Geography: Life on the Nile

The Nile Valley

There were several important geographic influences on Egyptian culture and civilization. The most important of these was the Nile River. The wealth of Egypt depended entirely on the water of the Nile, often referred to as the "gift of the Nile." Rainfall in the Nile Valley is negligible, and rainfall in the Nile Delta is only 100-200 mm per year. It was the flooding of the Nile upon which the fortunes of Egypt depended. 

      The waters of the Nile River come from the convergence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. the Blue Nile, fed by the summer monsoons in Ethiopia, lead to the flooding of the Nile. This flooding occurs annually between July and October. The receding waters leave behind a rich alluvial soil, which makes the Nile River Valley a fertile and productive region. 

      Unlike other major rivers such as the Tigris and the Euphrates, which often underwent violent and unpredictable flooding, the Nile was usually a benevolent and predictable ally. The Egyptians were able to plan with some certainty the planting and harvesting of crops. If the water levels were higher than usual, however, serious damage could occur. Conversely, water levels that did not reach their usual heights could lead to drought and famine. The Nile was a force that the Egyptians both revered and feared. 

The Nile Delta and the Faiyum

      Aside from the Nile Valley, two other regions in Egypt were extensively cultivated  and settled. The area in which the Nile empties into the Mediterranean Sea is known as the Nile Delta. The Nile Delta is the largest area of fertile land in Egypt and, consequently, encompassed many of the major centres of ancient Egypt. Lake Moeris, which lies at the end of a branch of the Nile, is at the centre of an oasis known as the Faiyum. Through extensive irrigation, the ancient Egyptians were able to make the Faiyum the third largest area of settlement and agriculture in Egypt. 

Deserts and Egypt's Isolation

      Perhaps the greatest irony of Egypt is that the very lush and fertile Nile Valley is sandwiched between two inhospitable deserts, the Western Desert and the Eastern Desert. The isolation these desolate areas created protected Egypt from invasion, while also insulating Egyptians from outside influences. TI is hardly surprising that the civilization that developed was conservative and remarkable stable for most of its long history.

      The significance of the deserts went beyond their acting as a buffer against outside influences. They were important sources of minerals and building supplies, including copper, gold, tin, alabaster, limestone, amethyst, and matron, the drying agent used in the mummification process. 

The Mediterranean

      Another geographic feature that significantly shaped Egyptian history was the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt's major outlet for trade. The extensive trade routes that were established allowed Egypt to obtain a wide diversity of goods. Trade was also a key factor in the exchange of cultures. Once cannot help but notice the tremendous influence the Egyptians had on the architecture and art of the Greeks, especially the Minoans and Mycenaeans. 

Writing: ECHOES from the Past published by McGraw-Hill Ryderson Ltd.