2. The Nile
• Flows North 4,145 miles
• Central Africa to Mediterranean Sea
• World’s Longest River
• Most ancient Egyptians lived in fan-
shaped area of fertile land called a delta.
• Protected from invaders by the desert, the sea,
and waterfalls
3. The Nile
• July of every year, Nile overflowed
• Flood waters left rich soil
• To water crops during dry season, dug out
basins, or bowl-shaped holes.
• Used a shadoof machine to lift water from Nile to
basins.
• Raised flax, wheat, barley, grapes
6. The Old Kingdom
• Two kingdoms:
• Upper Egypt – southern part of the Nile valley
• Lower Egypt – northern delta
• 3100 B.C. King Menes of Upper Egypt
• Conquered Lower Egypt, united the two
• Old Kingdom began 2600 B.C.
7. The Old Kingdom
• Most Egyptians lived on large estates
along Nile river banks (farmers)
• Farmed, built monuments, dug ditches,
repaired roads
• Rich lived in estates—family, servants,
artisans
8. The Pharaoh
• Egyptians ruled by pharaohs – meaning
“great house.”
• Was a ruler, priest, and a god
• Owned all land
• Gave gifts of land to rich Egyptians,
• priests
• Choose all government workers
• Performed rituals
9. The Pyramids
• Pyramids (great tombs) built on behalf of
the pharaoh
• Place for pharaohs after death
10. The Pyramids
• Pyramids (great tombs) built on behalf of
the pharaoh
• Place for pharaohs after death
11.
12. Religious Beliefs
• River God Hapi
• Sun God Re
• Depended on the river and the sun
• Osiris – God of harvest and eternal life
