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Classical Christian
Homeschooling:
Classical Education
at Home
WebMaster:
Christine Miller
Classical Christian
Homeschooling Online Catalog: 1st Grade History: Ancient World
www.clas...ling.org/
curriculum/
history-1a.html
This page last revised:
July 2003
Copyright
© 1997-2003
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Grammar Stage History
for 1st Grade: The Ancient World
Last Page: Genesis and Job, The Beginning
This Page: Ancient Egypt
The book of Genesis closes with Joseph and the Israelites soujourning in Egypt, and a study of ancient Egyptian civilization is next in the chronology of Western Civilization.
Next Page: The Ancient Near East
Many curricula overlook this important aspect of history, but the Ancient Near Eastern civilizations were just as powerful and influential as Egypt, and play the major role in the unfolding of Old Testament history.
The Ancient World for Older Students
If you are beginning classical education or homeschooling with older grammar stage students, or need resources to fill in the facts of history with dialectic and rhetoric stage students, these will do that at a higher reading level.
Ancient World Teacher’s Resources
The true history of the ancient world is misrepresented in many curricula, and many of us were probably not taught it ourselves. Here are the essential materials to help the homeschool parent correct that lack.
Ancient Egypt
The civilizations of the Ancient Near East and Ancient Egypt grew up together and flourished over the course of thousands of years of history; sometimes they peacefully co-existed, sometimes the Near East conquered Egypt, and sometimes Egypt conquered the Near East. Abraham came from the Sumerian civilization of the Ancient Near East founded by Nimrod, and at one point visited Egypt, already well-settled in civilization and the dynasties and government of the Pharaohs. But children encounter the bulk of Near Eastern civilization after Egyptian civilization in the Bible: the empires of the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians; therefore we’ll study Egypt first and the Near East second.
The Pharoahs of Ancient Egypt is your narrative history spine for this section of the history study. At the proper places in the narrative, set it aside for a day or two, or a week or two, and read the following books to your children. (The proper place is indicated in each book’s description.) They elaborate on the events described in the narrative, and provide a much more fuller picture of Egyptian society and history.
Not every additional book listed here is necessary to give children a complete knowledge of Ancient Egyptian history. Using only Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt will do that. Use these additional books as desired, some, all, or none.
 Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Elizabeth Payne
This Landmark book reprint tells the story of the major Egyptian pharaohs in detail, each chapter being a short narrative of a Pharaoh’s life and the times in which he lived. It begins with a fascinating chapter on the rediscovery of Ancient Egypt in the 18th century. Following that are chapters on The Unification of the Two Kingdoms & the Gift of the Nile, the first part of which is speculative, taking the evolutionary view of long ages to civilization; Pharaoh Cheops and the Great Pyramid; the First through Second Intermediate Periods; Queen Hatshepsut; Thutmose the Third; Akhnaton and Tutankhamon; Rameses II; and the decline of Pharaonic Egypt.
Introduce this book following the conclusion of Genesis and before beginning Exodus. Tell your children it is now time to learn more of the people among whom Joseph and his family lived. Following the Tower of Babel dispersion, a family of descendents of Ham, the Mizraim, settled Egypt (Genesis 10:6). We estimate Abram and Sarai sojourned in Egypt following Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu) but prior to the First Intermediate Period (~2000 - 1900 BC). We estimate that Joseph became Vizier of Egypt during the 12th dynasty (Middle Kingdom), ~1670 BC, and that Moses lived during the final 12th dynasty rulers and into the 13th dynasty. We believe that the plague of the first born ended the 13th dynasty, and the 10 plagues of Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea was the reason Egypt was so weakened that the Middle Kingdom came to an end, and ushered in the Second Intermediate Period with the Hyksos invaders as rulers of Egypt. (More information on the chronology of Moses with Egypt can be found in the Searching for Moses article. A timeline with Egyptian chronology harmonized to biblical chronology in the manner suggested by that article can be found in All Through the Ages History Through Literature Guide recommended in the Teacher’s Resources.)
 Pyramid
David Macaulay
David Macaulay describes in detail how the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) might have been built, using the intricate and detailed illustrations he is famous for. Those illustrations allow us to follow the Pyramid’s progress over the course of the twenty years archaeologists estimate it took to build. Along the way we learn about the tools common in Ancient Egypt and how they were probably used, stone-quarrying, slave labor, and many fascinating details of everyday life. This absorbing book is appropriate for children of all ages, as well as adults.
Introduce this book following Chapter Three, “The Good God - Pharaoh Cheops.”
 Mummies Made in Egypt
Aliki
Pyramids were built to house the mummies of the pharaohs. Aliki’s award-winning illustrations decorate this book written for beginning readers to read on their own. And yet, it still manages to contain a great deal of information about the belief system and religious practices of the Egyptians, their gods of life and death, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, how they prepared mummies for burial, and many other interesting topics. A favorite of children, this book has been chosen as a Reading Rainbow selection.
Introduce this book following Pyramid by David Macaulay. You may also introduce the book, Tut’s Mummy: Lost ... and Found following Mummies Made in Egypt to finish this unit studying the burial of the pharaohs begun in Pyramid.
Exodus
Read Exodus outloud to your children from the Holy Bible, using Family References as desired, or from a Bible storybook.
I also recommend parents study the article Searching for Moses by David Down, field archaeologist, originally published in the peer-reviewed TJ journal of science. This article discusses when Moses lived, when the Exodus took place, and what the evidence is for Israelite slavery in Egypt. He places the Ten Plagues and the Exodus following the 13th dynasty (the slaying of the first born actually ends the 13th dynasty at ~1450 BC) and before the Hyksos invasion, a conclusion with which I agree.
For a discussion of the ten plagues of Egypt as judgments on the Egyptian gods (Numbers 33:4), please see the David Guzik Study Guide for Exodus. At the end of each chapter’s notes, choose the “Next Chapter” link at the top of the page to continue the commentary on the ten plagues of Egypt.
Introduce Exodus following Chapter Four, “I Show Thee a Land Topsy-Turvy” in Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, especially following the section on the Middle Kingdom. Explain that Moses lived during the latter part of the Middle Kingdom, and now we will learn how that kingdom came to an end. Continue in Exodus until the end of Chapter 14, which ends with the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, and the deliverance of the Israelites.
 Exodus
Brian Wildsmith
If your 1st grader enjoys a picture book to look at while you read the powerful story of Exodus from the Bible, there is no better one than Brian Wildsmith’s. The paintings are rich, detailed, and stunning, and true to what we know of Egyptian architechtural style and decoration. The text is the most Biblically accurate in a picture book outside of the Bible itself. Long out of print, this book, which is sure to become a family treasure, is newly reprinted.
Introduce this book at the beginning of your study of Exodus. It will bring the events of the story into crystal clear focus for your 1st grader, who can then refer back to the picture book as you progress through the book of Exodus.
 Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt
Leonard Everett Fisher
Thirteen deities are briefly described and illustrated, with Fisher’s paintings which “evoke the graphic boldness of ancient Egyptian art” (Publisher’s Weekly). The simple profiles of Ra, Osiris, Isis, Nut, and others are combined with the historical setting and geographical frame of reference with a map. A family tree and pronunciation guide help budding Egyptologists keep the figures straight.
Introduce this book while reading the account of the Ten Plagues of Egypt in Exodus, as the ten plagues were a judgment on the Egyptian gods and goddesses. Another benefit of this study enables children to see the root of Egyptian paganism as an outgrowth of Babylonian paganism instituted by Nimrod, of which children will be learning in the unit on the Ancient Near East. The Egyptians have similar myths to the Babylonians, because the ancestors of the Egyptians migrated to Egypt from the Tower of Babel, bringing paganism with them.
 Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself
Catherine Andronik & Joseph Fielder
Hatshepsut gained Egypt’s throne when all her male siblings--including the half brother whom she married--died. Originally named regent to her nephew, Tuthmosis III, Hetshepsut gradually assumed more and more power, and eventually had herself crowned pharaoh. Since no word existed for a female ruler, Hatshepsut used the male title. She also wore men’s clothing and a [fake] beard, and referred to herself as “he” as well as “she.” Following her death, Tuthmosis III tried to erase evidence of Hatshepsut’s reign to make it seem as though he had succeeded his father directly. This fascinating picture book biography explains how, despite this vandalism, archaeologists have been able to piece together the story of this unconventional pharaoh’s remarkable and mysterious life.
Introduce this book following Chapter Five, “His Majesty, Herself” in Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
 Growing Up in Ancient Egypt
Rosalie David
Growing Up in Ancient Egypt describes daily life in ancient Egypt from a child’s point of view. In 32 nicely illustrated pages, it discusses life in the city, life in the country, different types of work, pets and toys, meals, families, and many other aspects. Dr. Rosalie David is a respected Egyptian archaeologist in her own right.
Introduce this book following Chapter Six, “The Smiter of the Asiatics” in Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, or at any time during the study when your children ask questions about everyday life in Egypt.
 Casting the Gods Adrift: A Tale of Ancient Egypt
Geraldine McCaughrean
This is a tale of historical fiction set against the backdrop of Akhenaten’s court. Akhenaten was the pharaoh who abolished the worship of Egypt’s many gods, and only worshipped the sun-disk, Aten. An amazing amount of authentic detail is communicated through the suspenseful story, and the many illustrations further help to visualize ancient Egypt. While the independent reading level for this story is 3rd grade and up, 1st graders will enjoy listening to it read aloud as part of their history studies.
Introduce this book following Chapter Seven, “The Criminal of Akhetaton” in Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
 Tut’s Mummy Lost ... and Found
Judy Donnelly
A Step 4 Step Into Reading series book for beginning and early readers. Tut’s Mummy describes the story of King Tut and his sumptious hidden burial in the Valley of the Kings during the New Kingdom, and how his tomb was lost even though other tombs were systematically broken into and robbed over the centuries. It is also the exciting story of Howard Carter, the archaeologist whose long search finally led to the discovery of Tut’s tomb early this century, unopened since the day millennia ago when the priests sealed the entrance after the young king’s burial. Carter showed the world the splendor in which ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried, being the only untouched pharaonic tomb found so far.
Introduce this book following Casting the Gods Adrift. Tut was Akhenaten’s son and successor. An alternative would be to read this book following Mummies Made in Egypt, to tie the whole study of pyramids, mummies, and the burial of pharaohs together. Either alternative will work equally well.
 Science in Ancient Egypt
Geraldine Woods
This nicely illustrated book briefly introduces us to the most influential of Egyptian uses and advances in science and mathematics. Each chapter looks at a single scientific discipline -- science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and technology -- and the ancient Egyptians’ practical uses therein. Science in Ancient Egypt is part of the Science of the Past series of books.
Introduce this book following the conclusion of Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, by looking at the contributions Egyptian civilization has made to mankind’s knowledge of science and technology.
 Cultural Atlas for Young People: Ancient Egypt
Geraldine Harris
The Cultural Atlas series is an excellent introduction to the ancient, classical and medieval worlds. Ancient Egypt begins with an illustrated timeline of events; their dates will need to be harmonized with Biblical dates. (A timeline with Egyptian chronology harmonized to biblical chronology can be found in All Through the Ages History Through Literature Guide recommended in the Teacher’s Resources.) Part One covers the History of the Pharaohs, illustrated with beautiful National Geographic-quality photographs and large, full-page, full color maps. This section gives an overview of the geography of Egypt, the Two Kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt, an overview of the beliefs concerning Pharaoh, the gods of Egypt, heiroglyphs, burial customs, everyday life, then an overview of each of the dynastic periods: pre-dynastic, early dynastic, the old, middle, and new kingdoms and the intermediate periods, Egypt and the Near East, Egyptian warfare, and the decline of pharaonic Egypt under various conquerors. Part Two takes readers on a journey down the Nile, beginning with Nubia and ending at the Delta, visiting the Temple of Abu Simbel, Thebes, Karnak, Giza, and other important landmarks along the way.
Use this book during the entire Ancient Egypt study as a supplement for the helpful full-page maps, beautiful photographs of artifacts, historical sites, and wall art, and when the topics covered are mentioned in Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt or any of the other books used (for example, read the brief two page spread on Egyptian warfare when the Egyptian army begins to close in on the Israelites at the shores of the Red Sea).
 A Coloring Book of Ancient Egypt
Bellerophon Books
Bellerophon Books produces beautiful coloring books for museum gift shops based on the art of the time, rather than a modern artist’s rendering of that period’s life and times. This book contains over 48 coloring pages inspired by the many wall paintings found in pyramids, tombs, and temples in Ancient Egypt. There are a few pictures of various gods and goddesses, then portraits of pharaohs, plant and animal life along the Nile, and many scenes of everyday life in Ancient Egypt. My children colored in this book while I read the history lessons outloud to them.
Using the Online Catalog
 This online catalog is made possible through an association with Barnes&Noble.com. Clicking on the book title or book cover will take you to Barnes&Noble.com’s information page about that book. You can look at its price, availability, any discounts currently taken for that title, reviews of the book, and other information, as well as order it if you decide to purchase the book. You can even place books in your shopping cart and save them for purchase at a later time. You can continue to add or delete books from your shopping cart until you are satisfied with your order and ready to purchase. Clicking on any link to Barnes&Noble.com will open a new window; to return to CCH, click on the “Window” menu on your browser’s menu bar, and choose Classical Christian Homeschooling.
Locating Out of Print Books
Sometimes books go out of print, or the publisher runs out of stock. Any book not available from Barnes&Noble.com for any reason can be searched using AddAll.com, a book shopping site which will scan Barnes&Noble.com as well as Amazon.com, Powell’s Books, Book Close Outs and many other new and used book sites. Be sure to also check BookFinder.com for out of print book searches.
If all else fails, and you cannot find a book you need, check it out from the library, or request it from your library through interlibrary loan. Once you have the book home, take it to a copy store and copy it. You can even have color copies done of key maps or photographs. Copy stores can now do nice bindings on your copy projects. The U.S. Copyright Law contains a fair use provision which allows an educator to make a single copy of out of print (not in print) works if needed for use in teaching (not for profit or publication). Then return the book to the library, and you have your own book to keep, usually for less than it would be from a collector’s book shop.
Still have questions? Ask me!
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