Chapter 4

Ancient Egypt

• The major periods of Egypt’s

history were separated by

violence and chaos.

• During the Middle and New

Kingdoms order was restored.

• Egyptian life went through

major changes during these

times.

• Around 2,300 B.C. nobles took

control away from Pharaoh and

ended Old Kingdom.

• Confusion and war lasted

200 years.

• Finally, Pharaohs took power back

and brought peace and trade,

beginning the Middle Kingdom.

• Egypt was then invaded by the Hyksos

(new Mesopotamians.)

• Used chariots and bronze and iron

weapons to defeat Egyptians.

• Hyksos remained for 150 years.

• Egypt rebelled, led by Prince Ahmose

and won back country.

• Ahmose started new line of

pharaohs and the New

Kingdom.

• Egypt reached the height of

its power during this time.

• Increased trade, became rich,

cities began to grow.

• Began to invade surrounding

territories to prevent future

attacks.

• Egypt became the leading

military and economic power.

• The Egyptian Empire

stretched across Africa and

into Mesopotamia.

• Trade routes expanded throughout

Egypt, making it extremely rich.

• Female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut,

extended trade all over Africa

and Greece.

• Egypt restarted building

temples and monuments.

• Ramses the Great spread

Egyptian control to entire area.

• Enormous size of empire began

to cause problems.

• Ramses died and Egypt’s lands

began to be invaded by external

forces.

• New Pharaohs were weak and

Priests began to claim power

with new gods.

• Pharaoh was murdered

and priests took control.

• People rebelled and civil

wars began.

• Too much fighting between

Pharaohs and Priests.

• Too much money spent

fighting off invaders.

• Egypt fell apart and came

under the control of the

Persian Empire.