Grade 6 · Social Studies · Lesson 3

Ancient Egypt and the Nile

While the Sumerians were building cities between the Tigris and Euphrates, another great civilization was rising along the Nile River in north-east Africa. Ancient Egypt began around 3100 BCE and lasted for nearly 3,000 years — one of the longest-running civilizations in human history. The Greek historian Herodotus famously called Egypt "the gift of the Nile" because every aspect of Egyptian life depended on the river.

What this lesson teaches

1Explain how the Nile River shaped life in ancient Egypt
2Describe the role of the pharaoh and the religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians
3Identify the main features of pyramids, hieroglyphics, and mummification
4Compare Egyptian innovations with those of Mesopotamia

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