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Egypt Flashcards

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1
Q

Who was at the apex of the social structure in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

The pharaoh

The pharaoh was considered both a divine and political leader.

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2
Q

List the social classes in New Kingdom Egypt from highest to lowest.

A
  • Pharaoh
  • Viziers
  • Nobles
  • Priests
  • Scribes
  • Soldiers
  • Artisans
  • Farmers
  • Slaves

This hierarchy illustrates the stratification of society.

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3
Q

What role did nobles and government officials play in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

They managed provinces and supported the pharaoh’s rule

Their role was crucial for the administration of the empire.

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4
Q

What was the significance of scribes in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

They were essential for administration and record-keeping

Scribes gained increased status and opportunity as the empire expanded.

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5
Q

What was the largest social class in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

Peasants and agricultural workers

They provided the economic backbone through farming and construction labor.

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6
Q

How was social mobility characterized in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

Limited, but some movement was allowed for skilled professionals

This was especially true for soldiers and scribes.

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7
Q

What was the central aspect of religion in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

A complex system of polytheistic beliefs and state rituals

These rituals focused on maintaining order, known as maat.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank: The pharaoh was believed to be a _______ on earth.

A

god

This belief established the pharaoh as the ultimate authority.

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9
Q

What community was highly skilled and respected in New Kingdom Egypt?

A

Artisans and craftsmen, especially those at Deir el-Medineh

Their skills contributed significantly to the cultural expressions of the period.

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10
Q

True or False: Scribes had a decreased status as the bureaucracy grew in New Kingdom Egypt.

A

False

Scribes actually saw increased status and opportunities.

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11
Q

What was the impact of the empire’s expansion on social mobility?

A

Limited social mobility, but allowed some movement for soldiers and scribes

Expansion created a need for skilled professionals.

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12
Q

What was the central focus of religious practices in the empire?

A

A complex system of polytheistic beliefs and state rituals focused on maintaining order (ma’at)

Ma’at is the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and cosmic order.

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13
Q

What role did the pharaoh play in religious practices?

A

Intermediary between gods and people, responsible for festivals, temple building, and upholding cosmic orders

The pharaoh was considered a divine ruler.

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14
Q

What was the significance of temples like Karnak?

A

Centers of worship, administration, and economic activity, employing thousands and symbolizing royal power

Karnak was one of the largest temple complexes in ancient Egypt.

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15
Q

What was the role of the priesthood in the religious system?

A

Professional priests performed daily rituals and festivals, gaining increasing power

Women participated as chantresses and musicians.

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16
Q

What characterized popular religion in the late New Kingdom?

A

Included personal prayers, offerings, and household shrines, with evidence of increased personal piety

Reflects a shift towards individual spiritual practices.

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17
Q

What were funerary customs like for different social statuses?

A

Elaborate tombs for royals (e.g., Seti 1), nobles (e.g., Rekhmire), and workers, reflecting beliefs in the afterlife and social status

Tombs served as both burial sites and symbols of status.

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18
Q

How did the pharaoh’s divine status affect social and religious orders?

A

Legitimized his rule and underpinned the social and religious orders

The divine authority of the pharaoh was crucial for maintaining societal structure.

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19
Q

What was the significance of the title ‘God’s Wife of Amun’?

A

Held significant religious and sometimes political power, especially in Thebes

This title was prestigious among royal women.

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20
Q

What rights did women generally have in the society?

A

Women had legal rights and could own property, but most were confined to domestic roles

Exceptions existed among the elite and priesthood.

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21
Q

What was Deir el-Medineh known for?

A

Home to artisans who built royal tombs, revealing a well-organized, literate community with evidence of strikes and social agency

Indicates active participation in labor rights.

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22
Q

What was the political feature of Deir el-Medineh’s community?

A

Evidence of strikes and social agency

Reflects the community’s organization and demands for better conditions.

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23
Q

What was the role of the pharaoh in ancient Egypt?

A

The pharaoh was the absolute ruler, supported by a bureaucracy of viziers, officials, and scribes.

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24
Q

What was the significance of scribes in ancient Egypt?

A

Scribes were crucial for communication, administration, and maintaining continuity across generations.

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25
How did the structure of the army change in ancient Egypt?
The army became more professional and respected, with soldiers sometimes rewarded with land and status.
26
What did the militarization of society in ancient Egypt reflect?
It reflected Egypt's expansion and the increasing importance of the military.
27
How were pharaohs depicted in Egyptian art?
Pharaohs were depicted as conquerors and protectors, emphasizing their role as warriors.
28
What contributed to Egypt's wealth during the reign of certain pharaohs?
Wealth grew through conquest, tribute, and trade, especially under pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Thutmosis III.
29
Where did trade routes from ancient Egypt extend?
Trade routes extended into the Near East and East Africa.
30
What was the impact of temples and building programs on the Egyptian economy?
They provided employment and stimulated the economy but concentrated wealth and power in the hands of the priesthood and elite.
31
What labor unrest occurred at Deir el Medineh?
Workers went on strike over pay and conditions.
32
What was a notable criminal activity that increased during the decline of the New Kingdom?
Tomb robberies increased as central authority weakened.
33
True or False: The army in ancient Egypt was primarily composed of untrained soldiers.
False
34
Fill in the blank: The bureaucracy supporting the pharaoh included viziers, officials, and _______.
scribes
35
Who led military campaigns into the Near East and Africa to expand Egypt's borders?
Thutmosis III, Rameses II, Merenptah, and Rameses II ## Footnote These leaders were instrumental in increasing Egypt's influence through military expansion.
36
What was the significance of the Battle of Kadesh?
It was a major conflict with the Hittites, resulting in the earliest known peace treaty ## Footnote The Battle of Kadesh occurred in 1274 BCE under Rameses II.
37
What factors contributed to the decline of the New Kingdom?
Wars with Libya and the Sea Peoples strained resources ## Footnote These conflicts occurred during the 20th Dynasty.
38
What were the consequences of military expansion on Egyptian society?
Increased demands on the state and society, leading to social and political stress ## Footnote Although military expansion brought wealth, it also stretched resources thin.
39
Which pharaoh is known for building the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri?
Hatshepsut ## Footnote Hatshepsut also engaged in trade expeditions and temple construction.
40
What major construction projects did Thutmosis II undertake?
Expansion of Karnak, construction of temples and monuments celebrating military victories ## Footnote These projects highlighted his achievements and royal power.
41
Name two significant structures built by Rameses II.
Abu Simbel and Ramesseum ## Footnote Rameses II is also known for extensive building at Karnak and Luxor.
42
What purpose did the temples and tombs built by Rameses II serve?
Commemorating victories over foreign invaders and showcasing royal power ## Footnote Temples such as Medinet Habu served both religious and political functions.
43
Fill in the blank: Major building projects in ancient Egypt showcased _______.
royal power, religious devotion, and provided employment ## Footnote These projects concentrated wealth and resources in the hands of the elite.
44
What is Karnak known for?
The religious heart of Egypt, expanded by successive pharaohs, center of Amun's cult ## Footnote Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes in the world and a significant site in ancient Egyptian history.
45
What are funerary tombs?
Royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, noble tombs, and workers' tombs at Deir el-Medineh, all richly decorated and reflecting religious beliefs ## Footnote Examples include the tomb of Seti I and the tomb of Rekhmire.
46
What were the significant changes during the New Kingdom in Egypt?
Increased opportunities for some, greater power for the priesthood, and the growing prominence of personal religious practices ## Footnote This period marked a shift in social dynamics and religious expression.
47
What challenges did economic and military expansion bring to New Kingdom Egypt?
Social unrest, labor disputes, and eventual decline as resources were depleted and faith in the pharaoh diminished The prosperity of the New Kingdom was not sustainable and led to various social issues.
48
What aspects are highlighted in the overview of New Kingdom Egypt?
Core social, political, economic, These aspects influenced the development, achievements, and challenges of ancient Egyptian society.
49
Fill in the blank: The religious heart of Egypt is _______.
Karnak was central to the worship of Amun and housed many temples.
50
True or False: The New Kingdom saw a complete overhaul of the social hierarchy.
False There was continuity in the social hierarchy despite significant changes.
51
Who presided over a period of prosperity and monumental building in ancient Egypt?
Amenhotep III Amenhotep III ruled from approximately 1391 to 1353 BCE.
52
What significant construction projects were undertaken during Amenhotep III's reign?
Karnak, Malkata (his palace complex), mortuary temple ## Footnote These projects reflect the wealth and power of Amenhotep III's reign.
53
How did Amenhotep III promote himself in relation to the Amun-Ra cult?
As a living god ## Footnote He fostered the cult of Aten alongside traditional gods, especially Amun.
54
What was the impact of Amenhotep II's religious policies on the Amun priesthood?
Increased influence and wealth ## Footnote His policies began to shift focus toward solar worship and the king's divinity.
55
What kind of tension arose during Amenhotep II's reign?
Between the crown and the Amun-Ra priesthood ## Footnote The priests controlled vast temple estates, rivaling the king's power.
56
Who initiated a dramatic religious revolution in ancient Egypt?
Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) ## Footnote He elevated Aten to supreme status and suppressed the worship of other gods.
57
What was the capital city established by Akhenaten called?
Akhetaten (Amarna) ## Footnote Built on previously unoccupied land to honor Aten.
58
What social and political effects did Akhenaten's religious shift have?
Destabilized Egypt's religious, political, and social order ## Footnote It undermined centuries of tradition and alienated the priesthood and populace.
59
What characterized the art and architecture during Akhenaten's reign?
Naturalistic scenes under the rays of Aten ## Footnote Art depicted the royal family in intimate settings.
60
What were the architectural features of Akhetaten?
Open courtyards, east-facing sanctuaries ## Footnote These designs were intended to honor Aten.
61
What was a common portrayal of Akhenaten in art?
Neglecting traditional governance ## Footnote He focused more on religious matters than foreign affairs.
62
Fill in the blank: Akhenaten moved the royal residence from Thebes to _______.
Akhetaten ## Footnote Akhetaten means 'Horizon of the Aten'.
63
How many people did Akhetaten house at its peak?
20,000-50,000 ## Footnote Included artists, laborers, and priests dedicated to the Aten cult.
64
What do the amarna letters reveal about Egypt's international influence during akenhatans reign
They show a decline with vassals and allies pleading for military support and reporting unrest
65
What particular region was affected by Egypt's weakened control doing the amarna period
Syria Palestine
66
How did Akenhatens religious Focus impact Egypt's foreign policy
It led to neglect of traditional diplomatic and military affairs weakening Egypt's power Abroad
67
What was the major administrative consequence of akenhatens religious reforms
The loss of Amun Priestly bureaucracy led to instability in governance
68
What was the effect of centralising religious power around the royal family
It caused political and social instability
69
How did amenhotep the third maintain Egypt's power and Prestige
Through traditional religion monumental building and fostering the aten cult
70
In what way did a amenhotep 3 pave the way for akenhatens reforms
By promoting his own divinity and the aten cult
71
What major religious change did akenhatan make
The outlawed old religion closed temples and established the worship of Aten
72
What building technique did akenhaten introduce for rapid construction
Teletat blocks
73
What role did Nefertiti play during the amarna period
She participated in religious rituals was depicted in kingley roles and may have ruled as a co-regent or independently
74
Is nefertiti's parentage certain
No it is debated among scholars
75
What did Tutankhamun do to address the amarna crisis
He restored traditional religion reopened temples and moved the city back to Memphis
76
What is Tutankhamun's tomb famous for
It's wealth and preservation
77
How is the Amara period viewed after Tutankhamun's reign
As a time of misery and divine withdrawal
78
What were the main consequences of Akenhatens religious reforms
Political and social instability we can foreign power and unrest
79
What new city did Akenhaten found and why
Akenhaten or amarna as a center for aten worship
80
How is Akenhaten's relationship with attend depicted
As unique and central especially in the great hymn to the aten and tomb reliefs

Ancient History (1 decks)

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