Egyptology 101:Read and investigate the passage on King Khufu, one of the

most important leaders of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom.

Answer the following questions on your notes:1. Why is there little information about King Khufu? What

happened to his tomb?2. Why did Khufu create such a large pyramid for his

tomb?3. How did the Egyptian workers build this pyramid almost

5000 years ago?

DO NOT WRITE ON YOUR KHUFU READING!!!

The Old Kingdom• Egyptian history is broken down into three

distinct time periods: – The Old, Middle and New Kingdoms

• During the Old Kingdom, Egyptian society was organized and established.

• Social structures (like the ones we learned in our last class) were created.

The Old Kingdom• Kings during this time believed they were

gods!• They had absolute power and demanded

respect from all of their people.• So what type of government ruled Ancient

Egypt?

The Old Kingdom• Technically, a theocracy AND a monarchy.

WHY???

The Old Kingdom• Religion & the Afterlife became very

important to the Egyptians…so what did the Pharaoh’s build?

The Old KingdomPyramids!: elaborate tombs to hold earthly possessions and the mummified Pharaoh

• King Khufu built the most elaborate pyramid – *The Great Pyramid at Giza: This tomb is one of the

seven wonders of the world! It is the largest and most elaborate pyramid of Ancient Egypt.

*This pyramid is grouped with several other pyramids from other kings

The Great Sphinx• The Great Sphinx: The Great Sphinx is also

located in Giza. The Sphinx was made out of ONE PIECE OF STONE!

How did they do it?!• How did Egyptians build the pyramids?

- Any guesses?!

- Reading.

The Old Kingdom• The Old Kingdom was the ONLY kingdom that

built pyramids: WHY?!

http://natgeotv.com/uk/the-egyptian-job/videos/tomb-raiders

Pyramids are easily seen!

Buried Treasure:• Pyramids were literately filled

with buried treasure! –Why?

• http://www.panoramas.dk/2008/flash/valley-of-the-kings.html

Middle Kingdom• Because pyramids were easily recognized,

pharaohs began to build tombs, buried deep within the caverns of desert caves.

• However, many were still found & looted!

Middle Kingdom• Also during the Middle Kingdom – Egyptian

Art and Literature flourished.• Your task will be to examine the achievements

of the Middle Kingdom today! • What can we know about Egyptian life by

studying their art forms?

Middle Kingdom• You will be in your group from our previous

lesson on social class.• Each one of you will have ONE activity to work

on at a time. Then, you will rotate activities. • Use your notes sheet to complete each

activity.• Whatever is NOT finished in class will be due

for homework tomorrow.