The geography of Egypt, specifically the NileRiverValley, affected the way of life and settlement patterns of ancient Egyptians. Thousands of years ago, a complicated civilization of pharaohs and dynasties emerged. The Egyptians developed a sophisticated social class system, with pharaohs, priests, scribes, artisans and others. A complicated polytheistic religion was developed, which included the belief in an afterlife and mummification. / Ancient Civilizations Grade 7 Learning Standards:
7.12 – Locate the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea, the NileRiver and Delta, and the areas of ancient Nubia and Egypt on a historical map. Explain what the terms Upper and Lower Egypt mean. Identify the modern countries of Egypt and Sudan on a modern map. (G)
7.14 – Describe the role of the pharaoh as god/king, the concept of dynasties, the importance of at least one Egyptian ruler, the relationship of pharaohs to peasants, and the role of slaves in ancient Egypt. (H,C)
7.15 – Describe the polytheistic religion of ancient Egypt with respect to beliefs about death, the afterlife, mummification, and the roles of different deities. (H)
7.16 – Summarize the important achievements of Egyptian civilization. (H)
- the agricultural system
- the invention of a calendar
- monumental architecture and art such as the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza
- hieroglyphic writing
- the invention of papyrus
Key Questions:
How did the geography of Egypt affect settlement patterns in ancient times?
What role did the pharaoh play in ancient Egypt?
How do social scientists analyze ancient Egyptian artifacts?
What is a kingdom? How many Kingdoms existed in ancient Egypt? What defined them?
What is a social pyramid?
What was daily life like for different social classes in ancient Egypt?
How did the flooding of the Nile affect trade and daily life for Egyptians?
How did the Egyptians use technology and organization to build the pyramids? / Skills and Outcomes: When students have finished studying this topic, they will know and be able to:
- Recreate the physical geography of ancient Egypt
- Describe how environmental factors affected permanent settlement in Egypt
- Identify the three major periods of ancient Egyptian history
- Explain the power pharaohs held as both religious and political leaders
- Explain the major accomplishments of several Egyptian pharaohs, including Hatshepsut and Ramses the Great
- Explain what a social pyramid is
- Explain the social pyramid in ancient Egyptian society
- Identify key aspects in the life of various social classes in ancient Egyptian society
- Explain the Egyptian belief in an afterlife and summarize the steps involved in mummification
- Analyze the role and importance of scribes in Egyptian society
- Explain the role of artisans in Egypt, including the work of stone carvers
- Identify the three seasons in Egypt in relation to the flooding of the Nile river
- Describe hieroglyphics and how they were deciphered
- After taking a “tour” of ancient Egyptian sites in the classroom, students will write a letter to their parents regarding what they learned about Egyptian pharaohs and the monuments they built.
- Create a script and act out scenes depicting one of ancient Egypt’s social classes (government officials, priests, scribes, artisans, peasants, or slaves).
- Create a monument dedicated to one of your favorite pharaohs. Use symbols and hieroglyphs to depict the accomplishments of the pharaoh. Write an explanatory paragraph citing these accomplishments.
- Choose the pharaoh you feel was most influential in ancient Egypt. In a five paragraph persuasive essay, explain why you chose this pharaoh. Support your opinion with solid facts.
- Create a museum exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Each artifact must include a paragraph description. The exhibit may be on poster board or in scrapbook form.