Mummies Revealed

Mummification

The earliest ancient Egyptians buried their dead in small pits in the desert. The heat and dryness of the sand dehydrated the bodies quickly, creating lifelike and natural 'mummies'. Later, the ancient Egyptians began burying their dead in coffins to protect them from wild animals in the desert. However, they realized that bodies placed in coffins decayed when they were not exposed to the hot, dry sand of the desert. Over many centuries, the ancient Egyptians developed a method of preserving bodies so they would remain lifelike. The process included embalming the bodies and wrapping them in strips of linen.

 

Questions: 

1. Why did the Egyptians make mummies?

2. How were mummies made?

3. What is the significance of mummification to the afterlife?

References:

• James Burnett, C. I. (1996). Egyptian Genius. Creative Publications.
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  Mummies.(n.d.).Retrieved November Wednesday, 2011, from http://www.google.com.lb/imgresq=mummies&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=822&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=37xAeE25f0usNM:&imgrefurl=http://questgarden.com/97/11/2/100224101015/process.htm&docid=mmWXVadSCVyiPM&imgurl=http://questgarden.com/97/11/2/100224101015/images/mummy.jp

Pharaoh: Lord of the Two Lands

                                

The most powerful person in ancient Egypt was the pharaoh. The pharaoh was the political and religious leader of the Egyptian people, holding the titles: 'Lord of the Two Lands' and 'High Priest of Every Temple'. As 'Lord of the Two Lands' the pharaoh was the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. He owned all of the land, made laws, collected taxes, and defended Egypt against foreigners. As 'High Priest of Every Temple', the pharaoh represented the gods on Earth. He performed rituals and built temples to honor the gods.  Many pharaohs went to war when their land was threatened or when they wanted to control foreign lands. If the pharaoh won the battle, the conquered people had to recognize the Egyptian pharaoh as their ruler and offer him the finest and most valuable goods from their land.

 

Questions:

1. What tools did the Pharaohs use as a sign of authority?

2. Describe their crowns and headdresses.

3. Briefly explain the history of the ‘’Pharaoh’’ title.

References:

• James Burnett, C. I. (1996). Egyptian Genius. Creative Publications.
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  Pharaohs.(n.d.).Retrieved November Wednesday, 2011, from http://www.google.com.lb/imgresq=pharaoh&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1280&bih=822&tbm=isch&tbnid=ULOQZSUGFi3y_M:&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaoh&docid=ItoYZtBo_BMXxM&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Pharaoh.svg/220px-Pha

Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

Sun God, Ra



The ancient Egyptians believed in many different gods and goddesses. Each god/goddess had their own role to play in maintaining peace and harmony across the land. Some gods and goddesses took part in creation, some brought the flood every year, some offered protection, and some took care of people after they died. Others were either local gods who represented towns, or minor gods who represented plants or animals. The ancient Egyptians believed that it was important to recognize and worship these gods and goddesses so that life continued smoothly.

Questions: (Click on comments to add your answers)

1. What was the role of the god Ra?
2. What was his relationship to other gods?
3. When did his (Ra) local cult begin?

References:

• James Burnett, C. I. (1996). Egyptian Genius. Creative Publications.
• (n.d.). Retrieved November Sunday , 2011, from http://www.google.com.lb/imgres?q=egyptian+god+RA&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1280&bih=822&tbm=isch&tbnid=P9xFGcNhrxwXuM:&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra&docid=ejdZ13rDlqLOgM&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Re-Horakhty.svg/22