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Western Civilization I - Europe to 1700
Ancient Egypt

Lecture
This recorded lecture focuses on certain points discussed in this section that have arisen ambiguity, conflicting opinions, or extensive discussion among the historians.
(coming soon) for 30 min.

Section Outline
  • The Old Kingdom
  • The Middle Kingdon
  • The New Kingdom
  • Egypt in Decline
  • (in brief) From the Persians to the Romans
  • Society and Economy
  • Language, Script, Writing and Literature
  • The Egyptian Religion
  • The Sciences in Ancient Egypt
  • Art and Architecture Reading/Study Material
  • Ancient Egypt. Read the whole text.
  • Read about the first recorded treaty in history between the Egyptians and the Hittites.
  • From the Egyptian pantheon essay read the first part only.
  • Study the Map of Ancient Egypt from the University of Chicago Oriental Institute Map Series. Print the PDF Outline Map of Ancient Egypt (modern Egypt and Sudan) and place Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Sakkara, el-Amarna, Thebes, Karnak, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel cities/sites on the blank map. Review Questions
  • What is the significance of Menes/Narmer in Egyptian tradition?
  • Outline the main characteristics of unified Egypt during the Old Kingdom.
  • What was the cause for the collapse of the Old Kingdom regime?
  • Who were the Hyksos, when and why did they take over in Egypt?
  • Outline the main characteristics of Egyptian life during the New Kingdom period.
  • Name the two most prominent pharaohs of the New Kingdom and explain why they are significant.
  • What is the significance of the peace treaty that Egyptians and Hittites concluded after the battle of Kaddesh (1258 B.C.)
  • In chronological order, name the peoples whose leaders ruled Egypt after the Battle of Pellusium (525 BC).
  • Describe the administrative structure.
  • Describe the social structure.
  • Describe the cycle of land cultivation.
  • What were the three script styles of the egyptian language?
  • What were the functions of Osiris, Isis, Horus, and Ra in Egyptian religion? (Hint: you may have to consult the list of deities).
  • What is mummification and why was it practiced in Ancient Egypt?
  • Why were Egyptian physicians famous in Ancient times?
  • Name and describe one artifact or monument from Ancient Egypt. (Tip: you may also use the images from the required readings) Test Yourself Questions
  • In a short essay and according to your opinion describe and discuss the most important characteristic of Ancient Egypt or the most important event in Ancient Egyptian history. Justify your selection. Complementary Material
  • Pharaoh Narmer
  • Pharaoh Djoser
  • Pharaoh Khufu/Cheops
  • The Hyksos
  • Pharaoh Hatshepsut
  • Pharaoh Akhenaten/Amenophis IV
  • Pharaoh Tutankhamun
  • Pharaoh Ramesses/Ramses II
  • The two versions of the peace treaty between Ramses II and Hattusili III.
  • Ancient Egyptian Scipt (hieroglyphs)
  • Ancient Egyptian religion
  • Ancient Egyptian medicine
  • Pyramid of Djoser/Step Pyramid
  • Giza pyramid complex
  • Great Pyramid of Giza/Pyramid of Khufu/Cheops
  • New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tip: Choose "Egyptian Art" from 'Select Department' dropdown.
  • British Museum Highlights. Tip: use "egypt" in the search box.
  • Cairo Egyptian Museum Highlights. Tip: Choose "Collection" from the top menu. Further Reading
  • Aldred, Cyril. The Egyptians. 3rd ed. London: Thames & Hudson, 1998.
  • Davies, W. V. Reading the Past: Egyptian Hieroglyphs. London: British Museum, 1987.
  • Edwards, I. E. S. The Pyramids of Egypt. Revised & Updated. London: Penguin, 1985. Chronology
    Ancient Mesopotamia
    Period
    Time
    Pre-Dynasticto 2700 B.C.
    Old Kingdom2700-2040 B.C.
    Middle Kingdom2040-1550 B.C.
    New Kingdom1550-1070 B.C.
    Pharaonic Decline1070-525 B.C.
    Persian Rule525-332 B.C.
    Greek Rule332-30 B.C.
    Roman Rule30 B.C.-A.D. 395
    (all dates are approximate)

    Rulers of Ancient Egypt