Cataract: A large waterfall Why was it significant? Cataracts were significant because they hindered navigation of the Nile, especially during the Ancient Period. The sailboats that Ancient Egyptians used could not carry them over the cataracts. Instead, the boat would have to be dragged up the cataract by teams of men, often with great difficulty. Since the first cataract is by Aswan, in the beginning of the Cushite/Nubian territory, this prevented the Cushites from invading Egypt using a river-navy since such a thing would not pass over the cataracts.
Hieroglyph: a stylized picture of an object representing a word, syllable, or sound, as found in ancient Egyptian and other writing systems. Why was it significant? Hieroglyphs were significant because priests used hieroglyphics to record important events like wars or stories about their many gods and Pharoahs, and were usually used to decorate temples and tombs. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians first began developing the hieroglyphic system of writing about 3000 BC.
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. Why was it significant? A Pharaoh was the most important and powerful person in the kingdom. He was the head of the government and high priest of every temple.The people of Egypt considered the pharaoh to be a half-man, half-god.
Incense: a gum, spice, or other substance that is burned for the sweet smell it produces. Why was it significant? Incense was significant because ancient Egyptians burned this in the temples, when they worshipped their many, many, gods. This incense created a pleasant smell when burned, so the gods could smell this lovely aroma when ancient Egyptians worshipped them.
Delta: A delta is a land form that forms from deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and enters slower-moving or standing water. This occurs where a river enters an ocean, sea, lake. Why was it significant? Deltas were significant because the river branches spread out in a V-shaped fan and make their way towards the Mediterranean through Lower Egypt. The delta begins north of Cairo. In ancient times the Nile flood deposited layers of silt in this area, making the deltaic fan expand from east to west and push out into the sea. Therefore, the Nile Delta helped systematic agriculture develop.
The delta is in green
The delta is in green
Red Land, Black Land: The ancient Egyptians used this land for growing their crops. This was the only land in ancient Egypt that could be farmed because a layer of rich, black silt was deposited there every year after the Nile flooded. The 'red land' was the barren desert that protected Egypt on two sides.
Why was it significant? It was significant because the black land was very helpful for planting and for systematic agriculture to develop, you needed black land. Also, red land was significant because it protected the Egyptians from Sumerians and other people and things. |
Bureaucrats: an official in a government department. Why was it significant? Bureaucrats were significant because they helped the government and also assisted in making important decisions about Ancient Egypt.
Envoys: a government representative to another country. Why was it significant? Envoys were significant because they could travel to another place and deliver important news to another country's government or authority, which can help the future of Egypt and the future life of Egyptians.
Shadoof; a pole with a bucket and counterweight used especially in Egypt for raising water. Why was it significant? Shadoofs were significant to Ancient Egypt because it helped water crops. The Nile flooded every June but the Egyptians needed to survive the rest of the year too. Therefore they created the shadoof to refill the irrigation channels that they had built for the annual flooding.
Dynasty: Dynasties are series of rulers sharing a common origin who are usually of the same family. Ancient Egypt's historical period is traditionally divided into 31 pharaonic dynasties. Why was it significant? Dynasties were significant because without dynasties their really wouldn't be any rulers, and then the order of Egypt would be all messed up, without dynasties to keep them in order .
Embalming: the process of treating a body to prevent it from decaying. Why was it significant? Embalming was significant because the Egyptians believed that the afterlife was a happy place. Much of the Egyptian religion focused on mostly the afterlife, or (life after death). It was important because the Egyptians wanted the bodies to be preserved well for the afterlife.
Papyrus: a reed plant that grows wild along the Nile River. Why was it significant? Papyrus was significant because the ancient Egyptians appeared to have used papyrus in so many ways. We know they made paper from papyrus but they also used it to make sandals, wove it into mats, baskets and fencing, made rope and also used parts of the plant for food as well as a medicine.
Theocracy: a government of religious leader(s). Why was it significant? Theocracy was significant because Ancient Egypt's government had religious leaders and therefore, theocracy helped make official government laws.
This picture does not really represent theocracy, but, however, it does represent religion because it shows the people of ancient Egypt kind of pampering the pharaoh/worshiping him.
Pyramids: a great stone tomb for an Egyptian pharaoh. Why was it significant? Pyramids were significant because ancient Egyptians built them as tombs to worship their gods and their pharaohs. When the pharaohs died, they were buried in these fascinating tombs.