Settlement in Egypt

Egypt was called “The Gift of the Nile” Why? Because the river was so important to the people of Egypt. The Nile is the longest river in the world!

The Nile flows northward into the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, Upper Egypt is to the south and Lower Egypt is to the north. The delta region is in Lower Egypt. Delta: a broad, marshy, triangular area of land formed by deposits of silt at the mouth of the river.

Egypt’s Natural Barriers Sahara Desert to the west Mediterranean Sea to the north Desert and Red Sea to the east Cataracts (swift rapids or waterfalls) to the south

Cataracts of the Nile

View: “Egypt and the Nile River” video How did the Nile River supported permanent settlement in Egypt?

Every summer, rains and melting snow from east-central Africa bring flooding to the Nile river. It differs from the rivers in Mesopotamia because the flooding of the Nile is predictable. Fertile black silt is left behind Yearly cycle of flood, plant, harvest

View “Ancient Egyptians” video How did Egyptians cooperate with the Nile to make it work for them?

Egyptians developed irrigation systems Series of canals to carry water to fields Surplus of food Grew wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables and raised cattle and sheep

Activity: Watch Khan Academy review video of Ancient Egypt (start at 1:43 and end at 4:30). Compare and contrast Egypt to Mesopotamia. How were they similar? How were they different?

Present-day Nile delta satellite images