EgyptianEgyptian Civilization The Gift of The Nile and the impact of geography

The Nile River At 4,000 miles the Nile River is the longest river in the world At 4,000 miles the Nile River is the longest river in the world It begins in the heart of Africa and flows north to the Mediterranean Sea It begins in the heart of Africa and flows north to the Mediterranean Sea The Nile divides Egypt in Upper and Lower Egypt The Nile divides Egypt in Upper and Lower Egypt Upper Egypt is southern Egypt because it is at a higher elevation Upper Egypt is southern Egypt because it is at a higher elevation Lower Egypt is northern Egypt because it is at a lower elevation Lower Egypt is northern Egypt because it is at a lower elevation

The Nile splits into tributaries (like branches of a tree), or smaller rivers and streams The tributaries form a triangular shape where the Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea The triangular shape of tributaries with surrounding rich fertile soil created by flooding is called a delta

Flooding and Farming The Nile overflows seasonally When it does, rich fertile soil in the form of silt is left behind silt The Nile Delta is extremely rich due to its many tributaries Areas along the Nile and in the delta region are perfect for farming

Farming proves to be prosperous Farming proves to be prosperous Farmers do not use all of their crops and have a surplus or extra crops Farmers do not use all of their crops and have a surplus or extra crops The surplus allows for job specialization The surplus allows for job specialization People are doing jobs they are good at People are doing jobs they are good at Growth of the Egyptian Civilization Growth of the Egyptian Civilization

Transportation Egyptians used the Nile to transport goods, troops and communications The Nile united Upper and Lower Egypt When going down the river toward the Mediterranean sails and the current were used When going up the Nile they used paddles and sails

Protected by geography Egypt’s geography protected them from their enemies Egypt’s geography protected them from their enemies The deserts to the east and west prevented armies from crossing The deserts to the east and west prevented armies from crossing Enemies would die of dehydration before they reached Egypt Enemies would die of dehydration before they reached Egypt The Red and Mediterranean Seas offered protection from an easy invasion The Red and Mediterranean Seas offered protection from an easy invasion

Cataracts or white water rapids also protected Egypt The harsh violent water prevented invading armies from sailing north into Egypt

The Importance of Religion Religion gave Egyptians a sense of security Something to rely on and explain daily happenings A polytheistic religion with gods for every part of life Gods were practical

Two Groups of Gods and their chief gods 1.Sun Gods – Atum * human form & Re in God form 2.Land Gods – Osiris the god of resurrection To be continued when we discuss death