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Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt, from the enigmatic pyramids to the Nile's bountiful influence on daily life and the intricate hieroglyphics that shaped a civilization. Unravel the religious beliefs, societal structures, and governance under the Pharaoh's rule that defined Egypt's rich history and legacy. Journey through the Kingdoms of Kush and Axum, discovering their unique contributions and differences, as well as their eventual fates. Delve into the realms of creation myths, afterlife beliefs, and the monumental pyramids that still stand as testaments to an extraordinary era. Discover the wisdom of the Nile River Valley and the enduring legacy of these fascinating civilizations.
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FrontPage: Why do you think the Egyptian pyramids were built? The Last Word: No Homework It's incredible, really. It features a central spire and an encircling picket-fence that's been reinforced by horizontal rails, and is strung together by a series of radially oriented guy wires. The structure measures less than 2 cm across. And here's the real kicker: nobody knows what made it.
FrontPage: Describe 1 significant aspect of Egyptian civilization. According to a new report, a great deal of the vertical space in the world's supertall skyscrapers consists non-occupiable "vanity height." The Last Word: No Homework; Test Thurs/Fri
Egyptians, Kush and Axum Kingdoms of Ancient Africa
The Egyptians - History • The earliest civilization in Africa History • People settle next to the Nile between 10 - 7000BC • Upper (south, upriver) and Lower (north, downriver) Egypt develop • Egyptian civilization begins around 3000BC when Menes unites Upper and Lower Egypt • End of ancient Egypt occurs with Roman conquest after death of Cleopatra in 27BC.
The Egyptians – Daily life • The Nile – life centered on the yearly flooding of this river • Cycle of Inundation, Emergence, and Drought • While flood occurred, farmers helped to construct pharaoh’s building projects • After waters recede, farmers plant and harvest crops • **Good flood and harvest = stability
The Egyptians – Government and Society • Ruled by the Pharaoh – owned all the land, issued and collected taxes • Was considered a god, then a representative of god • Society structured according to classes • Viziers, governors, scribes, artisans, farmers/laborers, slaves
The Egyptians - Religion • Polytheistic – worshipped and believed in many gods • Amon Re, the Sun God, was most important • Many other gods • Osiris, god of the underworld. • Belief in afterlife - Elaborate burial rituals included pyramids
The Hall of Ma’at Egyptian belief in how the dead would be judged.
Hieroglyphics • “Sacred writing”; Picture form of writing developed by the Egyptians • May have been the first form of writing (ca. 3200BC) • Over 2000 characters; ignored or omitted vowels • Pronunciation was key • Often written on the walls of temples or on papyrus • Cartouche – a “name tag”, believed to protect the name of the pharaoh
Kush and Axum Kingdoms of Ancient Africa
The Kingdom of Kush • Located south of Egypt • Conquered Egypt in 750 BC for a short time • Influenced by Egyptian writing and religion • Built capital at Meroe • Achievements • Iron tools and weapons • Traded with many parts of Mediterranean • By AD 200, Kush collapsed
The Kingdom of Axum • Located south of Kush (Ethiopia) • Emerged around time of Kush decline • King converts to Christianity • First Christian nation in Africa • Become cut off when Islam travels to North Africa from Mid East • Own written language (Ge’ez)
Stelae (stone slab carved for certain purposes • Probably carved around 400AD • Markers for underground burial chambers
FrontPage: What is one difference between Kush and Axum? The Last Word: No Homework “Bent book” bookends
