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L08_ch02- Pyramids on the Nile Timeline: 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) within which a society develops is similar to that of another society, then there is a high probability that both will share common traits. However, not all river systems are identical. Given the unique characteristics of the Nile, it isnt far-fetched to accept ancient Egypts unique qualities as having been influenced to a certain extent by the Nile. PO: SWBAT... Explain the references of Upper and Lower Egypt. 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 Nile Do Now: TBD I. Vocabulary: Refer to video questions. II. Origin and Attributes of Ancient Egyptian Civilization Egyptian civilization had its origins in the rich agriculturally-rich area of the Nile delta over 5,000 years ago. Over the next 3,000 years two distinct kingdoms arose and then united forcefully by the first pharaoh; setting the stage for the emergence of this great civilization. Towards the close of the 2nd millennium BCE, Pharonic (or Dynastic) Egypt was conquered by a sub-Saharan people identified as Nubians (or Kush depending on the historical source). The ancient civilization disappeared though much of 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 Government Architecture Religion Common Trait (TBR) Monarch rules. Monarch is a religious figure. Massive public works projects (monuments). Polytheistic/ Melding of secular and religious life/ Creation myths with anthropomorphic deities/ Structures: Ziggurat & Pyramids Development of mathematical concepts, observations and plotting of celestial objects.

Math, Science, Technology Geography

Dependence on river for Sustenance, building materials, transportation, communication, and commerce. Phonetic: Cuneiform (syllabic)/ Hieroglyphics-(Pictographic Alphabet)

Written Language

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What is unique to Ancient Egypt?

Attribute Government Architecture Religion Uniqueness (TBR) Kingdom on the Nile vs. city-state in Mesopotamia. Pyramids were tombs with a direct connection to the interred and the after-life.(1) Ruler is divine (a god) in a human form. Nile river is a god. Responsible for the health/ welfare of the kingdom. Developed early form of Geometry/ Charting of stellar constellations were critical in Pyramid construction and religious study. Nile river is a divine entity and single largest source of wealth.(2) Desert provided a natural defensive wall against possible invaders. Hieroglyphics- Pictographic alphabet

Math, Science, Technology Geography

Written Language
1

For 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.
2

Due 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 and their families would return to their fields. The flood is referred to in Egyptian sources as The Inundation

Activity: Egyptian Hierarchy III. Challenges A. 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 control IV. Advantages A. Nile River: Predictable flooding. Source of most of Egypts wealth (view night-time satellite image of modern Egypt). The structure and organization that gives rise to civilized life permits Egypt to overcome many challenges. B. Desert: Acts as a defensive wall protecting the rich banks of the Nile river. V. Summary TBD
Curriculum Linkage Unit 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