Government-+The+Nile+River+Civilization

In around 4000 B.C.E. in the Nile River Valley Civilization, there were originally many individual states. These were similar to separate small kingdoms that were well-organized, traded with each other, and established complex activities such as irrigation networks to help their society run smoothly. However, by 3100 B.C.E. the many states unified and became one large kingdom under the rule of Menes. Menes decided to give the power to control Egypt's government to pharaohs. Pharoahs were respected greatly and had authority because they were like "gods living on Earth." The pharaohs had power over all other people living in this civilization so large pyramids were built in their honor to symbolize their power. The pyramids were used as tombs that the pharoahs would get buried in after their death. The pharaohs' role in society was huge since the government decisions they made affected all other factors in making the civilization successful such as gender roles, religion, social classes, economy, etc. The structures created in their honor of controlling government were therefore both important and sacred to people during this time. The pyramids shown to the left were among the largest that were built for the pharaohs that lived thousands of years ago. Our group chose this picture of the pyramids to represent the government of The Nile River Valley Civilization because we believe it showed the power and wealth the pharaohs had as rulers and also showed the honor people gave to them for controlling society.