Ancient Egypt Practice Test Quiz
The history of ancient Egypt spans the period from the early prehistoric settlements of the northern Nile valley to the Roman conquest. The Pharaonic Period is dated from when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified, until the country fell under Macedonian rule. Test your knowledge of this topic by taking the quiz below.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The dry deserts around Egypt were called
- A.
Kemet
- B.
Gift of the Nile
- C.
Deshret
- D.
Papyrus
Correct Answer
C. DeshretExplanation
Deshret is the correct answer because it refers to the dry deserts surrounding Egypt. The term "Deshret" is derived from the Egyptian word for "red," reflecting the reddish color of the desert sand. This term specifically denotes the arid regions of Egypt, highlighting the stark contrast between the fertile Nile Valley and the barren desert landscapes.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The rich, black soil around the Nile River were called...
- A.
Kemet
- B.
Deshret
- C.
Papyrus
- D.
Osiris
Correct Answer
A. KemetExplanation
The correct answer is Kemet. Kemet refers to the rich, black soil found around the Nile River. This soil was highly fertile and was essential for agriculture in ancient Egypt. The term "Kemet" means "black land" in the ancient Egyptian language, and it was used to distinguish the fertile Nile floodplain from the surrounding desert areas. The black soil was a result of the annual flooding of the Nile, which deposited nutrient-rich silt on the land, making it ideal for farming.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Ancient Egypt is often called the Gift of the _______
- A.
Nile
- B.
Gods
- C.
Mediterranean
- D.
Osiris
Correct Answer
A. NileExplanation
Ancient Egypt is often called the Gift of the Nile because the Nile River played a crucial role in the development and prosperity of the civilization. The Nile provided fertile land for agriculture, which allowed the Egyptians to grow crops and sustain their population. Additionally, the river served as a transportation route, facilitating trade and communication between different regions of Egypt. The annual flooding of the Nile also brought nutrient-rich silt, which further enriched the soil and supported abundant harvests. Therefore, the Nile was considered a precious gift that sustained and nourished the ancient Egyptian civilization.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Ancient Egyptian formal writing is called....
- A.
Hieroglyphics
- B.
Nileometer
- C.
Hieratic
- D.
Thoth
Correct Answer
A. HieroglypHicsExplanation
Hieroglyphics is the correct answer because it refers to the formal writing system used in ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics consisted of a combination of pictorial symbols and phonetic signs, which were used to represent words and sounds. This writing system was primarily used for religious and monumental inscriptions, as well as for important documents. Hieroglyphics played a crucial role in preserving the history, religion, and culture of ancient Egypt.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Every year the Nile river would __________, this would leave behind rich soil and make it very easy to grow crops.
- A.
Flood
- B.
Dry up
- C.
Change course
- D.
Disappear
Correct Answer
A. FloodExplanation
The correct answer is "flood" because the annual flooding of the Nile river is a well-known phenomenon that has been occurring for thousands of years. The floodwaters bring with them nutrient-rich sediment, which is deposited on the riverbanks and creates fertile soil. This makes it ideal for agriculture and allows crops to grow easily.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of these was NOT an Ancient Egyptian invention that helped them to move water from the Nile to the fields.
- A.
Papyrus
- B.
Canals
- C.
Ditches
- D.
Shaduf
Correct Answer
A. PapyrusExplanation
Papyrus was not an Ancient Egyptian invention that helped them to move water from the Nile to the fields. Papyrus was actually used by the Ancient Egyptians to make paper, boats, and other items, but it was not specifically used for irrigation purposes. Canals, ditches, and shadufs were all inventions that the Ancient Egyptians used to transport water from the Nile to their fields for irrigation.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Ancient Egyptians believed the Pharaoh was ______
- A.
A god
- B.
Elected by the people
- C.
The everyday jman
- D.
The Nile
Correct Answer
A. A godExplanation
The correct answer is "a god" because in ancient Egyptian culture, the Pharaoh was considered to be a divine figure with god-like powers and authority. The belief was that the Pharaoh was the intermediary between the gods and the people, and they were worshipped as a deity. This belief in the Pharaoh's divinity was an integral part of the religious and political system in ancient Egypt.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Egypt's civilization began around the ____________ river.
- A.
Nile
- B.
Tigris
- C.
Mississippi
- D.
Yellow
Correct Answer
A. NileExplanation
Egypt's civilization began around the Nile river. The Nile river played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egypt as it provided fertile soil for agriculture, transportation for trade and communication, and a source of water for drinking and irrigation. The annual flooding of the Nile also brought rich sediment, which made the land highly productive and allowed the civilization to thrive. The Nile river was not only essential for the survival of the ancient Egyptians but also shaped their culture, economy, and way of life.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Nile River flooded so predictably that the Ancient Egyptians designed their ___________ around it.
- A.
Calendar
- B.
Social structure
- C.
Writing
- D.
Entertainment
Correct Answer
A. CalendarExplanation
The Nile River flooded so predictably that the Ancient Egyptians designed their calendar around it. The annual flooding of the Nile River was a crucial event for the Egyptians as it brought fertile soil and allowed for successful agricultural practices. Therefore, they developed a calendar system that was closely tied to the river's flood patterns, helping them to plan their farming activities and ensure a prosperous harvest.Rate this question:
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- 10.
At the top of the Egyptian Social Structure was the ______.
- A.
Pharaoh
- B.
Priest
- C.
Farmer
- D.
Trader
Correct Answer
A. pHaraohExplanation
The correct answer is Pharaoh. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh held the highest position in the social structure. They were considered divine and had absolute power over the land and its people. The Pharaoh was not only a political leader but also a religious figure, responsible for maintaining harmony and balance in society. They were believed to be the intermediary between the gods and the people, and their authority was unquestioned. The Pharaoh's role was crucial in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Egypt.Rate this question:
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- 11.
These people were the second from the bottom of the social structure and supplied all the food for the civilization.
- A.
Farmers and Herders
- B.
Slaves
- C.
Priests
- D.
Pharaoh
Correct Answer
A. Farmers and HerdersExplanation
Farmers and herders were the second from the bottom of the social structure because they supplied all the food for the civilization. This implies that they were responsible for the production of food, which was essential for the survival and sustenance of the society. Their role in agriculture and animal husbandry was crucial in providing sustenance for the entire civilization.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Hieroglyphics were first translated using the ___________.
- A.
Rosetta Stone
- B.
Google
- C.
Red Scrolls
- D.
Stars
Correct Answer
A. Rosetta StoneExplanation
The Rosetta Stone is the correct answer because it played a crucial role in deciphering hieroglyphics. The Rosetta Stone is an ancient artifact that contains a decree written in three different scripts: hieroglyphics, demotic script, and ancient Greek. In 1822, French scholar Jean-François Champollion used the Greek text to decipher the hieroglyphics, unlocking the ancient Egyptian writing system. This breakthrough allowed scholars to understand and translate countless inscriptions and texts, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian history, culture, and language.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Nile River flows in which direction?
- A.
North
- B.
South
- C.
West
- D.
East
Correct Answer
A. NorthExplanation
The Nile River flows northward. It starts from Lake Victoria in Uganda and flows through Sudan and Egypt before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. This is a well-known fact about the Nile River's direction of flow.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Egypt was divided into two sections they are the ____________.
- A.
Upper and Lower Egypt
- B.
East and West Egypt
- C.
Top and Bottom Egypt
- D.
Wet and Wild Egypt
Correct Answer
A. Upper and Lower EgyptExplanation
Egypt was divided into two sections known as Upper and Lower Egypt. This division was based on the flow of the Nile River. Upper Egypt referred to the southern part of Egypt, while Lower Egypt referred to the northern part. The division played a significant role in the political and cultural history of ancient Egypt, as it led to the unification of the country under the pharaohs. Upper Egypt was symbolized by the white crown, while Lower Egypt was symbolized by the red crown.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Nile flows into the ___________________. This allowed it to trade with other ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome.
- A.
Mediterranean Sea
- B.
Atlantic Ocean
- C.
Red Sea
- D.
Gulf of Mexico
Correct Answer
A. Mediterranean SeaExplanation
The Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea, which allowed it to trade with other ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. The Mediterranean Sea was a major trade route during ancient times, connecting various civilizations and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. The Nile's connection to the Mediterranean Sea provided a gateway for trade and cultural interactions between Egypt and these ancient civilizations.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Ancient Egyptians believed that the Ba and the Ka were
- A.
Two Egyptian gods
- B.
Two famous mummies
- C.
Two parts of the soul
- D.
Two great Pharaohs
Correct Answer
C. Two parts of the soulExplanation
The ancient Egyptians believed that the Ba and the Ka were two parts of the soul. The Ba was considered the individual's unique personality and was believed to be able to travel freely between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead. The Ka, on the other hand, was the life force or vital essence of a person and was believed to reside in the body after death. The belief in these two aspects of the soul was central to Egyptian funerary practices and the preservation of the body through mummification.Rate this question:
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- 17.
How did the poor prepare their family member for the afterlife?
- A.
Tried to embalm the body themselves
- B.
Buried it in the desert sand
- C.
Prayed for 40 days
- D.
Left the bodies in the NIle
Correct Answer
B. Buried it in the desert sandExplanation
The poor prepared their family member for the afterlife by burying them in the desert sand. This was a common practice among the poor, as they did not have the resources or knowledge to embalm the body themselves. Burying the body in the desert sand was a simpler and more affordable way to ensure a proper burial and prepare the deceased for the afterlife.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Ancient Egyptians put 4 internal organs into _____________.
- A.
Canopic Jars
- B.
Mason Jars
- C.
Feed them to sacred cats
- D.
Left them at the four corners of the Pyramid
Correct Answer
A. Canopic JarsExplanation
Ancient Egyptians used Canopic Jars to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased during the process of mummification. These jars were typically made of pottery and had lids shaped like the heads of the four sons of Horus, who were the protectors of the organs. The organs, including the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines, were removed from the body and placed in separate Canopic Jars. These jars were then buried alongside the mummy to ensure the deceased's organs were preserved for the afterlife.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Ancient Egyptians did not think __________ ________ was important. So, the pulled it out through the nose.
- A.
The Brain
- B.
The Stomach
- C.
The Lungs
- D.
The Liver
Correct Answer
A. The BrainExplanation
The Ancient Egyptians believed that the brain was not important and that it had no role in a person's consciousness or functioning. They believed that the heart was the center of intelligence and emotions. During the mummification process, they would remove the brain by pulling it out through the nose using special hooks or instruments. This practice shows their belief that the brain was not significant and could be discarded.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Why did Ancient Egyptians feel they needed mummies and riches in their tombs?
- A.
They need them in the afterlife
- B.
So family could visit them
- C.
To leave them for their grandchildren
- D.
To leave for future generations to find and worship
Correct Answer
A. They need them in the afterlifeExplanation
The Ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of an afterlife, where the soul would continue to exist. They believed that in order for the soul to have a comfortable and prosperous afterlife, it needed to be accompanied by the body and possessions from the earthly life. Mummies and riches were placed in tombs to ensure that the deceased would have everything they needed in the afterlife. It was believed that the soul would continue to receive offerings and worship from the living, which is why leaving these items for future generations to find and worship was also important.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 15, 2015Quiz Created by
Fran Showalter