History Alive!
Unit #2 Study Guide: Ancient Egypt, Kush, and Canaan
Directions: Respond to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. Be sure
that every answer is very complete and detailed. Remember, the more effort you put
into this study guide, the better you will do on the test.
Nile River: The Nile was
important because it provided
fertile soil for farming and was
the major fresh water source for
the kingdoms.
The Red Sea mainly served as
the eastern barrier of Kush. It
made the kingdom easier to
defend.
The Libyan Desert served as a
natural barrier to Kush and Egypt.
Other than a barrier, the desert
was useless due to its harsh
climate.
1) Draw a picture of Ancient Egypt/Kush and label 5
physical features that one would find in this region. For
each physical feature, explain its importance to the
people of the region in ancient times.
The Mediterranean Sea was rich with
fish and other life.. It was also used as
a mean of transportation.
The Nubian Desert served as a
natural barrier to Kush and Egypt.
Other than a barrier, the desert
was useless due to its harsh
climate.
2). Draw a picture of Ancient Canaan and label 4 physical features that one would find
in this region. For each physical feature, explain its importance.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A). The Lebanon Mountains served as a great natural boundary. No invaders wanted to
have to climb a mountain, in fear of death.
B). The Sea of Galilee was a fresh water lake, with plentiful supplies of fish and
provided fertile land for farming.
C). The Jordan River was extremely important in Canaan. People fished, hunted and
farmed along its banks. The Jordan River, however, didn't flood as much as the Nile.
D). The Dead Sea was terribly salty; it was so salty that nothing could grow in it. The
area surrounding the Dead Sea wasn't fertile and was very hot and dry.
Government Official
The Egyptian Social Pyramid was important to society because everybody had a place.
Each citizen was in one of the classifications, and rarely changed levels. The pyramid
also organizes the individuals by amount of power (the top of the pyramid) and the
amount of people in each class (size of each level). Once you were in a certain level,
you were pretty much stuck in it for life. It is unlikely, but possible to work your way up
the pyramid to a scribe, but that would require a lot of schooling and time. The higher
you were on the pyramid, the better you were treated and you had higher priority over
those lower than you.
4). Discuss at least 3 ways that the Ancient Egyptians influenced the Kush.
A). When being lead by Egypt, Kushites wore Egyptian clothes and make-up like a
regular Egyptian citizen. In sum, they became Egyptianized.
B). Kush children were educated by Egyptian teachers during Egypt's rein over Kush.
Kushite children were treated like Egyptian Children and learned to adapt to the
Egyptian culture.
C). When living under Egypt's control, Kushites worshipped Egyptian gods. They went
to Egyptian churches and listen to sermons delivered by Egyptian priests.
D). While under Egypt’s control, Kushites adapted to Egypt’s native language.
E). Good Kushite soldiers were included in Egyptian armies. They learned Egyptian
tactics.
5). Draw a timeline of the Ancient Kush Civilization; include at least 5 key events
Kushites return to their
African roots.
Kush regains power
from Egypt. King Piye
takes over.
A kandake leads Kush
To defeat the Roman Empire,
Who had the strongest militaries.
6). Compare and contrast the Ancient Egyptians and the Ancient Mesopotamians.
Discuss at least 3 ways they are similar and different.
Compare/Similarities
Contrast/Differences
Both Civilizations had slaves.
They worshiped different gods.
They both had to use their
geographical location to their
advantage.
Their location was different,
causing them to use different
resources.
They had to overcome problems Egyptians wrote using
with what they had.
hieroglyphics, as opposed to
Cuneiform, like the
They were both great empires Mesopotamians.
They both had rigid social
structures.
Egyptians had better weapons,
including iron ones.
7). Do you remember the 7 characteristics of civilization? How could you go about
"proving" that the Ancient Egyptians were a civilization? Using seven characteristics of
civilization, "prove" that the Ancient Egyptians were a civilization.
Characteristic
Proof
Religion
Egyptians worshiped many gods. When they took
over Kush, they began to worship Egyptian gods.
Religion is important because priests are high up in
the social pyramid.
Art
Art was all over Egypt. The pyramids are art. There
were paintings on tomb walls, there was art. There
are examples of art all over Ancient Egypt. Other
things include hieroglyphics, statues, temples,
makeup, jewelry,
Technology
Egypt is full of technology. Egyptians invented
papyrus, a paper like thing made of reeds. The
building of the pyramids required lots of technology
to build and design. Others include, the wedge,
inclined plane, pulley system…
Writing
Egyptians developed their own form of writing called
hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics are a form of writing
that is made up of many symbols, for example, if a
word is surrounded by a cartouche, it indicates that
the people are royals.
Government
Pharaohs and Government Officials were the head
of government,
Social Structure
Each citizen was in one of the classifications, and
rarely changed levels. The pyramid also organizes
the individuals by amount of power (the top of the
pyramid) and the amount of people in each class
(size of each level). Once you were in a certain
level, you were pretty much stuck in it for life. It is
unlikely, but possible to work your way up the
pyramid to a scribe, but that would require a lot of
schooling and time. The higher you were on the
pyramid, the better you were treated and you had
higher priority over those lower than you.
Stable Food Supply
When the Nile flooded in the spring, it brought very
fertile soil with it. Peasants farmed alongside the
Nile's banks and the harvest of food. Once the
farming season is over, there was usually more than
enough food to support the kingdom.
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You need to know Ancient Egypt’s topography
The physical feature that was most important to ancient settlers in ancient Kush
and Egypt
What was the benefit of being surrounded by the desert
Label a map and say which area the Kushites settled in
The benefits of the Nile River when it flooded
The difference between the Jordan River and the Nile River
The most important thing the Nile River offered
If you were a peasant, how could you raise your status
The order (with the except of the pharaoh being at the top) of the Social Pyramid
Options:
A: Artisans
B: Government Officials
C: Peasants
D: Priest
E: Scribes
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Why the Ancient Egyptians thought the Social Classes were good…
Why Egyptian Priest embalmed human bodies….
What each social class job is….
One result of Egypt conquering Kush during the New Kingdom….
What did Kush do after conquering Egypt….
Who was the king who brought Egypt and Kush together….
The longest lasting effect of Egypt controlling Kush….
What was Kush’s capital known for (Meroe)….