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The Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. Environmental Factors and Early Human Settlement. Water: drink, bathe and wash things. source of food. needed for agriculture. form of transportation. Topography: f armers usually settled in plains and valleys.
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Environmental Factors and Early Human Settlement Water: • drink, bathe and wash things. • source of food. • needed for agriculture. • form of transportation. Topography: • farmers usually settled in plains and valleys. • mountains and deserts were less friendly to human settlement. Vegetation: • plants were source of food. • useful products can be made of plants.
Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Egypt • The Egyptians lived along the northern part of the Nile River and its delta. • In Egypt the Nile is surrounded by deserts which acted as a natural barrier. • The Nile provided natural irrigation and fertilization (a rich top soil was deposited after the yearly flood). • The Nile provided food and a plant called papyrus.
Ancient Egypt and Its Rulers Historians divide Egypt’s three long periods of stability • Old Kingdom (2700-2200 B.C.E.) a.k.a the Age of the Pyramids • Middle Kingdom (2000-1800 B.C.E.) a.k.a. Period of Reunification • New Kingdom (1600-1100 B.C.E.) a.k.a. Egypt’s Golden Age Religion played a central role in the social and political order. Pharaohs (kings) were considered gods and owned all land
Pharaoh Khufu: The Pyramid Builder Khufu a.k.a Cheops (2551-2525 B.C.E.) Old Kingdom • built the Great Pyramid (1 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still standing). Pyramids were tombs that may have been established to launch the pharaoh into the next life. • helped establish the pharaoh as the central authority. • kept strict control over the food supply. • declared himself a god.
Pharaoh Senusret I: Patron of the Arts During Senusret I (1971-1926 B.C.E.; Middle Kingdom) reign • Craftspeople made beautiful jewelry. • Great works of literature such as “The Story of Sinuhe” are written. • Many temples, shrines and religious monuments are built. Almost none of his building survive.
Pharaoh Hatshepsut: Promoter of Egyptian Trade Hatshepsut (1473-1458 B.C.E., New Kingdom) • Was first female emperor. • Filled her government with royal advisors and demanded same respect as male pharaohs. • Wore men’s clothing, a fake beard, and instructed artists to portray her as a man. • Promoted trade with other countries, especially Punt. • Built a great temple at Dayr al-Bahri
Pharaoh Ramses II: Military Leader and Master Builder Ramses II or Ramses the Great (1290-1224 B.C.E., New Kingdom) • Reigned for more than 60 years. • Had over 100 wives and 100 children. • Was a fearless soldier. • Was a peacemaker that signed the world’s first peace treaty. • Built a temple so that twice a year the sun lined up with the entrance at Abu Simbel. • Built more temples and monuments than any pharaoh.