Article for Intermediate ESL Adults
Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history. It developed more than 5,000 years ago in Northeast Africa, along the Nile River. The Nile was the center of Egyptian life and helped the civilization grow and survive for thousands of years.
The Nile River was very important because it provided water in a dry desert environment. Every year, the river flooded and left behind rich soil that was perfect for farming. Ancient Egyptians grew crops such as wheat, barley, and vegetables. Because food was plentiful, people had time to do other jobs, such as building, teaching, trading, and governing. This helped Egyptian society become complex and organized.
Ancient Egypt had a strong government led by a ruler called the pharaoh. The pharaoh was believed to be both a king and a god. People thought the pharaoh controlled the land, the people, and even the weather. Because of this belief, Egyptians respected and obeyed their pharaohs. The government collected taxes, made laws, and organized large projects, including temples and monuments.
One of the most famous features of Ancient Egypt is the pyramids. These large stone structures were built as tombs for dead pharaohs. Egyptians believed in life after death, so they prepared carefully for it. They mummified bodies to preserve them and buried them with food, tools, and treasures. The pyramids show how advanced Egyptian engineering and mathematics were, especially because they were built without modern machines.
Ancient Egyptians also developed a writing system called hieroglyphics. They used pictures and symbols to represent words and sounds. Writing was used for religion, government records, and everyday communication. Scribes, who were trained writers, had an important role in society because most people could not read or write.
Religion was a central part of Egyptian life. Egyptians believed in many gods and goddesses, each responsible for different parts of life, such as the sun, the river, or the afterlife. For example, Ra was the sun god, and Osiris was the god of the afterlife. Temples were built to honor these gods, and priests led religious ceremonies.
Ancient Egypt lasted for more than 3,000 years, which is longer than many other civilizations. Its ideas about architecture, medicine, writing, and government influenced later societies, including Greece and Rome. Today, Ancient Egypt continues to interest people around the world because of its history, art, and lasting achievements.
Vocabulary List
- civilization — A large, organized society with cities and government.
- develop — To grow or change over time.
- influential — Having the power to affect others.
- flood — When water covers land that is usually dry.
- rich soil — Good, healthy ground for growing plants.
- crop — A plant grown for food (like wheat or vegetables).
- pharaoh — The ruler (king) of Ancient Egypt.
- obey — To follow rules or do what someone says.
- tomb — A place where a dead person is buried.
- mummify — To preserve a dead body using special methods.
- hieroglyphics — Ancient Egyptian writing using pictures and symbols.
- scribe — A trained person who writes records and documents.
True or False
-
Ancient Egypt developed along the Nile River.
-
The Nile River flooded every day.
-
Egyptians believed the pharaoh was only a regular person.
-
Pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs.
-
Hieroglyphics is a writing system that uses pictures and symbols.
Fill in the Blanks
- Ancient Egypt developed along the River.
- The ruler of Ancient Egypt was called the .
- Egyptians built as tombs for dead pharaohs.
- Ancient Egyptian writing is called .
- Egyptians believed in life after .