Ancient Egyptian magic

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ancient-egyptian-magic

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Where is Ancient Egyptian magic?Northeastern Africa, primarily the Nile River valley and delta
2. What is the capital of Ancient Egyptian magic?Multiple capitals throughout history, including Memphis, Amarna, and Thebes
3. What language do people speak in Ancient Egyptian magic?Ancient Egyptian (Old, Middle, Late Egyptian, Demotic), with Coptic emerging later
4. What is heka in ancient Egypt?Heka was a divine power that lived in the gods and could be used by people. It helped keep the world balanced and was a key part of Egyptian beliefs.
5. Why did Egyptians use magic for healing and protection?Magic was used to heal sick people, protect them from bad spirits, and ask the gods for help. It was a way to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Heka: The ancient Egyptian concept and practice of magic, understood as a divine power inherent in the cosmos.
Ma'at: The ancient Egyptian principle of truth, balance, order, harmony, and justice, maintained by heka.
Duat: The ancient Egyptian underworld, a realm of trials and transformations for the deceased.
Book of the Dead: A collection of spells and incantations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife.