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Transcript
Ancient Egypt Old Kingdom • Government: – Pharaoh ruled they had absolute power and organized a strong centralized state; were considered to be related to the gods – Vizier chief minister; supervised the everyday business of gov’t (taxes, farming, irrigation, etc) • Accomplishments: – Called the “Pyramid Age” because the great pyramids at Giza were built then – Pyramids rise to a point aiming at the heavens, where the ruler’s soul will take its place among the immortal stars. Pyramids • • • • Eastern side faces the rising sun Inside the pyramid was a burial chamber Outside were two temples Amount of Stone: 2.3 million blocks of stone, mostly limestone, some granite blocks • Estimated time need for construction 2025 years Great Sphinx • Body of a crouching lion and head of Khafra • Carved out of natural limestone • At one time was colored and had a beard. Construction Controversy • How were they built? • Probably quarried the stone from the Nile and brought it downstream • Theories of using stone blocks along lubricated runway or ramp might have been sufficient • Ramps and levers probably used to lift the stones • Built by 20,000-35,000 they would need to be fed, housed and provided other amenities to keep them healthy • Probably had a permanent crew of specialized workmen - reaped rewards in afterlife • Reason for Decline: – Power struggles, crop failures, and the cost of building the pyramids (cost in food and in human lives) – Pepi II was in power for 94 years, may have made it weak, unable to keep a tight grasp on national affairs – Famine, drop in rainfall may have been factors The Middle Kingdom *Government: • Pharaoh • Accomplishments: – Rulers organized a drainage project that created more arable (farmable) land. – Occupied Nubia (to the south)Nubia had a lot of gold – Traders had more contact with Middle East and Mediterranean island of Crete • Reason for Decline: – About 1700 B.C. the Hyksos invaded and conquered Egypt’s delta region—they had horse drawn war chariots and the Egyptians had never seen them before. The Hyksos dominated Egypt for 100+ years. they were so impressed with Egyptian culture that they adapted to many Egyptian customs The New Kingdom • Government: – Pharaoh – Queen Hatshepsut – Ramses II • Accomplishments: – Drove out the Hyksos – Extended Egyptian empire to the Euphrates River—this brought Egypt into contact with the Middle East and increased trade. – Wealthiest and most powerful Kingdom Queen Hatshepsut – Queen Hatshepsut took over as pharaoh when her son was too young to rule. – Led an expedition to Punt. She encouraged trade. – Made outstanding achievements that made Egypt more prosperous. Ramses the Great • Ramses made the first peace treaty in history with the Hittite Empire • Favorite wife • Made HUGE statues • Reason for Decline: – After Ramses II died, Egyptian power declined and invaders conquered – About 750 B.C., Nubia conquered Egypt and ruled for 100+ years. The Nubians did not destroy Egypt, they wanted to resore its former glory. They ruled as the Egyptians had and respected Egyptian culture.