Download Chapter 2 Section 2

Chapter 2 Section 2
Egypt’s Old Kingdom
Old Kingdom Rulers
• Old kingdom was known for growth and
prosperity
• Egyptians built cities and expanded trade
• Strong Government was established
Old Kingdom Rulers (con’t)
• Pharaoh- All powerful ruler
– Unity of Kingdom depended on strong leader
– Considered son of Re, the sun god
• Many officials controlled the day to day
aspects of the government
Egypt’s Religion
• Worshipped many deities-polytheism
• Believed the gods controlled forces of nature
and human activity
• Re- sun god
• Hapi- god of the Nile
• Isis-loyal wife and mother
Life After Death
• Egyptians had hopeful outlook for afterlife
• The Book of the Dead
– Spells and Prayers they needed to get in the
afterlife
Life after Death
• At first believed only Pharaoh and elite would
achieve afterlife
• The Pharaoh needed a body to travel to the
afterlife.
– Embalming process
– Mummification process
Egyptian Medicine
• Through embalming much was learned about
the human body
• Herbs and drugs to treat illness
• Stitch up cuts and set bones
• First specialist in medicine
• Medical books
The Pyramids
• Pyramids-mountain like structures build of
stone-served as tombs for Pharaohs.
• Protected bodies and held supplies
The Pyramids (con’t)
• Thousands of people and years of work
• Farmers during the Nile’s floods
• Skilled workers had specific jobs
The Pyramids (con’t)
• Stones would be carried from miles away
• Barges carried stones on the Nile to building
site
• Stones pushed up ramps
The Pyramids (con’t)
• Entrance to pyramids faced north
– Developed principles of astronomy
– 12 month calendar developed
• Measuring for the pyramids led to advances in
math
– Number system based on 10
The Great Pyramid
• Built for King Khufu in Giza
• Tallest structure in the world for over 4,000
years
– 500 feet tall; covers nine football fields
• Each block weighs 2.5 tons