Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt was one of the greatest civilisations in history. It lasted for over 3,000 years!

The Nile River

The River Nile was the heart of Ancient Egypt. The Nile flooded every year, leaving behind rich fertile soil. Egyptians grew crops like wheat, barley, and flax.

The Pharaohs

The pharaoh was the king or queen of Egypt. They were believed to be living gods.

Famous Pharaohs:

• Tutankhamun — became pharaoh at age 9, his tomb was found in 1922 full of treasure
• Cleopatra — the last pharaoh of Egypt
• Ramses II — ruled for 66 years

The Pyramids

The pyramids were giant tombs for pharaohs. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for Pharaoh Khufu, made of 2.3 million stone blocks, and is 146 metres tall.

Mummification

Egyptians preserved bodies through mummification: remove organs, cover in natron salt to dry (40 days), wrap in linen bandages, place in a decorated sarcophagus.

Hieroglyphics

Egyptians wrote using hieroglyphics — picture symbols. There were over 700 different symbols! The Rosetta Stone helped scholars translate them.

Key Vocabulary

• Pharaoh, Pyramid, Mummy, Hieroglyphics, Sarcophagus, Canopic jar