Early African societies were characterized by centralized political authority under absolute rulers like pharaohs in Egypt and kings in Kush. They developed agricultural economies, industries, trade networks, and writing systems like hieroglyphics. The annual flooding of the Nile River necessitated irrigation systems and government organization in Egypt. Trade networks connected these early societies. Egyptian religious beliefs reflected their highly stratified, patriarchal societies and view of the pharaoh as a living incarnation of the sun god from the early Old Kingdom through the New Kingdom until its fall around 900 BCE.

1. Chapter 3 Review Early African Societies and Bantu Migrations

2. Key Features of Early African Societies Centralized political authority - absolute ruler (pharaoh in Egypt; person of the king in Kush) Imperialist expansion – Palestine, Syria, North Africa, South into Nubia) Highly stratified patriarchies Agricultural based economies Development of industries, transportation, trade network Writing systems – hieroglyphics Organized religions

3. State Cause – Annual flooding of the Nile River was predictable Effect – irrigation developed the need for government organization

4. Trade Networks

5. Pharaoh Living incarnation of sun god Menes was 1 st Pharaoh to unite Upper and Lower Egypt (3100 BCE) Old Kingdom Middle Kingdom New Kingdom Falls around 900 BCE

8. Culture

13. Study Questions How did Egyptian religious beliefs reflect their society? How did climatic change influence development of African cultures How did the institution of the Pharaoh evolve?