Egyptian History Part 1

THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

Thousands of years ago, the people that we call the ‘Ancient Egyptians’ lived in a land beside a great river (The Nile) in North Africa now call Egypt. Some of them were poor while others were wealthy. They worked as farmers, clerks, soldiers, craft workers, government officials, traders and priests. They enjoy eating good food, wearing expensive clothes and jewellery; they sang songs and told jokes. They also made toys for their children and they play games.

 Life of the ancient Egyptians

 

Map of Ancient Egypt 

The Nile River

The River Nile is about 6,670 km (4,160 miles) in length and is the longest river in Africa and in the world. Although it is generally associated with Egypt, only 22% of the Nile’s course runs through Egypt.

Ancient Egypt could not have existed without the river Nile. Since rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, the floods provided the only source of moisture to sustain crops. The River Nile creates a fertile green valley across the desert. The ancient Egyptians lived and farmed along the Nile, using the soil to produce food for themselves and their animals. The river was also used for transportation.

The pyramids at Giza on the banks of the River Nile

EGYPTIAN SOCIAL CLASSES

EGYPTIAN PHARAOHS

A pharaoh is an ancient Egyptian Ruler. They were many, many Pharaohs in Egypt’s long history- over three hundred of them. Some were strong rulers, while others were weak. But all Pharaohs had the same responsibilities. The Pharaoh was not only a king; he was a representative of a god in the mortal world. He was responsible for many things:

  ·     The fertility of the soil
  ·     The yearly rise and fall of the Nile
  ·     The keeping of peace and the fortunes of his army
 

His many other roles were:
   ·         High priest in all temples
   ·         Commander-in-chief of the army
   ·         Head of state administration

To Be Continued...