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The ancient Egyptians were fascinating people, and thanks to the movies are often misunderstood. The ancient Egyptians were not in love with death. They were in love with life! Their culture was all about their afterlife, how after death they could reach that special magical place where they could live forever in eternity. A popular family outing was visiting the family tomb with armloads of grave goods they had made, things they might need in their afterlife to make their eternity comfortable and fun. The ancient Egyptians believed that after you died, your Ka, your spirit, flew off to enjoy endless, perfect days along a magical Nile River. At night, your Ba, your night spirit, returned to your tomb, because even mummies need a good night's sleep. But you could not reach that magical place unless you had done a great many good deeds in your life, and because they believed that, crime in ancient Egypt was very low.

The ancient Egyptians believed in over 2,000 gods! Unlike other ancient civilizations, the ancient Egyptians were not afraid of their gods, not most of them anyway. They prayed to their gods every day. But if their prayers were not answered, they might give the statue of a god in the temple a little whack with a reed to let the gods know they were quite disappointed. They believed in curses and omens and magical powers, all of which were an important part of their daily life and religion. They bought spells in the marketplace to increase their luck, to change their fate, and to keep themselves safe.

They believed science and magic were intertwined. They would chant a magical spell they bought in the marketplace from one vendor and swallow medicine they bought from a different vendor to solve the same problem. The thing is, this often worked, although it was probably the medicine. When the ancient Greeks and then the Romans came to Egypt, they were amazed at how advanced the Egyptians were in the sciences, especially in astronomy, mathematics, and cures.

Five thousand (5,000) years ago, the ancient Egyptian made their home in northern Africa, at the mouth of the Nile River, where the Nile runs into the Mediterranean Sea. The soil was rich. Food was plentiful and no one went hungry. They were surrounded on two sides by desert, which helped to keep them safe from intruders, while the Nile kept their world green. To the ancient Egyptians cats were magical, children were cherished, and women could run a business.

Come meet the clever, creative ancient Egyptians.

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Ancient Egypt for Kids and Teachers - Daily Life, Religion, Government, Inventions, Achievements, and more, for grades 5-9, middle school - Ancient Egypt for Kids

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The ancient Egyptians were fascinating people, and thanks to the movies are often misunderstood. The ancient Egyptians were not in love with death. They were in love with life! Their culture was all about their afterlife, how after death they could reach that special magical place where they could live forever in eternity.

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The remains from ancient Egypt, including clothing, leather, wood, and food, provide an excellent idea of how the ancient Egyptians lived. Much information has also come from tombs, including the paintings of scenes of everyday life on the walls of the tombs. Because the Egyptians thought that life continued after death, everything they might need in the next world was placed in their tombs. One queen, Herneith, was buried with her dog. In a nobleman's tomb at Saqqarah researchers found a whole meal, consisting of barley porridge, quail, kidneys, pigeon stew, fish, bread, and small circular cakes. In the early tombs there were models of anything the dead might require, such as houses, granaries, boats, cattle, and servants making bread and beer. Later these scenes were painted on the tomb walls to serve the same purpose. The tombs of the wealthy contained jewelery and other precious objects.

The Egyptians preserved the dead as mummies by removing the internal organs and preserving the body with salt or other chemicals. In addition to those of people, thousands of mummies of sacred animals such as cats, ibises, and crocodiles have been found. Mummies of important people were placed in elaborate coffins called sarcophagi, often bearing a portrait of the deceased. The coffin of Tutankhamen was made of solid gold.

Medicine

In order to preserve the dead, the Egyptians needed to know a great deal about the human body. Their study of the body produced skillful doctors. Some of the earliest medical and surgical records have been found in Egypt. One of the earliest is the Ebers Papyrus, written about 1550 bce, which lists 700 cures for common sicknesses and problems.

Writing

The creation of a written language was one of the Egyptians' finest achievements. The first Egyptian writing was in a picture form called hieroglyphics. The pictures, which stood for sounds of words, were cut or painted on the walls of tombs and temples, and were delicately colored in red, yellow, green, black, and blue. Hieroglyphics were in use by 3100 bce.

They remained in use even after a form of cursive writing developed in about 2900 bce. It was written in ink with a pen made of reeds. This script was mainly written on papyrus, a form of paper made from papyrus plants. Another script began to appear in about 700 bce. The new form, called demotic, was used for ordinary writing. The earlier form, called hieratic, was then used mostly for sacred writings.

The key to understanding Egyptian writing was the Rosetta Stone, a stone tablet dating from about 200 bce that was found in Egypt in 1799. The stone shows words in Greek with translations in hieroglyphics and demotic script. By comparing the Egyptian text with the Greek text, a scholar who knew Greek was able to uncover the meaning of the hieroglyphics and the demotic words.

Everyday Life

Villages and towns were situated near the Nile River because it was the chief highway as well as the only source of water. The houses were made of mud brick. Windows were small, high openings covered with loosely woven matting to keep out the heat and glare of the sun. The walls were decorated with bright frescoes. Straw matting and rugs covered the floors.

Wall paintings are an especially rich source of information about how the common people lived with their children, hunted and farmed, raised animals, and performed daily tasks. The clothing, jewelery, and hair styles of all classes of people can be clearly seen. Egyptians were fond of perfumes and cosmetics. Both men and women wore a kind of green eyeshadow and outlined their eyes with a black substance called kohl. Women also applied color to their lips and nails. Vessels to hold cosmetics and the tools needed to grind them were included in tombs for use in the afterlife.

Clothing was simple because of the hot climate of Egypt. Small children, servants, and laborers often wore little clothing. White linen was the most commonly used fabric, with wool for cloaks when warmth was needed. In early garments the cloth was simply draped and tied around the body or held in place with pins and belts. Men typically wore a skirt of linen and sometimes a vest, while women wore a straight, simple ankle-length dress with shoulder straps. Necklaces and wide collars decorated with gems were often worn. Clothing became more elaborate over time. Many people wore wigs. Men often wore beards, and a false beard made of metal was worn by the ruler-even a female ruler.

Religion

The ancient Egyptians worshiped many gods. The main god of the sun was Re (or Ra). Each city had its own special gods. When the city of Thebes grew in importance, its special god Amon did also. Eventually, the Egyptians combined Amon with Re. Amon-Re was considered the king of the gods.

Because the ancient Egyptians believed in life after death, Osiris, one of the gods of the dead, was also important. His wife Isis and his son Horus were worshiped alongside Osiris.

Inventions

The ancient Egyptians were a very practical people. They learned the principles of engineering that enabled them to build vast structures such as the pyramids. They did not have pulleys to aid in lifting heavy weights, but they were able to move large stone blocks by means of sledges, rollers, and ramps. The Egyptians observed the stars and worked out calendars based on the phases of the Moon and on the solar year ( see astronomy). They also developed a complicated system of irrigation, which was based on the flooding times of the Nile.

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About 5,000 years ago, the civilization of ancient Egypt began in the Nile River valley of northeastern Africa. Ancient Egypt was one of the world's first civilizations. It...

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ANCIENT EGYPT: The Pharaoh civilisation | Educational Videos for Kids

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Ancient Egypt for Kids | Learn the History of Ancient Egypt

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Join us, ancient explorers, as we head back 5,000 years through history to discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its ancient beginnings to Egypt today...
Discover facts about Ancient Egypt below or skip to our facts about modern-day Egypt.

Facts about Ancient Egypt

1) Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs (rulers of Ancient Egypt) and their families. To date, over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.

2) The afterlife was incredibly important to the Egyptians. They believed that by preserving a dead person's body - which they did through the process of mummification - their soul would live on in the afterlife forever.

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3) The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. This incredible structure weighs as much as 16 Empire State buildings!

4) Both Egyptian men and women wore make-up. The eye paint was usually green (made from copper) or black (made from lead). As well as offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed make-up had magical healing powers, too!

5) Unwrapped, the bandages of an Ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for 1.6km. Yikes!

6) The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphs! Uncover the meaning behind these ancient symbols by checking out our awesome hieroglyphics feature.

7) Ancient Egyptians believed in more than 2,000 deities! They had gods for everything, from dangers to chores! Each had different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped so that life could be kept in balance.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Ancient Egypt primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

8) Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It's thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck!

9) Love playing board games with your pals? Well, gang, so did the Ancient Egyptians! One popular game was , which was played for over 2,000 years! The game involved throwing sticks (in the same way we throw dice) to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

10) The Ancient Egyptians invented lots of things we still use today, such as paper, pens, locks and keys and - believe it or not - toothpaste!

If you enjoyed these facts about Ancient Egypt, make sure you check out our other Ancient Egypt pages! Discover the Nile River, figure out hieroglyphics and learn about Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Country fact file: Egypt today

Incredible ancient monuments, scorching deserts and bustling cities - this ancient country is now a sprawling, modern landscape! Read on to learn about the Egypt of today...

Egyptian flag

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CAPITAL: Cairo
POPULATION: 87, 562, 261
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic
MONEY: Egyptian pound, guinay
AREA: 1,001,449 square kilometres
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Eastern Highlands
MAJOR RIVER: Nile
FLAG:

Map of Egypt

Egypt: geography and landscape

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an 2.5cm of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the Nile river rises because of rains at its source, far to the south in Ethiopia. When this happens, floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections - Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, on the country's north coast.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile, and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo (Egypt's capital city) is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Egypt's incredible nature

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its 21 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings (which can still be seen today!) of large animals like elephants, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

The history of Egypt

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbours and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilisation was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples and other impressive monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbours attacked and took over Egyptian territory - in 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control and centuries later, in A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt. These Arab forces ruled Egypt for several centuries and founded the modern capital, Cairo.

In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. The British stayed until Egypt declared independence in 1952.

Egyptian people and culture

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islam religion. About ten percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strain on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area causes overcrowding everywhere, from schools and hospitals to apartment buildings and public transport.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egyptian government and economy

Egypt's geography, population, history and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Egypt's most valuable resources are oil and gas, which are exported to other countries. Other exports include metals, textiles, livestock and chemical products. Tourism is also an important part of Egypt's economy, with visitors flocking to see the famous ancient monuments and to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

Want to learn more about awesome ancient cultures? Then check out our Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece features. Plus, discover more amazing facts from around the world in National Geographic Kids magazine!

Image credits: Egypt map: National Geographic Maps. Mosque in Egypt: Rraheb, Dreamstime. Man pouring juice, Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Outdoor cafe in Cairo, Egypt: Jackmalipan, Dreamstime. Sphinx and pyramid at Giza, Egypt: Javarman, Dreamstime. All other photographs and illustrations: Getty Images UK

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10 Facts About Ancient Egypt | National Geographic Kids

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Discover incredible facts about Ancient Egypt with Nat Geo Kids! Learn about the country's ancient & modern history, pyramids and more...

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Exploring Egyptian Civilization for Kids: Ancient Egyptian Culture Documentary - FreeSchool

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Illustration of ancient Egyptian sun god.

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THE RHYTHM OF THE NILE
Tutankhamun's story begins in ancient Egypt, a land shaped by the seasonal changes to the Nile River. All life in Egypt depended on the river-the Nile provided food and natural resources, land for crops, a "road" for travel, and a means to transport materials and merchandise.

Seasonal Surge
The flooding of the Nile has been an important natural cycle in Egypt since ancient times. Heavy rains from the Ethiopian highlands would cause the waters to begin rising in June, flooding the Nile Valley and depositing nutrient-rich soil. This surge transformed the desert into productive farmland. The river's predictability allowed the Egyptians to build an empire based on agricultural wealth. They grew staple food crops-such as wheat and barley-and industrial crops-such as flax and papyrus. Farmers developed a complex irrigation system, digging channels to direct floodwaters and saturating soil to make it ready for planting. Riverbank mud was baked into bricks for building structures.

The River as a Road
The Nile provided a natural highway for transporting goods and people. Most of the major cities in ancient Egypt were located along the riverbank. Ships ferried merchants, messengers, and armies throughout the kingdom. Building supplies and other goods could quickly be transported. The trip from Memphis to Thebes typically took up to two months during the dry season. During the flood season, that same trip was reduced to about two weeks.

As a Means of Identity
The Nile's annual renewal of the land influenced ancient Egyptian people's view of life, death, and the afterlife. Much of their cultural identity was linked to what they observed in the natural world around them. The rising and setting of the sun; the movements of the stars across the sky; the annual flooding of the Nile; the planting, growing, and harvesting of crops all served as evidence of daily life regularly renewed by natural forces. The Egyptians saw their own lives as a cycle: They were born; they grew from childhood to adulthood to old age; they died; and they were reborn.

EGYPT TODAY
The Nile River is still the center of Egyptian civilization and its great cities still flourish. Today, 95 percent of Egyptians live within a few kilometers of the Nile. Dams, such as the Aswan High Dam, have been built to provide a source of hydroelectric power. The Nile continues to support agriculture and fishing and remains a key route for transportation.

The Two Lands
The Nile River flows from south to north, and the ancient Egyptians divided their country into the "Two Lands." Lower Egypt was in the north and ended in the Nile Delta. Upper Egypt was in the south. To the ancients, Kemet or "black land," denoted the rich, fertile land of the Nile Valley, while Deshret or "red land," referred to the hot, dry desert. The Western Desert (Sahara) was roughly twice the size of the Eastern Desert (Arabian). These deserts were inhospitable and created buffer zones between Egypt and its neighbors. This physical isolation allowed Egypt to build and defend a distinct and unique civilization.

The king's role was to unify the "Two Lands." When Akhenaten died, the task to keep Upper and Lower Egypt united fell upon his son, the young Tutankhamun.

KING TUTANKHAMUN
The last pharaoh of the 18th Egyptian dynasty, reigned from approximately 1332 to 1323 B.C.E. King Tutankhamun was a little-known king in Egyptian history compared to pharaohs like Ramses the Great, Thutmose III, Hatshepsut, or Cleopatra. The reason we remember him is that his tomb is the only one to be discovered nearly intact-or untouched. Most tombs were looted and robbed in antiquity. Tutankhamun's tomb remained hidden for more than 3,000 years. This 1922 find-made 100 years ago-has provided us with a wealth of information about the boy king and the world he lived in. His story is known around the world, and we continue to learn from him.

Who Was the Boy King?
To understand the boy king, it helps to understand his predecessor and probable father, Akhenaten. At the time of Tutankhamun's birth, Egypt was going through social and political upheaval. For hundreds of years, Egyptians had worshiped many gods and goddesses. Then Akhenaten decided there would be only one god: the Aten, the god of the sun. The only way people could reach the Aten was through Akhenaten. In acts that angered many of his people, Akhenaten ordered the names and images of other Egyptian deities to be destroyed or defaced throughout Egypt.

The young prince was born Tutankh aten -"living image of the Aten"-and raised with the new beliefs. Akhenaten moved the capital city from Thebes to a place in the desert called Amarna. It was here that the young prince spent his childhood.

The life of Tutankhaten was privileged. His home was a spacious palace. While average Egyptians survived on bread, the prince also ate meat, vegetables, and fruit. He wore finely woven clothing, and when he slept, servants fanned him with ostrich plumes so he would not be disturbed by the heat. When he swam, guards watched over him to protect him from Nile crocodiles. As the prince got older, he became skilled with a bow and arrow and may have driven his own chariot.

Tutankhaten's life was not easy, though. Modern science has revealed that he most likely suffered from genetic disorders that were inherited. CT scanning of his remains shows that he had a cleft palate, a curved spine, and a clubbed foot. A degenerative disease was destroying some of the bones in his feet, which meant he probably needed to use many of the 130 walking canes that were in his tomb.

When Tut became king around age nine, he had unprecedented power. Since Tut was still a child, his royal and military advisers ran the kingdom for him. Under their rule, everything that the boy had known changed dramatically.

First, Akhenaten's decree to worship Aten in favor of multiple gods and goddesses was reversed. Amun was restored as the "king of the gods," and the boy's name was promptly changed to Tutankh amun-the "living image of Amun." The royal court was moved back to Thebes, and Tut's boyhood home, Amarna, was abandoned. Holy sites that had been defaced were repaired, such as at Thebes (known today as Luxor), and construction of a mighty temple at Karnak dedicated to Amun was given top priority. All the old ways were restored. A king needed an heir, so a marriage for Tut was quickly arranged.

Death for Tutankhamun came unexpectedly. From CT scans of his mummy, we can tell that at the time of death, he had a badly broken leg, which may have become infected. He had malaria and other underlying health issues. At 19, he had only ruled for 10 years. He left no heir when he died, and his reign was passed on to his chief advisor, Ay. To his people, Tutankhamun was a minor pharaoh. Like other kings before him, they believed that he journeyed to the underworld and became immortal. His tomb was then forgotten. Had it not been for locating his tomb in 1922, Tut's life may have been lost to history.

The afterlife was not guaranteed to anyone. Even a king had to make the difficult journey through the underworld before becoming immortal.

Journey to the Afterlife
The ancient Egyptians believed that every living person was made up of three essential elements: body, ba, and ka. They knew that the body would fail one day and die, but they believed the other parts of a person could live on. The ba was essentially a person's personality-all the things that made that person unique. The ka was the person's life force-it made life possible for the body and the ba. Death occurred when the ka separated from the body. To achieve a successful afterlife, the ba had to be reunited with its ka. Once that happened, the person could live forever in the spiritual form known as the akh, or "effective being."

To make the powerful transition to the afterlife, the deceased had to navigate a dangerous journey. The trip was guided by Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the dead. This statue of Anubis stood guard over the burial chamber in the king's tomb. Positioned between its front feet was a small brick of unfired clay, known as a "magic brick." Its inscription read:

"I am the one who snares the sand at the wall of the hidden chamber/the active combatant who repels him to the flame of the desert/I have set alight the desert, I have deflected the ways/I am the protector of the Osiris"

Some think this message may have been the origin of the "curse of the pharaohs"-the idea that disturbing the sealed tombs of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs would result in an untimely death.

Prayers and Instructions
Typically, the deceased would be buried with a manual-a series of papyrus scrolls. Scholars called these scrolls the Book of the Dead. These prayers and instructions helped the deceased pass the trials of the underworld. While there was not a Book of the Dead found in King Tutankhamun's tomb, many prayers and images were depicted on amulets and inscriptions in the tomb.

Traveling by boat with Anubis, the deceased moved through a world filled with terrible beasts to reach the realm of the Duat (Land of the Gods). There were seven gates, each requiring the accurate recitation of a magic spell. If successful, the deceased arrived at the Hall of Osiris. Here, they would undergo a final test. Their heart was weighed against a feather from Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. Those who passed became one with Osiris and achieved immortality. Those who failed were eaten by a waiting beast, called Ammit.

The ancient Egyptians wore amulets, which are pieces of jewelry believed to protect against evil. Some amulets were tucked into the layers of a mummy's wrappings to safeguard each part of the body. There were 143 small amulets found in King Tutankhamun's wrappings. Other amulets were placed throughout his tomb.

The "Opening of the Mouth"
The ancient Egyptians believed that in order for a person's soul to survive in the afterlife, it would need to have food and water. The "opening of the mouth" ritual was thus performed so that the person who died could eat and drink again. This ceremony was believed to be essential to reanimate a person's ka (or life force). It was usually carried out by the dead king's son or heir, in this case, Ay, who succeeded Tutankhamun. For this ceremony, the mummified king was placed upright, and Ay touched his mouth, eyes, and nose with various implements.

The opening of the mouth ceremony is depicted on the north wall of the burial chamber of Tutankhamun's tomb. The king is depicted here as Osiris, but his name is written above his head in hieroglyphs.

In this depiction, Ay is dressed in a special priest's outfit that included a leopard skin. He is holding a tool called an adze. The table holds more tools, the leg of an animal, and five drinks-possibly some of the food the king would be able to enjoy once the ceremony was completed. Scholars think there was a funerary meal, eaten by the king's family and friends, after this ceremony. Remains of what might have been this special meal were found buried in a pit near his tomb.

The ancient Egyptians believed that King Tutankhamun successfully passed through this journey.

Tutankhamun's Tomb
Archaeological excavations require careful planning, organization, and a team of skilled laborers. In the 1920s, the work of digging fell to Egyptians from local communities, though it was common for these excavations to be led by foreigners from Europe. The search for Tut's tomb relied on the hard work of scores of Egyptians and was led by British archaeologist Howard Carter. King Tutankhamun's tomb was located on November 4, 1922, when a carved step was found by one of the teams. In the Valley, there is a story that this step was found by a 12-year-old water boy.

A Different Story
Workers who toiled under the Egyptian sun during an excavation needed plenty of water. Every excavation, even today, has someone who brings water to the site in earthenware jars with rounded bottoms. According to one version of events, 12-year-old Hussein Abdel Rasoul arrived at the dig site with jugs of water on the morning of November 4. He began to make a hole to bury the bases to keep them upright. While digging, his stick struck stone. Brushing aside the sand, the story goes, Hussein discovered the top of a flight of steps.

Wonderful Things
In his official account, Howard Carter states that the tomb was not opened until November 26, 1922, in the presence of his benefactor, Lord Carnarvon; Carnarvon's daughter, Lady Evelyn Herbert; and an assistant, Arthur "Pecky" Callender. A small hole was made in the door. Carter inserted a candle and peered into the tomb. Lord Carnarvon asked him: "Can you see anything?" Carter answered, "Yes, it is wonderful."

Even though the tomb was small, it was packed with artifacts. Howard Carter was a meticulous archaeologist who had every single item recorded. It took him and his team nearly 10 years to describe and catalogue the nearly 5,400 artifacts. The study of funerary artifacts, tombs, and the remains of the past is at the core of the scientific field of archaeology. Not much of Tutankhamun's life was written down in ancient texts. To know him, we must read the past through his possessions.

Immortal
Having successfully journeyed through the underworld, the immortal king would have needed help. To the ancient Egyptians, the afterlife was a mirror image of one's life on Earth. Just as in mortal life, there was work to be done. To assist him in his labors were hundreds of carved figures called shawbtis. Summoned to life by a spell, these "replacement" Tuts did the king's work for him.

High Priest
The king's tomb was robbed twice during antiquity. It is believed that thieves stole more than half of the royal jewelry. Many of the remaining pieces reenforce Tut's role as high priest. This necklace depicts the god Horus in the form of a falcon with the sun disk on its head. It holds the ankh (symbol of life) and the shen ring (representing eternal protection) in each talon.

SYMBOLS OF POWER
Kingly Crown
Many artifacts in the king's tomb illustrate his power as king and military leader. His crown bore the royal insignia, a vulture and a serpent. The vulture was Nekhbet, the goddess of Upper Egypt. The cobra represented the goddess Wadjet of Lower Egypt. Together, they symbolized the protectors of the united Two Lands over which the king reigned.

Royal Symbols
In his hands, the king would have carried the crook and the flail. The crook represented the pharaoh's role as a shepherd in caring for his people. The flail might have represented the pharaoh's responsibility to establish the order that was essential to sustaining society. It might also have signified the pharaoh's role in providing for his people and protecting land that could grow food for the people.

Art of Power
In ancient Egypt, art was also used to visually express divinity and sovereignty. The royal art tended to be highly stylized, often not differentiating between male or female or even individuals, except in inscriptions. During Akhenaten's reign, he changed the standards of art. In Tutankhamun's reign, he changed the standards back to the old stylistic formula. Many objects in Tut's tomb may have originally been made for other people or other rulers.

Three of the 29 chairs found in the tomb were likely thrones. This throne stood out for its magnificence. Made of wood and covered with gold leafing, silver, glass, and semi-precious gemstones, its legs are shaped like a lion's claws.

Military Might
As chief of the army, Tutankhamun would have need of many weapons. His tomb housed a full suit of leather armor and eight shields. Two daggers were buried with him.

Hunting served as practice for war. Six chariots, 14 straight bows, five composite bows, two leather quivers, and hundreds of arrows found in the tomb equipped the king for battle. He also had 23 throw sticks, or boomerangs, used to hunt birds.

Food and Comfort
The king would not go hungry. Meat was stored in egg-shaped wooden boxes. More than 100 boxes held grain and fruits-wheat, barley, honey, dates, figs, and almonds. Jars for wine and beer were carefully labeled with the year they were made and their region of origin. Some jars even included the name of the vine grower.

The king's wardrobe was extensive-shirts, long tunics, kilts, sashes, and riding gloves. Some were simple and plain, for daily use; others were ornate and ceremonial. There were 93 individual sandals. Why the odd number? Who is to say? His four socks may have been gifts that he never wore under his sandals. The king had plenty of underwear, though-145 loincloths.

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Beyond King Tut: An Educational Companion

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THE RHYTHM OF THE NILE Tutankhamun's story begins in ancient Egypt, a land shaped by the seasonal changes to the Nile River. All life in Egypt depended on the river-the Nile provided food and natural resources, land for crops, a "road" for travel, and a means to transport materials and merchandise.

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If asked to name 10 key figures of contemporary America, one would have a wide choice. The list could include people from many walks of life. It might include a political figure, a religious leader, a military or civic hero, an actor, a musician, an author, an athlete, a doctor, a scientist, and an inventor. People in all of those careers contribute to society in important ways. If you were short on names, you could turn to websites, newspapers, television, and libraries to remind you of the people making an impact here and now.

But if asked to name the key figures of ancient Egypt, our range of roles and occupations becomes much narrower. Although the Egyptians recorded their history through hieroglyphs and hieratic script, most of the existing records highlight political and religious rulers. Even some of these key figures have acquired layers of legend as their stories were carried through the centuries, making it sometimes difficult to separate myth from fact. Many influential figures in ancient Egypt, however, remain unknown to us because many records were lost or have not been recovered.

We will look at three groups of key figures of ancient Egypt: those who contributed to the early development of the pyramid as an important emblem of ancient Egyptian society; those ancient Egyptians whose leadership is noteworthy; and important rulers from outside of Egypt.
Monumental Figures
There are three key figures of the Old Kingdom (circa 2700-2100 B.C.E.) who drove the development of Egypt's most famous monument, the pyramid. As the architect to King Djoser (circa 2650-2575 B.C.E.), Imhotep is credited with the development of a six-layer step pyramid at Saqqarah and is the only key figure we cite who is not a ruler. The world's oldest stone monument, the Step Pyramid, was built over a , an older form of a rectangular, one-layer tomb in use at the time and is considered the essential first step in the development of the pyramid.

It was Snefru (reigned circa 2600 B.C.E.) who covered the ground between a stepped pyramid and a true pyramid, albeit with some issues along the way-such as the limestone casing falling off the Meidum Pyramid and getting the angle wrong on the Bent Pyramid. But with the Red Pyramid at Dashur, he achieved what is widely considered to be the first true pyramid.

Snefru's son, Khufu (reigned circa 2580-2565 B.C.E.), learned from his father's technological advances. He had the Great Pyramid at Giza built, a structure that-with a height of 147 meters (481 feet)-was the world's tallest building for about 3,800 years, until the Cathedral at Lincoln, England, was completed in 1311 C.E.
Egyptian Rulers of Renown
In the New Kingdom (circa 1560-1070 B.C.E.), a set of Egyptian rulers achieved renown for vastly different reasons.

Hatshepsut (reigned circa 1473-1458 B.C.E.) began her rule first as a queen married to Thutmose II, then as regent to her stepson Thutmose III, but ended it as a king in her own right, the first woman to rule Egypt as king.

Thutmose III (reigned circa 1479-1425 B.C.E.) followed Hatshepsut to the throne after she died and apparently tried to eradicate all evidence of her rule. It is now believed he did this to secure the tradition of males serving as the ultimate rulers. Under his rule, Egypt reached the height of its power, with holdings in southwest Asia up to the Euphrates River, supply ports along the Levantine coast in the Middle East, and continued dominance over Nubia, the region along the almighty Nile River.

Amenhotep IV (reigned circa 1353-1336 B.C.E.) instituted dramatic changes in Egyptian religion by promoting the worship of the sun god, Aten, at the expense of other traditional Egyptian gods. Changing his name to Akhenaten, he declared that as pharaoh, he was the highest priest in the land. Through this move, he effectively dismissed the priests of the chief god of the pantheon, Amun. Busy establishing a new capital in Amarna, he neglected other aspects of political rule, which would have been disastrous, had he not died. Shortly thereafter, the priests and people went back to traditional worship and the capital returned to Memphis.
Non-Egyptian Rulers of Note
Cambyses II (reigned circa 530-522 B.C.E.), a king of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, conquered Egypt in 525 B.C.E. during the reign of Pharaoh Psamtik III. Cambyses initiated the rule of Egypt as a pharaoh, and Persian control of Egypt lasted until 404 B.C.E.

There was a second shorter period of Persian rule from 343 to 332 B.C.E., which was ended by Macedonian King Alexander the Great (reigned circa 332-323 B.C.E.). Alexander conquered Persia and its extended provinces through Southwest Asia, reaching Egypt in 332 B.C.E. After being greeted by the surrender of the current governor, Alexander proceeded to adopt local customs to foster acceptance. In part, this included traveling to the oracle of the chief god, Amun, where he received the priest's greeting to a pharaoh, under which title he was crowned ruler of Egypt. He also founded the city of Alexandria.

After Alexander's death, the rule of Egypt was taken up by one of his companions, Ptolemy Soter (reigned circa 323-282 B.C.E.). Cleopatra VII Philopator (reigned 51-30 B.C.E.) was the last of the Ptolemy line. She ascended the throne along with her brother, Ptolemy XIII, but was forced out of Egypt by ministers loyal to her brother. Raising an army, she returned to fight her brother, but Julius Caesar's intervention brought about a transient period of peace. After Ptolemy XIII's death, she co-ruled with another brother, Ptolemy XIV, until his death in 44 B.C.E., the same year Caesar was murdered. Eventually, Marc Antony and Cleopatra combined forces and faced off against Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, who defeated them in the Battle of Actium in 30 B.C.E. and was crowned Emperor of the Roman Empire three years later, with Egypt incorporated into the empire. Thus ended ancient Egypt's existence as an independent state.

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Due to the limited nature of the information we have about ancient Egypt, the historical figures that we call key is a more limited group than it would be in contemporary times. The article explores three groups of key figures: those involved in developing the form of the pyramid, famous Egyptian rulers, and important non-Egyptian rulers.

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How Did Ancient Egyptians Achieve This Colossal Architecture? | FULL DOCUMENTARY

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Scientists Finally Explain How Pyramids Were Built

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ابو_الهول_-_الجيزه

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Ah, Ancient Egypt, with its Pharaohs, pyramids, tombs and mummies! The mystics, mysteries, and men have fascinated us to such an extent that the stories of ancient Egypt have survived thousands of years.

It is said that Egypt was one of the greatest civilizations of the past, and the monuments, as well as tombs of their Pharaohs, continue to stand strong today, 4,000 years later!

Join us as we hop in a time machine and venture 4,000 years back discover fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt.

1. Pharaoh comes from a word meaning "great house".

This describes a palace or a kingdom. Pharaohs were considered to be the supreme leaders of the land and were equivalent to kings or emperors. They ruled both parts of Egypt, upper and lower, and were seen as political as well as religious leaders of the land.

2. Pharaohs wore a crown which had an image of the cobra goddess.

It is believed that only the Pharaoh was allowed to wear the cobra goddess, as she protected him by spitting flames at the enemy!

3. The largest pyramid ever built is The Great Pyramid of Giza.

It was built by Pharaoh Khufu, and is known to be the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

4. The Nile River is the longest river in the world.

It spans over 4,100 miles! It is located in northeast Africa and flows through a number of African countries such as Egypt (of course!), Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burundi.

5. The River Nile played an important role in shaping the lives and society of Ancient Egypt.

It provided the Ancient Egyptians with food, transportation, and building materials. It would have been hard to imagine life without the River Nile back then!

6. September of each year saw the Nile overflow its banks and flood surrounding areas.

While this might sound like a bad thing, hold your horses, it turned out to be one of the most important events in the life of the ancient Egyptians. The flood brought with it rich black soil that renewed the surrounding farmlands.

7. The ancient Egyptians considered the rich black soil from the floods very valuable.

It was known as the Gift of the Nile. The Egyptians called the Nile 'Aur', which means black and comes from, well, the black soil!

8. The ancient Egyptians believed that the floods were caused by the tears of the goddess Isis.

They believed she cried for her dead husband Osiris. The real cause, however, was the heavy rains and melting snow to the south near the source of the Nile.

9. The afterlife was extremely important to the Egyptians.

They believed that by preserving a person's body, their soul would live on in the afterlife forever. This is why they mummified the dead! Very important people were often placed in a beautifully decorated stone coffin called a sarcophagus.

10. Both Egyptian women and men wore make-up.

The eye-paint was green in colour, made from copper, or black in colour, made from lead. In addition to offering protection from the sun, the Egyptians believed that makeup had magical healing powers.

11. Cats were considered to be a sacred animal by the Ancient Egyptians.

It is believed that most families kept a cat as a pet as they thought it would bring the household good luck

12. The Ancient Egyptians loved playing board games.

A popular game was Senet, which was played for over 2,000 years. The game involved throwing sticks, which is similar to how we throw dice, to see how many squares to move your piece forward on the board.

13. Egypt was and still is home to a wide variety of animals, including cheetahs, crocodiles, cobras and hyenas.

Egypt's wildlife thrives in 21 protected regions which include deserts, mountains, coastal areas, wetlands and river islands.

14. When it came to upkeep, Pharaohs kept their faces clean shaven.

However, in pictures they're often depicted with facial hair. This is because they wore fake beards for religious purposes. Even the female, Pharaoh Hatshepsut, wore a fake beard while she ruled.

15. Until the age of six, children didn't wear any clothing.

Something that would be pretty unusual in today's times!

16. Ancient Egyptians ate bread that was so rough it caused their teeth to wear away.

It's believed that sand and grit often entered the flour during milling, which was incredibly damaging to teeth.

17. The Ancient Egyptians were responsible for lots of inventions we still use today.

Including pens, paper, locks, keys and toothpaste.

18. The ancient Egyptians believed in over 2,000 deities.

They had gods for everything, right from dangers to chores. Each one has different responsibilities and needed to be worshipped for balance in life.

19. Once unwrapped the bandages of an ancient Egyptian mummy could stretch for over 1.6km.

This is if they were placed end to end, it was not one continuous piece of bandage.

20. Over the past few thousands of years, many Egyptian mummies have unfortunately been destroyed.

Some were ground to a powder which was used to make magical potions, or used to create 'mummy brown' paint. Others were destroyed by treasure hunters.

Ancient Egypt FAQs

Sources

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20 Amazing Facts About Ancient Egypt - JellyQuest

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Take a look at these 20 amazing facts about ancient Egypt for kids! Learn about pharaohs, mummy's, pyramids and more!

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The uniqueness of gardens in Ancient Egypt - Med-O-Med

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The existence of gardens is as old as culture itself. We find it in early civilizations and it is linked to all of men’s transcendent believes. Eva Iturbe – FUNCI The Genesis already portrayed the biblical tradition of the Garden of Eden, which corresponds to the first Muslim paradise (“A river watering the garden flowed [...]

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We're off on an exciting adventure to northeast Africa to learn about one of the world's most famous rivers - and you're coming with us! So grab your passport, suncream and shades, and check out our fascinating Nile river facts ...

Nile river facts

1) Found in northeast Africa, the Nile has long been recognised as the longest river in the world - stretching a massive 6,695km! There is some debate over this title, though - some scientists argue that the Amazon river in South America is longer.

2) The Nile is often associated with Egypt, but in fact, it flows through 11 countries: Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.

3) This mighty river has two main tributaries (branches, or smaller rivers or streams) which meet to form 'the Nile'. One tributary is called the White Nile, which starts in South Sudan, and the other is called the Blue Nile, which starts in Ethiopia.

4) The Blue Nile and White Nile merge together in the city of Khartoum in Sudan. From there, the river continues to flow north through Egypt and, finally, into the Mediterranean Sea.

5) The Nile has been an important source of life for people throughout history. Around 5,000 years ago, the Ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile for fresh water, food and transportation. It also provided them with fertile land to farm on...

6) But how did the Nile allow the Ancient Egyptians to farm on dry desert land? The answer is that the river flooded every August! And when it did, all the nutrient-rich soil carried in the water spread across the river banks, leaving a thick, moist mud... Perfect for growing crops!

7) The Nile no longer floods each year, however. This is because in 1970 the Aswan High Dam was built. This huge dam controls the flow of the river to generate electricity, irrigate (water) farms and provide homes with drinking water.

8) This fascinating river remains an invaluable source of life for Egyptians to this day. More than 95% of the country's population depend on its water and live within a few miles of the river banks.

9) And it's not just important for humans - the river and its banks are home to lots of wonderful wildlife, too - including different kinds of fish and birds, as well as turtles, snakes, hippos and one of our planet's largest reptiles... the Nile crocodile!

10) Such an incredible river is cause for celebration, wouldn't you say? The Egyptians sure think so! Each year in August, they have a two-week holiday called 'Wafaa an-Nil' to celebrate the ancient flooding of the Nile - an important natural event which allowed their civilisation to grow!

Want to find out more about the world's wonderful rivers? Then check out these top facts about rivers and put your knowledge to the test with our Rivers Quiz!

What do you think of our Nile river facts? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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Nile river facts for kids | Geography - National Geographic Kids

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Learn about the world's longest river in our Nile river facts! How long is the Nile? Where does the Nile start? Why is this famous river so important?

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How To Draw The Egyptian Pyramids Of Giza

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How To Draw An Ancient Egyptian King And Queen (Pharaoh)

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Ancient Egyptian Scarabs: 10 Curated Facts to Know

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A closer look into one of ancient Egypt’s most prominent symbols of death, birth and rebirth. Here are 10 facts about the ancient Egyptian scarab beetle.

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A dead body that has been preserved with chemicals is called a mummy. The Inca of Peru made mummies. Ancient peoples in Australia and on some Pacific islands did also.…

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Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station

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Top 10 Facts About Mummies! - Fun Kids - the UK’s children’s radio station

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The Mummification Process | How Mummies Were Made? | How Egyptians Mummified Bodies? | Dr. Binocs

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How The Great Pyramid of Giza Was Built | Mysteries Uncovered | The Dr. Binocs Show | Peekaboo Kidz

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King Tut for Kids | Learn all about the "boy king" King Tutankhamun

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Cleopatra was a queen of ancient Egypt. She wanted to make her country more powerful. To do so, she got the help of two leaders of ancient Rome: Julius Caesar and Mark...

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Hatshepsut, like other pharaohs, was the child of a king. Unlike the others, she was a woman.

One of only a few female pharaohs in thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history, Hatshepsut didn't inherit her rulership like a man would have-only sons were allowed to succeed their fathers. She was born around 1504 B.C., and when her father, King Thutmose I, died without sons, Hatshepsut married her half-brother, Thutmose II, to help him become pharaoh.

When he died, his son-Hatshepsut's stepson-became pharaoh, even though he was just three years old. Hatshepsut ruled in his name, but he was still considered the only pharaoh. But when Thutmose III was about eight years old, she took the throne herself and officially became his coruler around 1473 B.C. Some historians think she made the move because other people wanted to steal the throne, and she knew if they were both pharaohs they would be too powerful to overthrow. Hatshepsut and Thutmose III would rule together as pharaohs for the next 22 years.

Considered one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs-man or woman-Hatshepsut brought great wealth and artistry to her land. She sponsored one of Egypt's most successful trading expeditions, bringing back gold, ebony, and incense from a place called Punt (probably modern-day Eritrea, a country in Africa). She secured her legacy by building structures that still stand today. She added two hundred-foot-tall obelisks at the great temple complex at Karnak. (One is still intact.) And she built the mortuary Temple of Deir el Bahri, a structure with several floors of columns in front, where she'd eventually be buried.

Hatshepsut was usually carved or drawn as a man, complete with muscles and a beard, as was the artistic tradition for pharaohs. But historians knew the truth: She always made sure the art included a reference to being a woman, such as "Daughter of Re" or "His Majesty, Herself." When she died in 1458 B.C., Egypt would not see as powerful a female ruler for another 1,400 years, when Cleopatra came to the throne.

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The Egyptian who proved women could be powerful pharaohs

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Nefertiti and Akhenaton had six daughters. Two of these princesses later became queens of Egypt.

Many pictures of Nefertiti, found in tombs and temples, show her performing religious rites. She made offerings to the sun god Aton, even though this job was typically done by a king. During Akhenaton's reign, Aton became the main god of Egypt. Egyptians often worshipped Nefertiti and her husband alongside Aton.

Later in Akhenaton's reign, one of the six princesses died, and Nefertiti and three other princesses disappeared. The missing daughters probably died, but no one is sure what happened to Nefertiti. Some historians have thought that she outlived her husband and then ruled alone, under the name Smenkhkare. However, there is evidence that Smenkhkare was a man-the brother of King Tutankhamen. Nefertiti's body has never been found.

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Nefertiti and Akhenaton had six daughters. Two of these princesses later became queens of Egypt. Many pictures of Nefertiti, found in tombs and temples, show her performing religious rites. She made offerings to the sun god Aton, even though this job was typically done by a king.

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History for kids - Free history network for kids

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Ancient Egyptian Children

The children in Ancient Egypt were very popular and loved.

It was important that families had children, especially sons, so children were cherished and loved.

Boys

Even though boys were the most popular of all the children, they would sometimes get in trouble.

The Ancient Egyptians considered boys to be troublemakers even if they were or weren't.

Most of the time, the boys of Ancient Egypt would be raised to be strong and behaved.

They would have to be trained by their fathers or by other people so that they would not misbehave or be in trouble.

Girls

Girls were taught to take care of the houses and were taught how to behave but parents were not as strict on the girls as they were on the boys.

Kids

The children were pretty much free to play and have fun until they were around 5 years old. Their parents would have them play games and do things to get stronger.

Children would be fed and played with and they had very few responsibilities at this time. Their main goal was to have fun and play.

Protection

Parents loved and did what they could to protect their children. Children were considered a gift.

Children were taken good care of and parents would even buy amulets to help to protect them and bring them luck. The amulets would be worn by the children or pinned on their clothing.

The problem was that children would sometimes die very young. Since there were no great doctors at this time or medical help, many children would die from diseases. Other children would die from animals that were dangerous.

More than one-third of the children of Ancient Egypt would not live to be even one year old.

After 5 Years Old

Children that were over 5 years old would then start to get more responsibilities. Up until this point, they pretty much played and had fun all day.

When they turned five though, they would start to have a different life. If the children were from rich families, most likely, they would learn to read and write. They would be taught mathematics, writing, reading, and science by their family or from tutors. Sometimes, the tutors were slaves.

Other children would be taught to work. Children would learn to farm and to make things such as wood crafts or clothing. Some girls would be taught to take care of their homes and to be homemakers.

During this time, the children did not just work but they also were allowed to play. Play and work went hand in hand. If the children worked for a while, they would take a break and would play games or play with their toys.

The games that children would play would be games that would teach them to have good hand and eye coordination or to make them stronger or smarter.

Grave Goods

Another job that the children would have would be making grave goods. This was not a job that they hated, but one that they loved.

They would make special things to send to the tombs of their loved ones and this was a special time that parents and children would spend together.

Later

Later, when girls were around 12 years old, they would get married. Boys would usually stay home until they were in their late teens or early twenties, but the girls would marry young if they found someone that they loved.

Girls and boys would marry young because most people only lived to be around the age of 30 years old and they would want to start their family young.

If a boy or girl did not marry, they would start to work or help take care of their parents.

They would become farmers, make furniture or jewelry, work in the government, or work on their own land to make food and trade.

Facts About Ancient Egyptian Children

When a girl or boy's parents died, the son would get the land and the daughters would get whatever was left in the house such as household goods, jewelry, furniture, or other things.

If there were only daughters in a household, the daughters would get the land when their parents died.

Kids loved to play games like marbles and sports games.

More than half of the Ancient Egyptian children did not live to even be 5 years of age.

When families could not have children, the mom and dad were encouraged to adopt children.

No child was ever left alone or to raise themselves, they would be given to another family if their mom and dad died.

Children were taught that doing good deeds would keep their heart light.

What Did You Learn?

Were children of Ancient Egypt important?

Yes! Children of Ancient Egypt were considered very important and were very loved by their families.

Who was given the hardest time growing up, boys or girls?

The boys were given the hardest time growing up because their families thought that they were troublemakers.

What did children do before they turned 5 years of age?

Most children under 5 were given the freedom to play games and to grow. They had few responsibilities.

What happened after children were 5 years of age?

Children over 5 years old were given responsibilities, some were taught to read, write, do math and science and others were taught to work.

Did Ancient Egyptian children marry young?

Children from Ancient Egypt would marry young because they did not live very long lives.

Why were children so important?

They were important because many of them would die before they were even five years old.

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Ancient Egyptian Children - History for kids

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The children in Ancient Egypt were very popular and loved. It was important that families had children, especially sons, so children were cherished and loved. Boys Even though boys were the most popular of all the children, they would sometimes get in trouble.

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What Was Silt Used For In Ancient Egypt? - Sciencing

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Ancient Egyptians were farmers and utilized the fine silt along the banks of the Nile River and in the Nile Delta to cultivate crops. Annual monsoons in mountainous Ethiopia to the south caused flooding downstream where the Nile courses through Egypt for about 600 miles. Egyptians relied on this annual cycle to replenish the fertile soil needed for growing their crops. Flooding deposited silt rich in minerals along the banks of the Nile and the delta north of what is now Cairo, where the river splits before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. Staple crops were emmer wheat and barley for beer and bread, and flax for making linen.