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Ancient Egypt
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Ancient Egypt was one of the greatest and most powerful civilizations in the history of the world. It lasted for over 3000 years from 3150 BC to 30 BC.
The Nile River
The civilization of Ancient Egypt was located along the Nile River in northeast Africa. The Nile was the source of much of the Ancient Egypt's wealth. Great Egyptian cities grew up along the Nile using its water and their knowledge of irrigation to grow crops. The Nile provided food, soil, water, and transportation for the Egyptians. Great floods would come each year and would provide fertile soil for growing food.
Pyramids of Giza
Kingdoms and Periods
Historians usually group the history of Ancient Egypt into three major kingdoms called the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. It was during these times that Ancient Egypt was at its strongest. The times between the Kingdoms are called intermediate periods.
Culture
Ancient Egypt was rich in culture including government, religion, arts, and writing. The government and religion were tied together as the leader of the government, the Pharaoh, was also leader of the religion and considered a god. Writing was also important in keeping the government running. Only scribes could read and write and they were considered powerful people.
Pyramids and Treasure
The Pharaohs of Egypt were often buried in giant pyramids or in secret tombs. They believed that they needed treasure to be buried with them to help them in the afterlife. As a result, we have a lot of artifacts and tombs that we can examine today to find out how the Ancient Egyptians lived.
End of the Empire
The Ancient Egyptian Empire began to weaken and became conquered by a number of other civilizations starting in about 600 BC. First came the Assyrians and then the Persians. In 332 BC Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and set up his own rulers called the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Finally, the Romans came in 30 BC and Egypt became a province of Rome.
Fun Facts about Ancient Egypt
- Egyptian men and women wore makeup. It was thought to have healing powers, plus it helped protect their skin from the sun.
- They used moldy bread to help with infections.
- They were one of the first civilizations to invent writing. They also used ink to write and paper called papyrus.
- The Ancient Egyptians were scientists and mathematicians. They had numerous inventions including ways to build buildings, medicine, cosmetics, farming, and musical instruments.
- Ancient Egypt plays a major role in the Bible. The Israelites were held captive there as slaves for many years. Moses helped them escape and led them to the Promised Land.
- The Pharaoh kept his hair covered. It was not to be seen by regular people.
- Cats were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt.
Recommended books and references:
Sightseers: A guide to Egypt in the time of the Pharaohs by Sally Tagholm. 1999.
Eyewitness Books: Ancient Egypt written by George Hart. 2008.
Mummies, Pyramids, and Pharaohs by Gail Gibbons. 2004.
More information on the civilization of Ancient Egypt:
See also the Ancient Egypt at Encyclopedia Junior.
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Today In History |
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Who was born on this day:
1732 George Washington (1st US President)
1820 Frederic Chopin (Classic Composer)
What happened today in history:
1876 Johns Hopkins University is founded
1980 The "Miracle on Ice": US defeats Russia in Hockey
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