Ancient Egypt Content

What crops were grown in ancient Egypt?

Answer explanation

#3

The crops grown in ancient Egypt were flax, wheat, and barley.

Describe the importance of the Nile River and the rivers which combine to form the Nile River.

Answer explanation

#1 and #2

The Blue Nile from the mountains of eastern Africa and the White Nile from the marshes in central Africa meet to form the Nile River. The Nile was the source of life in ancient Egypt. It provided fresh water to drink, bathe in, and water crops. The Nile flooded predictably and left behind rich soil. It protected ancient Egypt with cataracts but also allowed transportation.

Who were the main gods in ancient Egypt and what was the purpose of temples?

Answer explanation

#21 and #10

The main gods in ancient Egypt were Re who was the sun god, Hapi who ruled the Nile River, Isis who was the goddess of loyal wives and mothers, and Osiris who ruled over the dead. Ancient Egyptian temples were built as homes for the gods and goddesses. Priests and Priestesses would perform rituals to honor the gods and goddesses. Unlike modern-day churches and temples, the Egyptians did not have regular worship services at temples but prayed at home instead.

How were pharaohs viewed in ancient Egypt?

Answer explanation

#15 and #16

A pharaoh was believed to be a god on earth and a child of Re, the sun god. Pharaohs were all-powerful rulers and their word was the law. They were obeyed without question because the unity of the kingdom depended on a strong leader.

#17

In ancient Egypt, cats were associated with Bastet, the goddess of motherhood, grace, and beauty. Therefore, cats were

• liked.

• loved.

• left alone.

• worshipped.

What was the purpose of pyramids and what was the significance of the Great Pyramid in Giza?

Answer explanation

#9 and #14

Pyramids are gigantic stone structures built as the final resting place for pharaohs. A pyramid contained the mummified pharaoh and everything s/he would need in the afterlife such as jewelry, clothes, food, and furniture. The pyramids were supposed to protect the pharaoh and his/her belongings from floods, wild animals, and grave robbers. The Great Pyramid in Giza was built for King Khufu and is the largest of three pyramids still standing on the west bank of the Nile River.

Name that pharaoh.

inherited the throne from his father-in-law when he was a child

tomb was discovered in the 1920's untouched

most famous of ancient Egyptian pharaohs

Compare and contrast the reign of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III.

Answer explanation

#18 and #19

Both Hatshepsut and Thutmose III expanded the Egyptian empire and brought in great wealth. They accomplished this using different methods. Hatshepsut traded with other areas while Thutmose III conquered other areas to bring in tribute (payments made by conquered lands). Thutmose III also made slavery widespread in ancient Egypt with his conquering of lands and people. Hatshepsut was one of the first female pharaohs.

Discuss Akhenaton.

Answer explanation

#20

Amenhotep IV was an Egyptian pharaoh who realized that Egypt's priests were gaining power at the expense of the pharaohs. In an attempt to gain power, he introduced a new religion with only one god, Aton. He then changed his name to Akhenaton which means "Spirit of Aton". Because he tried to control the religion so much, he neglected his duties as pharaoh. The people of Egypt rejected the idea of getting rid of the old gods. When King Tutankhamen became pharaoh at age 10, his advisors convinced him to stop worshipping Aton and go back to worshipping the many gods and goddesses.

Describe the Hyksos.

Answer explanation

#11

The Hyksos, a people from western Asia, attacked and defeated Egypt during the Middle Kingdom. The Hyksos were able to defeat the ancient Egyptians because they fought with horse-drawn chariots, used weapons made of bronze and iron while the ancient Egyptians still fought on foot with copper and stone weapons. The Hyksos were mighty warriors.