Pre-Dynastic Egypt

Target

List and describe the characteristics of Pre-dynastic Egypt

Life in Pre-Dynastic Egypt

1. Irrigation systems

2. writing system- hieroglyphics

3. Development of a calendar

Predicts the annual flood of the Nile

4. Religious beliefs

5. Burring the dead in Mastabas

Mastabas

Wealthy people were buried in these house like tombs

Pre-Dynastic Government

Over the centuries, many tribes came to be organized into political districts

Nomes

Ruled by Nomarchs

Live in the capital city of the Nome

Nomarch Anktifi

Duties of Nomarchs

1. Supervise Irrigation systems

Used Shadoofs

Duties of Nomarchs cont’

2. Collect Taxes

3. Chief Priest

Theocracy

4. Head of Military Force

5. building of Mastabas

Government cont’

As time passed, the nomes were organized into 2 kingdoms

Upper Egypt: Capital- Thebes

Lower Egypt: Capital- Memphis

The ruler of each came to be know as Pharaoh

Government cont’

In 3000B.C. Upper Egypt won control of Lower Egypt

Unified Egypt into 1 kingdom with 1 government

1st Unification of Egypt

Narmer becomes the 1st ruler

He begins what we call the 1st Egyptian Dynasty

Also known as Menes

His victory brings an end to the Pre-Dynastic period