CONTENTS INTRODUCTION hapter One SETTLEMENT OF THE NILE VALLEY NOR ALIEN OHP te CINNAH L FEATURES OF AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION 15 Mr apter Three EGYPT S OLD AND MIDDLE KINGDOMS 24 lapter Four THE AGE OF EMPIRE THE NEW KINGDOM 30 Chapter THE LEGACY OF Five ANCIENT EGYPT 39 GLOSSARY 44 FOR MORE INFORMATION 46 INDEX
DISCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPT assive pyramids famous mum mies and mysterious tombs these are just a few of the fasci nating elements of one of the most celebrated civilizations in history ancient Egypt This civilization was established along the banks of the Nile River about 5 000 years ago Early Egyptians were nomads who found that the river valley offered everything they needed to prosper They built communities and as the people flourished so did their civilization From writing to religion the ancient Egyptians left a legacy for future civiliza tions to admire and copy Egypt is credited with making paper creating the first known solar calendar refining scientific mathemat ical and agricultural techniques developing irrigation systems and establishing a gov ernment that lasted for more than 3 000 years Ancient Egypt was the superpower of its time Nonetheless like other giants of the ancient world it eventually perished Climate corruption and foreign invaders all played a part in the demise of this nota ble society However ancient Egypt s legacy and achievements continue to capture our imaginations and inspire the arts and sci ences to this day 6
INTRODUCTION Carved about 2500 BCE the Great Sphinx stands before the pyramid complex in Giza Egypt and is one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt It measures 172 feet 52 4 meters in length and 66 feet 20 meters in height In what follows we will explore the early settlement of ancient Egypt We'll discover how they built their society and set standards in every aspect of civilization We'll also visit the most exciting moments of Egyptian history and touch on its most famous pharaohs Finally we'll look at the immeasurable mark ancient Egypt has left on our culture
