AN01c2 Unit01: Beginning of Civilizations Ch.

02
Timeline: 4th-3rd Millennium BCE (Neolithic & Bronze Ages)
FQ: Why is Egypt The Gift of the Nile?

Main Idea: All civilized societies share common traits. If the context (Time, Place, Circumstance) within which a society develops
is similar to that of another society, then there is a high probability that both will share common traits. However, not all river
systems are identical. Given the unique characteristics of the Nile, it isnt far-fetched to accept ancient Egypts unique qualities as
having been influenced to a certain extent by the Nile.

CCSS...

I. Origin and Attributes of Ancient Egyptian Civilization
Egyptian civilization had its origins in the rich agriculturally-rich area of the Nile delta over 5,000 years ago. Over the next 3,000
years two distinct kingdoms arose and then united forcefully by the first pharaoh; setting the stage for the emergence of this
great civilization. Towards the close of the 2nd millennium BCE, Pharonic (or Dynastic) Egypt was conquered by a sub-Saharan
people identified as Nubians (or Kush depending on the historical source). The ancient civilization disappeared though much of its
culture was adapted by succeeding societies up to the advent of the 1st millennium CE.

What does Ancient Egyptian & Mesopotamian Civilizations share in common?

What is unique to Ancient Egypt?
1
For the period of the Inundation, non-slave labor that would normally be involved in agricultural pursuits was now available to complete public works projects. These projects included,
among others, the construction of pyramids. This is now the generally accepted theory for pyramid construction, replacing the previous slave-dominant theory.

2
Due in large part to the annual flooding of the Nile. Since the flooding was a cyclic event and therefore predictable, farmers would build homes beyond the expected extent of the
flooding and abandon their fields just prior to this natural phenomena. Once the waters receded, the farmers and their families would return to their fields. The flood is referred to in
Egyptian sources as The Inundation

II. Challenges
A. Invasion: Crossroads of the World means that many will pass through here.
B. Nile River: Heavy dependence on the river. Something goes wrong with the river, Egypt suffers (Illness)
Attribute Common Trait
Government Monarch rules. Monarch is a religious figure.
Architecture Massive public works projects (monuments).
Religion Polytheistic/ Melding of secular and religious life/ Creation myths with anthropomorphic deities/ Structures: Ziggurat & Pyramids
Math, Science,
Technology
Development of mathematical concepts, observations and plotting of celestial objects.
Geography Dependence on river for Sustenance, building materials, transportation, communication, and commerce.
Written Language Phonetic: Cuneiform (syllabic)/ Hieroglyphics-(Pictographic Alphabet)
Attribute Uniqueness
Government Kingdom on the Nile vs. city-state in Mesopotamia.
Architecture Pyramids were tombs with a direct connection to the interred and the after-life.(1)
Religion Ruler is divine (a god) in a human form. Nile river is a god. Responsible for the health/ welfare of the kingdom.
Math, Science,
Technology
Developed early form of Geometry/ Charting of stellar constellations were critical in Pyramid construction and religious study.
Geography Nile river is a divine entity & single largest source of wealth.(2) Desert provided a natural defensive wall against possible invaders.
Written Language Hieroglyphics- Pictographic alphabet
AN01c2 Unit01: Beginning of Civilizations Ch.02
C. Political Strife: Elongated and difficult to control

III. Advantages
A. Nile River: Predictable flooding. Source of most of Egypts wealth (view night-time satellite image of modern Egypt).
The structure and organization that gives rise to civilized life permits Egypt to overcome many challenges.
B. Desert: Acts as a defensive wall protecting the rich banks of the Nile river.

Materials/Sources:Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates.
World History: Patterns of Interaction textbook
Assorted documents
Class generated map of ancient Egypt