Egypt Quest

*** Teacher Information


You recently rented the movie "Stargate" and have become intrigued with the Ancient Egyptian civilization. In class you will have an opportunity to explore several areas of Egyptian society and compare this information to life in the United States today. Let's get started!

Click here to see your task.

You will be asked to investigate one of the following topics:

Architecture

Religion

Government

Daily Life

©2000 by S. Rosseel, J. Asplen Cherry Hill Middle School - Cecil County Public Schools

Maryland Technology Academy Summer Satellite 2000 - Updated August 2000

Architecture

The ancient Egyptians built their pyramids, tombs, temples and palaces out of stone, the most durable of all building materials. Although earthquakes, wars and the forces of nature have taken their toll, the remains of Egypt's monumental architectural achievements are visible across the land, a tribute to the greatness of this civilization. These building projects took a high degree of architectural and engineering skill, and the organization of a large workforce consisting of highly trained craftsmen and laborers.

 This topic would include exploring some of the famous structures of Ancient Egypt. The designs, technology used, and purposes of these buildings would need to be investigated.

 

Suggested Websites for "Architecture":

Pyramids

Pyramids2

Temples

The Sphinx

The Sphinx2

The Sphinx3

Pyramids and Temples

Sites and Monuments

 

SEE TASK? 

Religion

One of the most interesting aspects of ancient Egypt is its religion. The depth of Egyptian thinking and the rich imagination displayed in the creation of ideas and images of the gods and goddesses are beyond compare. In elaborating their beliefs, the Egyptians were working on the cosmic plane, searching for an understanding of the most basic laws of the universe.

 This topic would include exploring the various deities, and beliefs of the Ancient Egyptian religion. Another important part of this topic is the elaborate preparation for their afterlife.

 

Suggested Websites for "Religion":

Principles of Religion

The Gods of Egypt

Ancient Egypt Mythology

Mummification1

Mummification2

Mummification3

Mummification4

Clickable Mummy

Mythology & Religion

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Government

Government and religion were inseparable in ancient Egypt. The pharaoh was the head of state and the divine representative of the gods on earth. Religion and government brought order to society through the construction of temples, the creation of laws, taxation, the organization of labor, trade with neighbors and the defense of the country's interests. The pharaoh was assisted by a hierarchy of advisors, priests, officials and administrators, who were responsible for the affairs of the state and the welfare of the people.

 This topic would include exploring some of the famous rulers of Ancient Eqypt. Their powers and duties as well as that of the military would also be investigated.

 Suggested Websites for Government:

Bureaucracy

Government

The Military

Kingship

Government in Daily Life

Kings and Queens

Kings and Queens2

Tutankhamun

Hatshepsut

Ramesses II

Cleopatra

SEE TASK?

Daily Life

What do we really know about the lives of the ancient Egyptians? Tomb paintings and sacred hieroglyphic texts provide a glimpse into the world of the elite, but information on the lives of ordinary people remains scant. The majority of the population of ancient Egypt were peasants who played a vital role within the country's strict hierarchical society. Artifacts related to daily activities remain as a testament to the labors of the workers who transformed ancient Egypt into an earthly paradise.

This topic would include exploring such topics as homes, communication, jobs, transportation, food, and clothing. The difference in the way the wealthy and the poor lived should also be considered.

 

 Suggested Websites for Daily Life:

Daily Life

Daily Life2

Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

Egypt: Daily Life

Hieroglyphics

 Life on the Nile

Social Life

SEE TASK?