Then, after 200 years, order returned and
Egypt’s Old Kingdom
a new dynasty took power. This dynasty began a new period called
the Middle Kingdom. Its capital was the city of Thebes.
During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt became more prosperous
than ever. One reason for this was tribute. Egypt conquered new
lands. These lands were then forced to pay tribute to Egypt.
A Golden Age of Art
The pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom supported the arts.
Paintings covered the walls of tombs and temples. Other artists
carved reliefs. Egyptian artists also made lifelike statues.
This period also saw much construction of temples, tombs,
and canals. Instead of pyramids, a new kind of tomb appeared. This
was a large tomb built into the side of a cliff. After his reign was
over, a dead pharaoh was buried in his tomb. This tomb region was
called the Valley of the Kings.
The New Kingdom
The Middle Kingdom ended in 1640 B.C.E. Mighty warriors
called the Hyksos conquered Egypt. They ruled for 150 years. Then
and Egyptian prince named Ahmose drove out the Hyksos. His reign
as pharaoh began the New Kingdom.
During the New Kingdom, Egypt reached its height of power
and glory. Trade expanded, bringing more wealth to Egypt.
Egyptian armies conquered new lands in Mesopotamia and other
areas
The Egyptian Empire
Rulers of the New Kingdom
About 1480 B.C.E., Hatshepsut became the ruler of Egypt.
She was the first woman to rule the empire. Hatshepsut was very
interested in trade. She sent merchants to the east coast of Africa.
These merchants were able to exchange Egyptian goods. They
traded for ivory, animal skins, and incense. Incense is a material
burned for its good smell. Hatshepsut used Egypt’s new wealth to
build monuments honor of people or things.
Another great pharaoh of the New Kingdom was Ramses II.
He ruled about 200 years after Hatshepsut. Ramses II became
pharaoh after a period of disorder. He was a great warrior and
leader. Ramses II was able to restore Egypt’s power and glory.
Egypt’s Old Kingdom
The Egyptian Empire
Cataract: a large waterfall
Prosperous: rich
Delta: a place where a large river divides into smaller rivers
Tribute: forced payments
Dynasty: a series of rulers from the same family
Relief: a carving on a flat background
Pharaoh: the all-powerful ruler of Egypt
Statue: a lifelike carving
Hieroglyphics: the Egyptians’ system of writing, using small
pictures
Construction: building
Papyrus: a reed plant used to make paper
Deity: a god
Tomb: a burial place
Pyramid: a huge stone building, with a square base and a pointed
top
Mummy: a preserved body
Reign: time as a ruler
Exchange: to trade
Incense: a material burned for its good smell
Monument: a building that honors someone or something
Restore: bring back
Egypt’s Old Kingdom
The Egyptian Empire