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Egyptian Civilization

I. Geography Nile River

• Longest in the world• Yearly flooding but predictable• Regulated Egyptian life• Provided rich and fertile soil• Protected Egypt from southern invasion• Prevailing wind provided an

upstream/downstream• Worshipped as a god – giver of life and

benevolent

“Egypt, the gift of the Nile”Herodotus, Greek Historian (484-432 B.C.

Upper and Lower Egypt• Most of Egypt’s history focused on lower

Egypt• Upper Egypt developed later upstream• Nile provided reliable transportation –

prevailing wind for upstream/downstream Environment

• Desert on both sides – provided protection and limited interaction

II. Unification No independent city-states in Egypt Menes – king of Upper Egypt

• United two region in 3,100 B.C.• Capital – Memphis• Creates first Egyptian dynasty

Pharaoh – means “royal house” – the ruler of Egypt• Were considered gods; served both political and religious roles• Theocracy – government where political rulers are thought to

be divinely guided or divine themselves.• Believed to have ruled even after death because they all

possessed the same spirit – “ka”• Pharaoh's tomb was important because it was seen as a place

of rule. Massive tombs were called Pyramids. Pyramids built primarily during Old Kingdom period

Old Kingdom – 2660-2180 B.C.• The Great Pyramids built at Giza

Middle Kingdom – 2180 B.C – 1550 B.C.• Kings in Thebes establish control over Egypt• Chaos lead central administration in Lower Egypt to

disappear following infiltration by Hyksos• Upper Egypt dominated by kings in Thebes

New Kingdom – 1550 B.C. 1070 B.C.• Thebian King Ahmose expels the Hyksos and reunites

Egypt• Reigns of Amenhotep and Thutmose.• Ramese II (1290-1224 BC) divide power in Middle East

with the Hittites.• Capital – Qantir• Invasions of mysterious sea peoples wreck havoc

throughout Mediterranean region