Amazing Ancient Egypt Facts! Quiz

Explanation
Memphis was the capital of Egypt when the pyramids of Giza were built. The pyramids were constructed during the Old Kingdom period, and Memphis served as the political and administrative center of Egypt at that time. It was located near the Nile River and was a significant city in ancient Egypt. Thebes and Nekhen were also important cities in ancient Egypt, but they were not the capital when the pyramids were being built.

Explanation
Upper Egypt is further north compared to Lower Egypt. The Nile River flows from south to north, and Upper Egypt is located in the southern part of the country, while Lower Egypt is in the northern part. Therefore, Upper Egypt is geographically positioned at a higher latitude than Lower Egypt, making it further north. The Nile cataracts, on the other hand, are located in the southern part of Egypt, even further south than Upper Egypt.

Explanation
The correct answer is Khufu. The Great Pyramid at Giza was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, who was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. It is the largest pyramid in Egypt and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Khufu's reign is known for its monumental construction projects, with the Great Pyramid being the most famous and significant of them all.

Explanation
The pyramids of Giza are considered the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. These pyramids were built around 2580-2560 BC and are the only wonder that still exists today. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia were built later, making the pyramids the oldest among the three options provided.

Explanation
The sphinx is most closely associated with the ancient Egyptian god Horus. In Egyptian mythology, the sphinx is often depicted with the head of a human and the body of a lion, symbolizing the strength and power of the lion and the wisdom and intelligence of humans. Horus, the falcon-headed god, was considered the god of the sky, war, and protection. He was also seen as the protector of the pharaoh and the embodiment of divine kingship. The association between the sphinx and Horus likely stems from their shared symbolism of power and protection in ancient Egyptian culture.

Explanation
In Egyptian mythology, the goddess Bastet was often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness. However, over time, her representation shifted to that of a domestic cat. Cats were highly revered in ancient Egypt and were associated with protection and fertility. Bastet, as the daughter of Ra, the sun god, was believed to embody these qualities. Hence, the correct answer is a cat.

Explanation
Wooden wedges were one of the tools used to cut the blocks of stone for the pyramids. These wedges were inserted into natural cracks in the stone and then soaked with water. As the wedges expanded due to the absorption of water, they caused the stone to split along the desired lines. This technique allowed the ancient Egyptians to shape and cut the stone with precision, making it easier to construct the pyramids.

Explanation
In ancient Egypt, the western side of the Nile River was associated with death and the afterlife. This belief stemmed from the fact that the sun set in the west, symbolizing the end of life. The Egyptians believed that the souls of the deceased would travel to the west, where they would embark on their journey to the afterlife. They constructed elaborate burial sites, such as the Valley of the Kings, on the west bank of the Nile. Additionally, the setting sun was connected to the god of the underworld, Osiris, further solidifying the association between the west and the afterlife.

Explanation
The embalmers wrapped the mummies in strips of linen. Linen was commonly used in ancient Egypt for its durability and ability to preserve the body. It provided a protective layer and helped to maintain the shape of the mummy. Cotton and wool were not typically used for mummification as they were less suitable for preserving the body in the dry desert climate.

Explanation
Canopic jars were used in ancient Egyptian burial practices to hold the internal organs of the deceased. The organs, including the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines, were removed during the embalming process and placed in separate jars. Each jar was associated with a specific organ and had a lid shaped like one of the four sons of the god Horus. These jars were then placed in the tomb alongside the mummy to ensure the deceased's organs were preserved for the afterlife.