Chapter 8:The Ancient Egyptian

Pharaohs

8.1 Introduction

In this chapter you will visit ancient Egypt and meet four of its leaders, called pharaohs.

In 1922 archeologists discovered the tomb of a pharaoh known as King Tutankhaten or King Tut.

The tomb held many treasures

along with a small sold gold coffin

that held King Tut’s mummy.

8.1 Continued

The treasures in King Tut’s tomb provided an amazing glimpse into ancient Egypt.

In this chapter you will learn about three important periods in ancient Egyptian history. They are called the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.

8.2 Ancient Egypt and Its Rulers.

Ancient Egypt enjoyed three long periods of stability and unity under the rule of pharaohs.

Historians call these periods the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom

The Old Kingdom lasted from about 2700 to 2200 B.C.E

During this time, a strong central government was established and great pyramids were build.

Historians also call this time the Age of the Pyramids

8.2 Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom lasted from 2000-1800 B.C.E.

Also called the Period of Reunification because it followed years of chaos and disunity.

During this era literature, art, and architecture flourished.

8.2 The New Kingdom

The New Kingdom, often called Egypt’s Golden Age, lasted from 1600 to 1100 B.C.E.

During this time of peace and stability, Egypt’s power reached its height, Pharoahs increased trade and build gigantic monuments.

Pharoahs were believed to be gods. They owned all the land and were responsible for the people’s well being. They were kings, generals, and religious leaders all at once.

New Kingdom

8.3 Pharaoh Khufu:The Pyramid Builder

Khufu ruled from 2551 to 2528 B.C.E. Which kingdom would he have ruled in?

Not much is known about Khufu except that he helped establish the pharoah as a central authority. He emphasized his supreme power by declaring himself a god.

He kept strict control over Egypt’s food supply. He also is responsible for building the Great Pyramid at Giza.

The Great Pyramid-Giza

8.4 Pharoah Senusret IPatron of the Arts

Senusret I ruled from about 1971-1926 B.C.E. Which kingdom would he have ruled in?

He was a strong leader who ruled a stable unified Egypt. Art, literature, and architecture flourished during his reign.

Architecture of Senusret I

8.5 Pharaoh HatshepsutPromoter of Egyptian Trade

Egypt’s first female pharaoh who ruled from 1473-1458 B.C.E. Which kingdom would she have ruled in?

One of Hatshepsut’s greatest accomplishments was simply gaining power. Never before had Egypt been ruled by a women. At first she shared power with her male relatives but she soon took over as sole ruler.

She promoted trade with other countries and as a result, helped spread Egyptian influence along the Nile and in nearby lands in the Middle East.

Hatshepsut

Pharaoh Ramses II:Military Leader & Master

Builder Ramses II ruled from 1290-1224 B.C.E. Which

kingdom would he have ruled in?

One of the most famous pharaohs, he reigned for more than sixty years and is best known for his military leadership and for building numerous monuments.

He is responsible for signing the world’s first peace treaty. It was signed with the Hittites.

Ramses II

Chapter 8 Summary

In this chapter, you learned about three long periods of stability in ancient Egypt: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. You explored the accomplishments of four pharaoahs who ruled during these times. Khufu built the Great Pyramid. Senusret encouraged Egyptian art and literature. Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, promoted Egyptian trade. And Ramses the Great was a superior military leader and builder of monuments.

Pharaoahs were at the top of the Egyptian society. In the next chapter, you’ll learn about the rest of Egypt’s people and what daily life was like in the New Kingdom.