The Nile River Aim: How did ancient Egyptians depend upon the Nile River? Do Now: What is silt?

Geography of Ancient Egypt Aim: How did the geography of Egypt impact the way Egyptians would live? Do Now: Take out Egyptian Agriculture worksheet

The Gift of the Nile Nile River – river valley that runs south to north in Northeast Africa Yearly flood from July through October Egyptian civilization owes its life to the Nile – Provides water and food in the desert

A Mighty River The world’s longest river – 4,000 miles Flows from mountains in East Africa to the Mediterranean Sea

A Mighty River Nile swells and rushes northward carrying silt – mixture of tiny bits of soil and rock Silt is deposited where river empties into Mediterranean Delta – very fertile, flat land made of silt left behind as river drains into large body of water

Lower and Upper Egypt Lower Egypt – to the north where the delta of the river is located Upper Egypt – to the south where the Nile cuts through cliffs and desert

A Land of Drought and Flood Farmers welcome the flood and the mud Silt-filled mud was rich in minerals needed by plants Too little flood – people went hungry Too much flood – people and homes swept away Needed a balance

System of Agriculture Planted wheat, barley, vegetables, Irrigation – the practice of bringing water to crops – Canals – man made waterways

Paragraph Explain the Nile River – Include: Why rivers are so important Key terms Lower and Upper Egypt

Nile River Travel During flood period could not farm Used the time to visit neighboring villages Nile was the main way that people and goods moved place to place

Why It Matters Nile River provided fertile soil, water, and transportation Egyptians would use the Nile to build the largest civilization in the world