Transcript Ancient Egypt Nile River Valley KEY 2013
Ancient Egypt~Nile River Valley
Characteristics and Major Achievements
1. Why do you suppose the southern region of Egypt is called “Upper Egypt”?
A: Because it is higher land (Nile River flows north).
2: What did Greek historian call the “gift of the Nile?” A: Egyptian civilization Importance:
•Fresh water •Fertile soil •Route for
trade/travel
3: What were the risks of farming near the Nile River?
A: Flood levels were unpredictable; some years floodwater would destroy fields and homes
4: What did ancient Egyptians do to manage the Nile River?
A: They built canals and strengthened riverbanks to keep it from overflowing
5: How did the writing materials of the ancient Egyptians differ from that of the Mesopatamians?
A: Papyrus (from plant) Cuneiform (clay tablets)
6: (cont’d) What problems might be associated with clay tablets?
A: They were heavy, not as easy to write on as papyrus, they were breakable
6: What was a pharaoh? Why might King Tutankhamen be so well known?
A: A pharaoh is an Egyptian king King Tut’s tomb was found almost exactly as it had been left thousands of years before
7: Why did ancient Egyptians build pyramids?
A: Pyramids were built to provide places for kings to spend the afterlife.
8: What is hieroglyphics?
A: A writing system that uses pictographs to stand for words or sounds.
8: (cont’d) How did the use of hieroglyphics help Egyptian builders?
A: To make lists of workers and supplies they needed for the project.
9: How did pharaohs get enough workers to build the pyramids?
A: Every Egyptian family had to help with the project-either as laborers, or providing food for the workers.
10: What beliefs did ancient Egyptians have about their ruling pharaohs?
A: The pharaoh was believed to be the living son of the sun god, and was linked to the sky god. He was the main religious figure.
11: Why was the pharaoh so important to the Egyptians?
A: He was the chief judge, the commander in chief, he set a religious example to guide the common people.
12: How did ancient Egyptians prepare deceased loved ones for the afterlife?
A: They treated their bodies with preservatives, or mummified them. They also filled their tombs with items they believed the deceased could use after death