River valley civiliztions-Egypt and Mesopotamia

For JoshithaByHer mother Sarala

TIME LINE SHOWING EGYPTIAN AND MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZTIONS

The river Nile

Egyptian civilization lasted from 3000 Bc to 900 Bc

The river Nile is boon to ancient Egypt which would have been a barren desert other wise

Nile river made the land of Egypt fertile and provided water for irrigation

So important was the river to ancient Egypt that it was called the gift of the Nile by the Greek historian Herodotus

The people of Egyptian civilization

The people of Egyptian civilization

In Egypt king was called pharaoh. And was worshipped like god

Viziers were the high priests.

Egyptian people had practice of keeping slaves

Occupation of people of Egyptian civilization

Fishing, hunting and sailing and agriculture were major occupations of ancient Egyptians

Farming in ancient Egyptian civilization

`Wheat and barley were major crops

Wheat and barley were grown in huge quantities

Another important crop was flax that was used to make linen cloth

Fruits and vegetables were also grown

Farmers used shaduf to lift and tip water into ditches running to his fields

Important invention

papyrus

Papyrus was a water plant that grew along the banks of river Nile

Egyptians used this plant to make boats and also rolls to write onthe word paper got its name from papyrus

Ancient Egyptian Houses

Like Indus valley people, the houses were made of bricks. Walls were made thick to avoid heat. surprisingly basements were also found in ancient Egyptian houses

Ancient Egyptian Language

Hieroglyphic writing

The language of Egypt was very advanced for their timesThis form of writing used pictures and symbols instead of letters

Egyptian beliefs about Death

Egyptians believed that after death people would go to another world and would need their bodies in the new worldSo they protected dead body from decay and mummified them.

How are mummies made ?

Mummies were made by drying bodies in salt and wrapping them in bandages

Egyptian people made mummies of animals alsopets like cats and dogs were buried along with owners

The relatives would keep the favorite belongings of dead along with the bodies

Mummies of Egyptian kings were kept in special buildings called pyramids

Outside of the pyramidinside of the pyramid

Three largest pyramids were built at Giza

Tallest pyramid was built for the pharaoh Khufu

Interesting facts of Egyptian civilizations

Tutankhamen's tomb

He was young pharaoh who died around 1350 BC

Treasures in Tutankhamen's tomb

He was buried in a tomb full of treasures in the valley of kings

The tomb remained hidden for over 2000 years until it was discovered in 1922

My record file :

Children were most loved members of ancient Egyptian familiesChildless couples often adopted children

Kindness, honesty and respecting parents were the basic qualities that were developed in children

Children also helped their parents with their family businesses and cared for elder members of the family

Ancient Egyptians held animals in high esteem. Most of the ancient Egyptian gods had animal heads

Cats were considered most sacred and was considered to have magical power

Mesopotamian civilization

A long time ago there was amazing civilization of very clever people

They were called Sumeriansthey lived in ancient Mesopotamia-the land between two rivers Tigris and Euphrates

The Mesopotamian civilization flourished between 2500bc to 500bc

The people grew crops and stored food for times of need

As time went by Sumerians invented things like the wheel, the sail boat and the first written language

Society and cities of Mesopotamian civilization

Mesopotamian civilization consisted of big organized citiesAs many three lakh people lived in the cityWith in the walls of city there was maze of narrow streets, houses markets and many other buildings

The cities were mainly governed by a powerful king who was given status next to god and priests

The powerful king The priest

Houses

All the families rich or poor had house of their ownThe rich lived in large houses and poor lived in small housesPeople built their houses with sun dried bricks

People and culture

Domestication of animals

Fine craftsmanship

Masonry Farming

There were four main classes of people in Mesopotamia

The priestThey were equal to king in power and honor

Upper classThey wore leather shoes with upturned toes

There were four main classes of people in Mesopotamia

Lower classEveryone who is not a patrician is in this class : farmers, artisans, merchants, the poor, and many others.

Slaves were lowest of all the classes and they were employed for manual labor

The Sumerians for fond of dance and music. Poets were encouraged to recite verses /poems in praise of the kings

Education

Sumerians believed in education and developed writingThey wanted their children to learn how to read and writeTheir script was called cuneiform

They also invented world first sytem of numbers and counting

Art

Jewelry made of precious gold

Fancy furniture

Unglazed pitchers to keep water cool

Colorful mosaics in beautiful patterns using pieces of painted clay

Religion and temples

Sumerians believed in many godsThey believed that powerful gods lived in sky and so they built huge temples called ziggurats with steps leading to the topReligious ceremonies were held at top where people left food and wine as offerings

Priests were held in high esteemThey were consulted by the king in all important matters of the city

My record file

Sumerians were first to use wheel for pottery around 3500 BC300 years after this they started using wheel for transportation

Sumerian king Hammurabi created the first set of written rulesIf you broke a law and found guilty would be punished weather you are rich or poorSince laws were clearly written down every one was expected to obey them

THANK YOU