Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
History and Geography
Nile Civilizations
Resources of Early Egypt
Most of the famous pyramids of Egypt were built during the Old Kingdom
(c. 2650–2150 BC). Built as tombs for Egypt’s rulers, the pyramids were
mostly located along the lower Nile. A narrow band of fertile soil stretched
all along the Nile. The Nile flows through the Sahara, which is the largest
desert in the world and one of the harshest. However, the harsh landscape
of the Sahara and other deserts provided the natural resources needed to
build the pyramids, including limestone for the blocks and precious metals
and gems for artists to use in the interiors of the tombs.
MAP ACTIVITY
1. On the map, label the Nile River.
2. Use a shade of green to highlight the fertile areas along the Nile River.
3. On the map, use a light shade to highlight the locations of limestone resources along
the Nile River.
4. Using bright colors, highlight the locations of gold, turquoise, amethyst, and emerald
resources.
5. On the map, use a dark shade to highlight the locations of the five cataracts on the
Nile River.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 3
14
Nile Civilizations
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
History and Geography
Nile Civilizations
ANALYZING MAPS
6. Location Near what two cities in Lower Egypt are most of the great pyramids
located?
____________________________________________________________________
7. Location What mineral resource was located in abundance near the second and third
cataracts?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
8. Region Were greater amounts of limestone located in Upper or Lower Egypt?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
9. Human-Environment Interaction Based on the map, why do you think that
limestone was used to build the pyramids?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
EXTENSION ACTIVITY
Research the great treasures buried in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.
Identify three specific examples that were decorated with gold or precious
gems. Create a visual display of these treasures. For each one, write a
caption identifying the location of the tomb from which it came and the
mineral resources with which it was decorated.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 3
15
Nile Civilizations