Ancient Egypt and Northern Africa Geography Review Sheet
Definitions:
Hammurabi’s Code – a code of laws, which may seem cruel, but were an attempt to bring justice and
fairness to the law. (Eye for an eye)
Hieroglyphics – ancient form of writing that used signs and symbols. Were first written on cave walls,
and then written on clay with a read pen and finally evolving to writing on papyrus paper with dyes from
fruits and flowers.
Unlimited government – government in which the leader has unlimited power. The leader can do
whatever he likes in his country or kingdom.
Limited government – government in which the leader has to follow the same set of rules as his
followers.
Rosetta Stone – stone tablet provided the key that cracked the code of the hieroglyphics. It had the
same phrase written in three languages: Demotic, Greek and hieroglyphics.
Explain the development of the writing system in Ancient Egypt.
Writing started as simple symbols carved in to cave or rock walls. As civilization became more advance,
the Ancient Egyptians began writing on clay tablets with reed pens. The ancient Egyptians soon
discovered the papyrus plant and began making paper to write on.
What is the importance of these features in North Africa?
Sinai Peninsula – has religious significance to both Egypt and Israel. Both countries believe they should
own the region. As of now, Egypt maintains control over the peninsula.
Suez Canal – the Suez Canal was built by both the Egyptians and the Europeans. This canal kept the
Europeans from having to travel all the way around Africa to ship their goods to Asia.
Aswan High Dam – Allows Egyptians to control the Nile’s flood waters. Instead of having only one flood a
season, they can have 2 or 3. Provides hydroelectric power to the modern people of Egypt. Negatives:
blocks the flow of silt, making farmland less fertile. Prevents fresh water from reaching the delta, so salt
water from the Mediterranean flow deeper in the delta making land less fertile.
Sahara Desert – largest desert in the world, larger than the USA. Harsh climate that is very sparsely
populated. There are very few water sources in the desert.
What was the purpose of the pyramids? What was placed in them and why?
Tomb for the pharaoh. Gold, clothing, and food were placed inside for the dead pharaoh’s use in the
afterlife. Built to glorify the rulers. You could find a sarcophagus, canopy jars and hieroglyphics to guide
the dead to the afterlife.
Describe the government of Mesopotamia.
Separated into independent city states in which they were led by a leader with unlimited power called a
priest king. A city state was a theocracy which means the leader was in charge of the government and
the religion.
Label : Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, Nile River, Egypt, Sahara Desert, Suez Canal