Topic 3: Ancient Egypt and Kush

When was ancient Egypt the most powerful and prosperous?

• just after Narmer's unification

• during the Old Kingdom

• during the Middle Kingdom

• during the New Kingdom

Answer explanation

New Kingdom period of Egyptian history began with the expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt and the restoration of centralized political control. This period was Egypt's most prosperous time and marked the peak of its power.

The soil of the Nile River Valley is best characterized as...

• fertile.

• dry.

• rocky.

• barren.

Answer explanation

The soil of the Nile River delta between El Qâhira (Cairo) and the Mediterranean Sea is fertile in nutrients, due to the large silt deposits the Nile leaves behind as it flows into the sea. The banks of the Nile all along its vast length contain fertile soil as well, thanks to annual flooding that deposits silt.

What were major Kushite accomplishments? Choose TWO correct answers

• the invention of one of the world's first alphabets

• the defeat of Assyrian and Babylonian troops

• the development of Africa's first iron-working center

• peace treaties with the Babylonians, the Syrians, and the Hittites

From top to bottom, what is the correct order of the social structure of ancient Egypt?

• Pharaoh, Scribes, Priests, Merchants, Farmers

• Pharaoh, Priests, Scribes, Farmers, Merchants

• Pharaoh, Priests, Scribes, Merchants, Farmers

• Pharaoh, Priests, Farmers, Scribes, Merchants

The Book of the Dead is a well-known piece of ancient Egyptian Literature that

• is a guide to the afterlife for the souls of the dead.

• is a list of important citizens and officials who died.

• explains the succession of pharaohs.

• tells the story of an Egyptian scribe who killed a pharaoh.

Answer explanation

Watch this if you would like to learn more about The Book of the Dead and how the afterlife worked for the Ancient Egyptians.

Because there was less land to farm in Kush than in Egypt,

• Kushites were more motivated to trade.

• many kushites moved to Egypt.

• Kushites became accomplished sailors on the Nile.

• Kushites sold their surplus grain to Egypt.

What were possible consequences of a drought in ancient Egypt? Choose the TWO correct answers.

• Forest fires would break out and destroy homes.

• The yield of grain crops would decrease.

• Not having enough food would cause people to go hungry.

• The sands would become hot and burning.

What effect did continued trade with Egypt have on Kush Civilization?

• Kushites adopted many of the elements of Egyptian culture.

• Kushites learned to navigate the Nile River.

• Kushites stopped trading with other African kingdoms.

• Kushites wanted to leave their country and move to Egypt.

In order to construct the pyramids, the Egyptians needed to be proficient in engineering and...

• astronomy.

• mathematics.

• chemistry.

• anatomy.

How did Egypt's grain surplus encourage people to become artisans?

• Weavers and potters created containers for storing surplus crops.

• Roads needed to be built to carry surplus crops to markets.

• Farmers hired craftworkers to make new agricultural tools.

• Rulers used the surpluses to buy goods such as cloth, jewelry, and luxury goods.