cataracts
strong rapids that formed in the Nile River
delta
a triangle-shaped area of land made of soil deposited by a river
Menes
considered to be Egypt's first pharaoh, founded Egypt's first dynasty, rose to power around 3100 BC
pharaoh
the title used by the rulers of Egypt, means "great house
Old Kingdom
a period in Egyptian history that lasted from 2700 BC to 2200 BC
Khufu
the most famous pharaoh of the Old Kingdom who ruled in the 2500s BC
nobles
people from rich and powerful families
afterlife
life after death, much of Egyptian religion was focused on this
ka
a person's life force
mummies
specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth
embalming
a burial method that allowed bodies to be preserved for many, many years
elite
people of wealth and power
pyramids
huge stone tombs with four triangle-shaped walls that met in a point on top
The Great Pyramid of Khufu
the largest pyramid that is near the town of Giza
engineering
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
Middle Kingdom
a period of order and stability in Egyptian history that lasted until about 1750 BC
Mentuhotep
the Egyptian ruler who united Egypt and began the Middle Kingdom time period around 2050 BC
New Kingdom
the period during which Egypt reached the height of its power and glory, lasted from about 1550 BC to 1050 BC
trade routes
paths followed by traders
Queen Hatshepsut
sent Egyptian traders south to trade with the kingdom of Punt on the Red Sea and north to trade with the people of Asia Minor and Greece
Ramses the Great
had one of the longest reigns in Egyptian history, came to power in the 1200s BC and signed a peace treaty with the Hittites
hieroglyphics
Egyptian writing system
papyrus
a long-lasting, paper-like material made from reeds
Rosetta Stone
a stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics, was the key to reading Egyptian writing
The Book of the Dead
a text that tells about the after-life
sphinxes
imaginary creatures with the bodies of lions and the heads of other animals or humans, these often lined the paths of great temples
obelisk
a tall, four-sided pillar that is pointed in top
King Tutankhamen
One of the youngest rulers of Egypt whose tomb was not disturbed. His tomb was discovered in 1922 and the treasures in there taught us much about Egyptian burial practices and beliefs
Piankhi
the son of Kashta who captured many Egyptian cities
trade network
a system of people in different lands who trade goods
merchants
traders
exports
items sent out to other regions
imports
goods brought in from other regions
Queen Shanankhdakheto
the first woman to rule Kush, ruled from 170 BC to 150 BC
King Ezana
his Aksumite army took over Kush in about 350 AD