Ancient Egypt: Geography and Gods

Exploring the Land of the Pharaohs Year 7 History - Lesson 1 of 5

Where is Ancient Egypt?

Located in North-East Africa Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north Surrounded by vast deserts (Sahara and Arabian) The Nile River flows through the center Modern-day Egypt occupies the same region

The Mighty Nile River

Social Pyramid Challenge

Work in pairs to create your own Ancient Egyptian social pyramid Include: Pharaoh, Nobles, Priests, Scribes, Artisans, Farmers, Slaves Add brief descriptions of each group's role Think about: Who had the most power? Who did the hardest work?

Gods of Death and the Afterlife

Osiris - God of the underworld and judge of the dead Anubis - God with jackal head, protector of mummies Isis - Goddess of magic and healing, wife of Osiris These gods were central to Egyptian afterlife beliefs Egyptians believed in life after death

Beliefs About the Afterlife

{"left":"Egyptians believed the soul continued after death\nThe body needed to be preserved through mummification\nTombs were filled with treasures and food for the journey","right":"The Book of the Dead provided spells and guidance\nThe heart was weighed against a feather of truth\nOnly the pure could enter the Field of Reeds (paradise)"}

Source Analysis Time!

Look at the hieroglyph excerpt from The Book of the Dead What can you learn about Egyptian beliefs from this source? What questions do you have about Ancient Egyptian culture? How might these beliefs have influenced daily life?

Reflecting on Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt was shaped by its geography, especially the Nile Society was highly structured with the Pharaoh at the top Religion and afterlife beliefs influenced every aspect of life These beliefs led to amazing achievements like pyramids and mummies Next lesson: We'll explore mummification in detail!