1.-What relationship exists between Ancient Nubia and Ancient
Egypt? Describe and elaborate.
Ancient Nubia Ancient Egypt
Social characteristics
Nubia originally had a monarchy. It is thought
Egypt built on this idea creating pharaohs
Gods and the practice of building pyramids spread to
Nubia.
Wealthy Nubians sent their children to schools in Egypt
Economic characteristics
Napata a city in Nubia was at a central location for moving goods around the cataracts.
Nubia facilitated trade throughout the region.
Egyptian goods traveled south into Africa.
Nubian products traveled north into
Egypt.
Egyptian abundance of natural resources was traded south into Africa and north across the Sinai peninsula.
At times Egypt ruled Nubia and at other times Nubians ruled Egypt.
The boundaries between these kingdoms changed.
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2.-Describe the role of the pharaoh and their importance to ancient Egypt. Include the concepts of dynasties in your response.
God/king Pharaohs were looked upon as not only the ruler but as a god. importance dynasties
Pharaohs were held responsible for troubled times. Since the pharaoh was a god, misfortune in the land was interpreted as displeasure from the gods. This displeasure could result in the pharaoh being replaced
There were approximately 30 dynasties in Egypt. A dynasty is a line of rulers from the same family. Dynasties are separated into three time periods, The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and The New Kingdom.
3.–For Pharaoh Hatshepsut explain her contributions to ancient
Egyptian culture.
After Hatshepsut’s husband died she takes rule as a regent co-ruling with her step-son Thutmose III
Queen Hatshepsut was the first woman to rule as a pharaoh, she declared herself ruler in 1472 BC
She expanded Egypt through war and trade. She sent traders to an area known as Punt.
Eager to declare her accomplishments she adorned obelisks with her achievements
Mysteriously her step-son takes over her rule. Records regarding her rule are damaged or destroyed.
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4-Regarding Pharaoh Ramses explain his contributions to ancient
Egyptian culture.
In 1279 BC Ramses II takes the throne of Egypt.
Ramses extended the empire through war, south to the kingdom of Nubia and northeast to the land of the Hittites
Ramses lead an army into battle against the Hittites.
Eventually the Hittites and the Egyptians negotiated the first know peace treaty in history
Ramses constructed a city to honor himself. 66 foot tall statues of himself guarded his temple at Abu Simbel
He reigned for 66 years. This time was peaceful and prosperous for the Egyptians.
After Ramses’ rule Egypt went into a decline. The central government weakened. A series of foreign powers then controlled Egypt.
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5.-Explain the class structure in ancient Egypt. Include a statement about each class.
Pharaoh Ruler was considered above all other people because he or she was considered a god.
Priests and nobles Priests cared for the temples. Nobles were family members of the pharaoh or the priests.
Scribes and governmental officials
Scribes were educated in the art of writing.
Government officials worked to keep Egypt prosperous.
Craftspeople and merchants
Farmers
These people either made items to be sold or where in the business of selling various kinds of merchandise.
This group produced the food that allowed the civilization to flourish.
Laborers and Slaves Slaves did the dangerous and difficult work. Laborers did not possess a specific skill set so they worked where they could.
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6.-Describe the polytheistic religion of ancient Egypt.
Polytheism is the belief in more than one god.
Death Overall Egyptians were a prosperous people. They enjoyed life and they believed that their afterlife would continue to be happy. They viewed death as a start of their next life.
Afterlife The life ancient Egyptians thought followed death.
Egyptians looked forward to this life. They prepared for their afterlife throughout their own lives. mummification To embalm means to preserve a body after death.
The Egyptians used a process called mummification. deities Egyptians were polytheistic. There were many different gods. Gods were often associated with a particular facet of life in Egypt. Ex: Re sun god,
Anubis god of the dead.
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7.-Identify the five achievements of the Egyptians. Provide details related to each.
The agricultural system
~shaduf
~irrigation canals
These devices gave the Egyptians more farmland.
The invention of the calendar
Monumental architecture
Priests studied the sky as a part of their religion.
Through this observation priests noted that a star
(Sirius) appeared yearly before the Nile Floods began. This star returned to the same position every 365 days. This discovery was the foundation for the calendar.
Step Pyramid at Saqqara
Great Pyramid at Giza and the Sphinx
Large stone statues at Abu Simbel
Hieroglyphic writing
Writing started as a way to monitor the business of the government. Over time the number of symbols increased. Hieroglyphics are pictures that stand for different words or sounds.
The invention of uses for papyrus
~root can be eaten-food
~sandals or coverings for feet.
~reeds arranged and used as a writing surfacepaper-like
~woven to form mats, rope, and baskets
~small boats were constructed of papyrus
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