Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt

Introduction Thousands of years ago, a group of people lived in the African country of Egypt. They lived on the banks of the Nile River. They were farmers and hunters. They used the river for boat travel. They were ruled by a king called a pharaoh.

Beliefs The ancient Egyptians believed that after someone died, he or she went to live in another world. They believed that a person's next life would be like their present life. They thought the dead person would need the same tools and objects in their next life. So people were buried with many of the things that they owned.

Ancient Egyptians believed in a sun god. They believed that the king was related to this god. When the king died, he was given a very fancy burial. Many riches were buried with him. Queens were also given fancy burials.

After a king died, his body was preserved so that it would not rot. The king's body was treated with spices, oils, and other things to preserve it. People believed that this would keep his spirit alive. The preserved body was called a mummy.

Pyramids The king was buried inside a huge stone structure called a pyramid. The pyramid was shaped to look like the Sun's rays shining on Earth. People believed that the king would go to heaven on the rays of the Sun.