In this Grade 5 World History and Geography lesson, students explore the rise of Egypt's New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 B.C.), examining how the Hyksos invasion introduced horse-drawn war chariots and bronze weaponry that Egyptians later adopted to rebuild their empire. Students trace key rulers including Ahmose I, Hatshepsut, and Akhenaten, analyzing how military expansion, religious upheaval, and trade shaped Egyptian power across the ancient Near East. The lesson also introduces the African kingdom of Kush as a neighboring civilization that emerged to Egypt's south during this period.
Section 1
Egypt Rises from Conquest to Empire
After Hyksos rulers introduced bronze weapons and chariots, Ahmose I drove them out and established the New Kingdom (1550-1070 B.C.), creating Egypt's empire and becoming the most powerful state in the ancient Near East.
Section 2
Pharaohs Build Magnificent Monuments
New Kingdom pharaohs displayed Egypt's imperial power through impressive construction projects, including temple centers at Karnak and Luxor, and Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri, showcasing Egypt's wealth and prosperity.
Section 3
Akhenaten Disrupts Egyptian Religion
Pharaoh Amenhotep IV renamed himself Akhenaten and attempted to replace Egypt's traditional gods with the worship of Aten, the sun disk god. This religious revolution weakened Egypt's empire until Tutankhamen restored traditional practices.
Section 4
Kush Transforms from Colony to Trading Power
After freeing itself from Egyptian control around 1000 B.C., Kush established a powerful trading empire centered at Meroe. Using iron-working technology, Kushites created weapons and tools that were traded throughout the region.
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Section 1
Egypt Rises from Conquest to Empire
After Hyksos rulers introduced bronze weapons and chariots, Ahmose I drove them out and established the New Kingdom (1550-1070 B.C.), creating Egypt's empire and becoming the most powerful state in the ancient Near East.
Section 2
Pharaohs Build Magnificent Monuments
New Kingdom pharaohs displayed Egypt's imperial power through impressive construction projects, including temple centers at Karnak and Luxor, and Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri, showcasing Egypt's wealth and prosperity.
Section 3
Akhenaten Disrupts Egyptian Religion
Pharaoh Amenhotep IV renamed himself Akhenaten and attempted to replace Egypt's traditional gods with the worship of Aten, the sun disk god. This religious revolution weakened Egypt's empire until Tutankhamen restored traditional practices.
Section 4
Kush Transforms from Colony to Trading Power
After freeing itself from Egyptian control around 1000 B.C., Kush established a powerful trading empire centered at Meroe. Using iron-working technology, Kushites created weapons and tools that were traded throughout the region.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter