Study Guide Day 5: Early Old Kingdom History and Religion

Important names, terms, and concepts

For exams, you only need to know the "Egyptian" version of the name as Mieroop uses it. I list alternatives just for your reference

Study tip: There are a lot of names and dates in the readings. Focus on the ones that are on the study guide as you read, and for the rest, don't worry -- think about the big picture.

These names will come back over the next couple of days in the readings:
Seneferu
Djoser (sometimes Zoser)
Imhotep
Khufu (in Greek: Cheops)
Khafra (in Greek: Chephren)
Menkaura (in Greek Mycerinus)

Red Crown (recognize image)
White Crown (recognize image)
Double crown (recognize image)
[we discussed crowns in class with the Narmer Palette, as well, and will discuss again; you can also see royal regalia HERE for a refresher]

benben stone
Ptah

city of Memphis on map

Dates: Unification~3000 BCE (Dynasty 1 begins 3000, unification possibly earlier); Old Kingdom begins 2600s

Discussion Questions

What was the role of the pharaoh in the ancient Egyptians’ religious system?  and in particular, in the Old Kingdom?

How did religious beliefs & practices evolve?  How did these changes in religion affect the government and the economy?