Due at SUNDAY 9 PM
For Sunday we would like you to come up with a question for the final exam. It should focus on material covered since the midterm but of course can require an answer that demonstrates cumulative knowledge from throughout the semester.
Think about questions that will enable you to pull from lecture, section, and the readings (primary and secondary) in order to show both the breadth of your knowledge and the depth of your thought on particular subjects.
All questions should lend themselves to answers that entail building a case around EVIDENCE learned in class or the readings.
Have a great weekend!
In a short essay, please describe the relationship between religious practices/celebrations and the Egyptian view of life after death. We know from our readings that the Egyptians thoroughly believed that their lives were influenced by the power of the gods. We also learned that much of daily life revolved around pleasing the gods or thanking them for their help (whether it was healing the sick, making land fertile, or defeating strong enemies). Use evidence from both the texts we have in class and the lectures to show the divine connection between the multiple aspects of Egyptian culture. Be sure to include the way death was viewed in Egyptian society and the role of the afterlife.
ReplyDeleteThe ancient Egyptian court system was unique in that it was not secular; rather, many aspects of Egyptian law intermingled with people's religious beliefs. Provide examples of areas in which Egyptian law and religion merged. Also, explain the structure and levels of the court system, as well as the punishments doled out to those who broke the law. Were there different punishments given for violations against laws protecting the state, as opposed to those protecting private property? If so, identify and explain these distinctions.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the year, we have done a complete study of Deir el Medina in the New Kingdom and Kahun in the Middle Kingdom, but these two ancient civilizations were very distinct from each other from everything from religion to daily life to actual city layout. In an essay, compare and contrast the daily lives of these two civilizations by using primary sources to support your claims.
ReplyDeleteConsider the importance placed on building the tomb and other rituals and magic spells and festivals we read about that indicate the importance in the afterlife within an Egyptian's life and outline the journey for three different social classes of people within Egyptian society and how their quest to honor the elements of their souls (the Ka/Ba) would differ and would overlap based on their social class? Draw on the readings and lecture that discuss festivals and religion more than the different classes chosen (though do take time to tease apart key differences).
ReplyDeleteThe emergence of foreigners into Egypt caused consequential variations in both religious practices and societal structure within Egypt. Elaborate on the differences incorporated into Egyptian life in both these regards. What differences exist in foreign religions, which the Egyptians either incorporated or denied? What positions in the social hierarchy in Egypt could the foreigners occupy? Were their limits to their power? Use primary sources in addition to secondary sources to prove your argument.
ReplyDeleteWe have discussed in detail how many aspects of Egyptian life spill over into others. Our recent study of Kahun has given us further insight into the practice of many customs of the Egyptians. Using specific examples, describe how two aspects of Kahun (setup, jobs, etc.) exemplified Egyptian culture in general.
ReplyDeleteSzpakowska writes, “we base our understanding of the social structure of Ancient Egypt on archaeological evidence.” What are the advantages of using archaeological evidence? In an essay, examine different types of archaeological evidence and their contribution to our understanding of the social structure of Ancient Egypt.
ReplyDeleteDrawing upon the readings and lecture, in what ways did certain religious practices/celebrations differ among the social classes? Likewise, in what ways were they similar?
ReplyDeleteIn the lectures centered around Deir el-Medina we looked at the daily life of the workmen, as well as the town they and their families lived in. Using the archaeological evidence discussed in class and in primary/secondary sources, discuss how workers were treated in this unique community. How were they compensated? Where in the town did they live? Did they have less personal freedoms working for the state?
ReplyDeleteThe subject of the after life is very important to ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptians believed in living life, but some believed in living in the after life even more. Many plan and elaborate organization were involved when constructing a tomb and/or planning a burial. Using archeological evidence and details from Szpakowska, describe how death and the after life was perceived to the Egyptians. Were there rituals and/or offerings that Egyptians perform regularly involving death and the afterlife. In addition, use primary texts to describe how the afterlife is depicted, include ka/ba in the discussion. In the end, what was the Egyptians ultimate goal in preserving their bodies and caring so much about the afterlife?
ReplyDeleteWhat are some parallel themes seen between the lifestyles of the Egyptians and their beliefs?
ReplyDeleteUsing primary sources identify the overlapping themes that exist between the afterlife and law and ethics. Use these examples to discuss the infrastructure of the government and its practices.
Discuss how two or more practices or social standards were changed in both the view on foreigners and life after death (i.e. burial practices, preparations, and beliefs) over the course of time.
Why Ancient Egypt is considered as an ancient civilization? Consider its development in Justice, religion, government functions. Compare these to nowadays to support your idea.
ReplyDeleteChildbirth was a sacred aspect of Egyptian culture in which certain gods including Bes, Isis and Hathor were involved. Name and describe at least two objects they would use in ritual to protect a child and its mother during this process.
ReplyDeleteHow does the Valley of the Kings important to Deir el Medina? How does the structure and geographical importance of this burial ground affect life and families in ancient Egypt?
ReplyDeleteIs Kahun a man-made or organic city? Support your choice with examples about the organization of Kahun. What does the layout of Kahun and the layout of the houses suggest about the people living there?
ReplyDeleteLife after death in Egypt was not just the next life, but it was sacred. To the Egyptians death and life afterwards were some of the most important things in one's lives. In an essay elaborate on this point making sure to explain and demonstrate the preparations for death and the life afterwards.
ReplyDeleteThe mythological aspects and religion in Egyptian life both further confirmed certain assumptions I had on Egypt but also made me reassess my ideas. I knew that religion was directly intertwined in Egyptian life, and I also knew that their mythology is strange and fascinating at the same time, but I was surprised to the extent that all this occurred. The myth surrounding Hathor, and how there was a god that wanted to seek revenge on humanity because they were misbehaving (it’s very interesting how this sounds like Noah’s Arch) and he pulls out his eye who is also his daughter is bizarre, and it also cool how this is directly imbued in Egyptian life since they have festivals concerning Hathor in which they get completely inebriated.
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