The Nile River:
The Nile River When the Sahara plain became a desert many of the people migrated to Egypt and settled along the Nile River. The river flooded its banks every July helping to keep the land fertile and good for growing their crops. The ancient Egyptians learned to save up some of the flood waters to irrigate their crops They learned to adapt to life along the river by moving to higher ground each July and then return to plant their crops and raise their animals.
Upper and Lower Egypt:
Upper and Lower Egypt Upper Egypt is really geographically in the south since the Nile flows northward. The king of Upper Egypt wore a white crown. The king of Lower Egypt wore a red crown. Around 3100 B.C., King Menes of Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt and united all of Egypt under a double crown. King Menes became the first pharaoh of Egypt. Pharaoh means “The Great House.”
The Pyramids:
The Pyramids Pyramids are engineering marvels that were constructed to serve as tombs for Pharaohs. Along with their bodies Pharaohs were buried with jewelry, food, and clothing since the Egyptians believed that they would need these items in the next world. The most famous of the pyramids is the Great Pyramid on the Giza plateau and is considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The pyramids were constructed by people using copper chisels to carve the blocks. The blocks were hauled to the site of construction on wooden sleds and moved into place using ramps and wooden planks. The hieroglyphics, or picture writing, within the tombs of pyramids have been a rich source of information of ancient Egyptian life.
Egyptian Mummies:
Egyptian Mummies Wealthy Egyptians and Pharaohs engaged in the practice of having their bodies mummified following their deaths. The process involved the removal of the brain and organs of the body. Organs such as the stomach, intestines, lungs, and liver were placed in Canopic jars. Corpses were then treated with special chemicals and wrapped in cloth bandages. Following the mummification process the body was typically placed in carved stone coffin called a “sarcophagus.”
Egyptian Life and Religion:
Egyptian Life and Religion Although the pharaohs and their nobles enjoyed lives of riches and luxury the majority of Egyptians lived simple lives as farmers and craftsmen. Egyptians were concerned about their appearances and both men and women wore makeup; painting their lips red and drawing around their eyes. Both men and women rubbed sweet- smelling perfumes and oils on their bodies. The majority of Egyptians believed in many different gods, and each city had their own special protecting god. Osiris was their powerful god of death that they believed they would meet in the next world following their deaths.
Egyptian Inventions:
Egyptian Inventions The Egyptians learned to write and developed a system of picture writing known as hieroglyphics. They learned to utilize the reeds that grew along the Nile to make a type of paper called papyrus. The ancient Egyptians learned to look outside of their world to chart the stars and conclude that there are 365 days in a year. They were accomplished jewelers and made jewelry out of gold and precious stones. They used their skill of working with metal to make strong weapons. The Egyptians were known to build ships and trade with other groups of people from. The most important thing that the ancient Egyptians are remembered for is their incredible engineering and building ability that led to the construction of the pyramids.