The Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt

1. 2600 BC – 1075 BC The Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt NEW 1700 BC – 1075 BC MIDDLE 2100 BC – 1700 BC OLD 2600 BC – 2100 BC

2. Old Kingdom EgyptThe Pyramid Age2600 BC – 2150 BC Era of Relative Peace and Stability Major construction projects • 2600 BC • 1st Pyramid Building • Tombs of Pharaohs • 2500 BC • Great Pyramids & Sphinx constructed at Giza (Sphinx – guardian of Khafre’s tomb) • Hieroglyphics standardized

3. Achievements Old Kingdom - Hieroglyphics-the Egyptian writing system-one of the world’s first writing systems -papyrus-long-lasting, paper-like material made from reeds - Increase in trade routes –gold,copper,ivory, slaves, & stone–wood - Polytheism,the afterlife, pyramids,mummies - Social class system

6. Middle Kingdom EgyptWorld Trading Power2100 BC – 1700 BC • 2000 BC - Pharaohs from Thebes gain control of the kingdom • Egypt becomes an international power by expandingtrade routes • Foreigners called Hyksos from eastern Mediterranean settle in Egypt during good times • 1500 BC - Hyksos eventually gain control of Lower Egypt • Native Egyptians still control Upper Egypt from Thebes

8. New Kingdom EgyptThe Age of Empire1550 BC – 1075 BC • 1550 BCRulersfrom Thebes reassert control-drive out Hyksos • Expand borders of Egypt • Force tribute from Babylon, Assyria and other neighbors • 1320 Ramses II (The Great) • Strong, warrior Pharaoh • Signed treaty w/ Hittites Decline - Soon after Ramses died - Assyrians attacked destroyed the great kingdom

9. Achievements New Kingdom - Rosetta Stone-a huge, stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphics, Greek, & a later form of Egyptian - The Sphinx, art and jewelry - expansion of the empire - continuation of the social class system

12. Religion • Polytheistic • Pharaoh was divine • Egyptians belief in an afterlife led to mummification • Pyramids represent importance of afterlife in Egyptian thought