Ancient Egypt

In the ancient world there were many civilizations that contributed to the way we presently live our lives. Among those civilizations was Ancient Egypt, a large and interesting empire. Ancient Egypt was an important and popular part of the ancient world that has made a great impact on our world today.

Ancient Egypt was located on the continent of Africa. Most Egyptians lived in a fan shaped area of land that branched off from the Nile River called the delta. There were many benefits to living in the delta. The Egyptians who occupied the area were protected from invasions by the ocean, the desert, and the cataracts or waterfalls. Around the middle of July each year, the Nile flooded its banks and once the water had went down it left large amounts of rich, fertile soil which Egyptians used for growing crops.

In the beginning Egypt was divided into two parts; Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. Upper Egypt was at the southern part of the Nile River Valley. The king was Menes, also known as Narmer. Lower Egypt was found at the north delta area. About 3100 B.C., Menes conquered Lower Egypt and United the two together. After this he wore a double crown that stood for the upper and lower parts. He also established a capital city at Memphis.

The Old Kingdom was started approximately 2600 B.C. and lasted almost three hundred years. During this time, the cities turned into centers of government and religion. Egyptians believed that having a great leader would allow their civilization to prosper and have strength and unity. Egyptian Pharaohs were thought of as a ruler, a priest, and a god. His or her responsibilities included making sure granaries were built and taxes were collected, along with choosing government officials and approving building permits. Once a Pharaoh died, he was embalmed and placed in a specially built tomb called a pyramid. His personal things were also placed inside with the body. Egyptians believed that the Pharaoh would be happy in the afterlife if he had familiar things with him.

Around 2300 B.C. , Government officials took over the Pharaoh’s power and ruled Egypt. After two hundred years had passed new Pharaohs came in and started what is now known as the Middle Kingdom. In 1786 B.C., the Hyksos from west Asia invaded Egypt with horse-drawn chariots and iron weapons. They occupied Egypt for about 150 years until they were driven out by a prince called Ahmose. This began a new time period called