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AP World History Ancient Egypt. Presentation Outline. G eography of ancient Egypt Social hierarchy and government Trade Religion Science and art. 1) Geography of ancient Egypt. Began around 3050 B.C.E and lasted until 330 B.C.E.
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Presentation Outline • Geography of ancient Egypt • Social hierarchy and government • Trade • Religion • Science and art
1) Geography of ancient Egypt • Began around 3050 B.C.E and lasted until 330 B.C.E. • Developed as one of the great river valley civilizations along the Nile river • The Nile river was the source of life which provided food and water and was used for transportation and trade • Egyptian religion and spirituality reflected the central importance of the Nile river
Egypt was mostly desert and agriculture could only be developed in the areas around the Nile river
Agriculture sustained life in ancient Egypt. Planting and harvesting crops was the way of life for the average Egyptian.
2) Social hierarchy and government • Like the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia, the ancient Egyptians had a rigid social structure • Each person in Egyptian society had a specific role, with the king or Pharaoh at the top of this social order • Social mobility was uncommon- You were either born into nobility or born into poverty and likely remained there for the rest of your short life
3) Trade • The ancient Egyptians traded grain, pottery, gold, and tools, and various other goods with other peoples who lived near or around the Nile river • Trade first began along a north-south route with the Nubians who lived in what is now called Sudan • Later trade extended north to Syria and Greece and east to Mesopotamia
Question: Besides trading and exchanging goods, what other historical impacts do you think trade had on ancient peoples and cultures?
4) Religion • Like the Sumerians and Babylonians, the ancient Egyptians were polytheists • Good fortune such as a good harvest or misfortunate such as a miscarriage or premature death was attributed to the will of the gods • As a result ancient Egyptians sought to appease the gods by making sacrifices and praying
Egyptians believed in the concept of a soul and that is why they practice mummification so the body could be preserved in the afterlife
5) Science and Art • As a permanent river valley civilization the Egyptians had time to develop the sciences and arts • The Egyptians painted elaborate murals, constructed ornate tombs for their pharaohs, and built obelisks and pyramids to honor their pharaohs and gods • The Egyptians had a very good understanding of geometry and engineering which enabled them to build the magnificent pyramids
Egyptian pyramids Obelisk