Ancient Egypt — Fun History
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient wonder still standing today — it was built about 4,500 years ago from over 2 million giant stone blocks.
Learn
- Ancient Egypt was one of the world's first great civilisations. It began along the River Nile over 5,000 years ago.
- The Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for their kings, called pharaohs. The biggest is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- They used a picture writing system called hieroglyphs, carved on temple walls and written on a paper-like material called papyrus.
- The Egyptians believed in life after death. They preserved bodies as mummies and buried them with treasures for the next life.
Try These Questions
- What river was Ancient Egypt built along?
Answer: The Nile
Hint: It is the longest river in Africa. - What were Egyptian kings called?
Answer: Pharaohs
Hint: They wore special crowns. - What was the Egyptian picture writing called?
Answer: Hieroglyphs
Hint: The word starts with "hiero".
Write Your Name in Hieroglyphs
- Use a book or trusted website to find the Egyptian hieroglyph alphabet.
- Write your name using hieroglyph symbols on a piece of paper.
- Colour them in with markers or coloured pencils.
- Show your work to someone at home and explain what each symbol means.
Safety: Use the internet with an adult. Be careful with scissors if you cut out your work.
Challenge Quiz
- Where did Ancient Egypt begin?
Answer: Along the River Nile - What were Egyptian kings called?
Answer: Pharaohs - What were the pyramids used as?
Answer: Tombs for pharaohs - What was Egyptian picture writing called?
Answer: Hieroglyphs - What did Egyptians do to preserve bodies?
Answer: Made them into mummies