Lesson 9: Sections Intro & 1

Section Introduction: (Part 1) 

In ancient Egypt, powerful leaders called pharaohs controlled the lands. The people of ancient Egypt honored these rulers both during their reign and during their believed afterlife.

In 1922, archaeologists discovered the tomb of a pharaoh. Inside a small burial chamber, they found three coffins nested inside each other. The smallest coffin was made of solid gold and held the king’s mummy. A mummy is a body that has been preserved after death to prevent it from decaying.

On the mummy’s head was a magnificent golden mask. Jewelry and good luck charms lay on the mummy and in the wrappings that protected it. Other rooms of the tomb were filled with statues, weapons, furniture, and even a chariot.

Section Introduction (Part 2)

These artifacts have much to teach us about this ancient civilization. For example, the objects left behind told archaeologists that this tomb belonged to the famous pharaoh called King Tutankhamun, whom historians often refer to by his nickname, King Tut.

The treasures in King Tut’s tomb provided a unique glimpse into ancient Egypt. Other pharaohs also left behind rare riches and artwork. Many of these pharaohs ordered great monuments to be built to celebrate their lives and accomplishments.

In this lesson, you will learn about three significant periods in ancient Egyptian history. Then you will meet four pharaohs who ruled during these periods, learn what ancient Egyptians accomplished, and explore some of the monuments they left behind.

Section 1: The Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs (Part 1)

Ancient Egypt had three 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, early pharaohs set up a strong central government. They also had great pyramids built as tombs for themselves. Some historians call this time the Age of the Pyramids.

The Middle Kingdom (about 2000 to 1800 B.C.E.) is sometimes called the Period of Reunification because it followed years of chaos and disunity. During this era, Egyptians enjoyed many great achievements in literature, art, and architecture.

The New Kingdom (about 1600 to 1100 B.C.E.) is often called Egypt’s Golden Age. During this time of peace and stability, ancient Egypt’s power reached its height. Rulers, like Thutmose III, expanded the empire far up the Nile River into modern-day Sudan and into the Levant, which is the coastal region at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.

Section 1: The Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs (Part 2)

Religion played a central role in Egypt’s social and political order. Pharaohs were believed to be gods. They owned all the land and were responsible for their people’s well-being. They were kings, generals, and religious leaders, all combined.

During the Old Kingdom, only pharaohs were thought to enter an eternal afterlife, so their tombs were built to last. Many objects were buried with the pharaoh for use in the next world.

The pharaohs directed the building of other monuments to glorify their power. Let’s learn more about these structures and the pharaohs who ordered their creation.