Transcript The Kingdom`s of Egypt

The Kingdoms of Egypt
2
distinct cultures form along
Nile
–Lower Egypt: North – Closer to
Mediterranean Sea
–Upper Egypt: South
 United
by Menes: King of
Upper Egypt around 3200 B.C.
Rulers of Egypt
Menes
– forms a dynasty
–Dynasty: right to rule that
passes to children or relatives
Egypt’s
rulers were
religious and political
leaders.
–Regarded as gods: worshiped
Pharaohs
 Means:
“great house”
 Duties of a Pharaoh:
–Hold absolute power
–Led government
–Head of armies
–Supreme judges
Old Kingdom: 2680 – 2180 BC
 Great
Sphinx/Pyramids built
 Society split into two classes:
–Lower: Peasants and farmers
• served in army/built pyramids
–Upper: Pharaoh, royal family,
priests, and scribes
 First
Intermediate Period
Middle Kingdom: 2050 – 1780 BC
“Golden
Age” of Egypt
–stability and prosperity
Hyksos:
“foreigners”
–Nomads from Asia
–Invaded Egypt: destroyed
cities
Second
Intermediate Period
New Kingdom: 1570 – 1080 B.C.
 Pharaoh’s
regain power
–Strong government and army
 Hatshepsut:
first female
pharaoh
 Amenhotep: tried to introduce
monotheism
–Belief in one god
• Aton: Sun god
• Unsuccessful
The Decline of Egypt
Ramses II: Last strong
pharaoh (1229-1213
B.C.)
Invaded by foreign
empires
–Assyrians and Persians