Ch.4 Ancient Egypt and Kush Vocabulary

Section 1

CataractsRapids along a river, such

as those along the

Nile in Egypt

Deltaa triangle-

shaped area of land make

from soil deposited by

a river

MenesLegendary Egyptian ruler, he

unified the kingdoms of Upper and

Lower Egypt and built the new capital

city of Memphis

Pharaohthe title used by the rulers

of Egypt

Dynastya series of rulers from the same

family

Section 2

Old Kingdomthe period from about

2700 to 2200 BC in

Egyptian history that

began shortly after Egypt was unified

KhufuEgyptian

pharaoh, he ruled during Egypt’s Old Kingdome

and is known for the many monuments

built to honor him.

Noblesa rich and powerful person

Afterlifelife after death

Mummya specially

treated body wrapped in

cloth for preservation

Elitepeople of

wealth and power

Pyramidsa huge

triangular tomb built by the Egyptians

and other peoples

Engineering

the application of

scientific knowledge for practical

purposes

Section 3

Middle Kingdom

the period of Egyptian

history from about 2050 to 1750 BC and marked by order and

stability

New Kingdomthe period from about

1550 to 1050 BC in

Egyptian history when

Egypt reached the height of its power and

glory

Trade Routes

Rapids along a river, such

as those along the

Nile in Egypt

Queen Hatshepsut

Egyptian queen, she worked to

increase trade with places outside of Egypt and

ordered many impressive monuments and temples

built during her reign

Ramses the Great

Egyptian pharaoh, he

expanded the kingdom and built lasting temples at

Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel

Section 4

Hieroglyphics

the ancient Egyptian writing

system that used picture

symbols

Papyrusa long-lasting,

paper-like material

made from reeds that the ancient Egyptians

used to write on

Rosetta Stone

A huge stone slab inscribed

with hieroglyphics, Greek, and a later form of Egyptian that

allowed historians to understand

Egyptian writing

SphinxAn imaginary creature with

a human head and the body of a lion

that was often shown on Egyptian

statues

Obeliska tall,

pointed, four-sided pillar in ancient Egypt

King Tutankhamen

Egyptian pharaoh, he

died while still a young king. The discover of his tomb in

1922 has taught

archaeologists much about

Egyptian culture

Section 5

PiankhiRuler of Kush, he was one of Kush’s

most successful

military leaders. His

army captured all

of Egypt.

Trade Networka system of people in different

lands who trade goods

back and forth

Merchantsa trader

Exportsitems sent to other regions

for trade

Importsgoods

brought in from other

regions

Queen Shanakhdakheto

Ruler of Kush, historians

think she was the first

woman to rule Kush. Her tomb is one of the

largest pyramids in

Meroe

King Ezana

Aksumite ruler, he

destroyed Meroe and

took over the kingdom of Kush around

AD 350