8/8/2019 L08_Ancient Egypt: Pyramids on the Nile

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L08_ch02- Pyramids on the NileTimeline: 4th-3rd Millenium BCE (Neolithic & Bronze Ages)

FQ: To what extent is Ancient Egyptian history shaped/ influenced by the Nile river?

Main Idea: All civilized societies share common traits. If the context (Time, Place, Circumstance) withinwhich a society develops is similar to that of another society, then there is a high probability that both willshare common traits. However, not all river systems are identical. Given the unique characteristics of theNile, it isnt far-fetched to accept ancient Egypts unique qualities as having been influenced to a certainextent by the Nile.

PO: SWBAT...

Explain the references of Upperand LowerEgypt. Compare/ Contrast the influence of the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates in shaping their respective

civilizations.

Compare/ Contrast the civilizations of Sumer and ancient Egypt in two or more areas. Defend the statement Ancient Egypt is the Gift of the NileDo Now: TBD

I. Vocabulary: Refer to video questions.

II. Origin and Attributes of Ancient Egyptian CivilizationEgyptian civilization had its origins in the rich agriculturally-rich area of the Nile delta over 5,000 yearsago. Over the next 3,000 years two distinct kingdoms arose and then united forcefully by the firstpharaoh; setting the stage for the emergence of this great civilization. Towards the close of the 2ndmillennium BCE, Pharonic(or Dynastic) Egypt was conquered by a sub-Saharan people identified asNubians(or Kushdepending on the historical source). The ancient civilization disappeared though muchof its culture was adapted by succeeding societies up to the advent of the 1st millennium CE.

What does Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamian Civilizations share in common?Attribute Common Trait (TBR)

Government Monarch rules. Monarch is a religious figure.

Architecture Massive public works projects (monuments).

Religion Polytheistic/ Melding of secular and religious life/ Creation myths with anthropomorphicdeities/ Structures: Ziggurat & Pyramids

Math, Science,Technology

Development of mathematical concepts, observations and plotting of celestial objects.

Geography Dependence on river for Sustenance, building materials, transportation, communication, and

commerce.

Written Language Phonetic: Cuneiform (syllabic)/ Hieroglyphics-(Pictographic Alphabet)

8/8/2019 L08_Ancient Egypt: Pyramids on the Nile

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What is unique to Ancient Egypt?

Attribute Uniqueness (TBR)

Government Kingdomon the Nile vs. city-statein Mesopotamia.

Architecture Pyramids were tombs with a direct connection to the interred and the after-life.(1)

Religion Ruler is divine (a god) in a human form. Nile river is a god. Responsible for the health/welfare of the kingdom.

Math, Science,Technology

Developed early form of Geometry/ Charting of stellar constellations were critical in Pyramidconstruction and religious study.

Geography Nile river is a divine entity and single largest source of wealth.(2) Desert provided a naturaldefensive wall against possible invaders.

Written Language Hieroglyphics- Pictographic alphabet1For the period of the Inundation, non-slave labor that would normally be involved in agricultural pursuits was now available to complete public works

projects. These projects included, among others, the construction of pyramids. This is now the generally accepted theory for pyramid construction,replacing the previous slave-dominant theory.

2Due in large part to the annual flooding of the Nile. Since the flooding was a cyclic event and therefore predictable, farmers would build homes

beyond the expected extent of the flooding and abandon their fields just prior to this natural phenomena. Once the waters receded, the farmers andtheir families would return to their fields. The flood is referred to in Egyptian sources as The Inundation

Activity: Egyptian Hierarchy

III. ChallengesA. Invasion: Crossroads of the World means that many will pass through here.B. Nile River: Heavy dependence on the river. Something goes wrong with the river, Egypt suffers

(Illness)C. Political Strife: Elongated and difficult to controlIV. Advantages

A. Nile River: Predictable flooding. Source of most of Egypts wealth (view night-time satelliteimage of modern Egypt). The structure and organization that gives rise to civilized life permitsEgypt to overcome many challenges.

B. Desert:Acts as a defensive wall protect ing the rich banks of the Nile river.V. Summary TBD

Curriculum LinkageUnit One: Ancient World- Civilizations & Religions (4000 BCE - 500 CE)Sections B1 a - e

Materials/Sources: Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates. World History: Patterns of Interaction textbook Assorted documents Class generated map of ancient Egypt