6 th Grade Social Studies

Geography of Ancient Egypt2 Objectives Introduction The Nile Valley Upper Egypt vs. Lower Egypt Red Land, Black Land Farming in the Nile Valley Citations

Geography of Ancient Egypt3 Describe the geography of the Nile River region. Explain why ancient Egyptians called their land the Black Land. Examine early Egyptian use of plants and animals.

Geography of Ancient Egypt4 Nile River runs through Sahara Desert in northern Africa Nile’s flood was central part of life in Ancient Egypt: –Brought water –Brought soil Nile River made possible the great ancient Egyptian civilization

Geography of Ancient Egypt5 Sahara Desert was a vast savanna with many trees and animals Rich savanna turned into harsh desert Egyptians moved into Nile Valley to survive –Nile is world’s longest river (4,000 miles) –Flows northward into Mediterranean Sea –Main source at Lake Victoria in central Africa

Geography of Ancient Egypt6 Cliffs surround Nile River Limestone and sandstone make up the cliffs River runs through cataracts-series of rapids and waterfalls Made up of Nile Delta Nile Delta fans out in triangle where Nile River meets Mediterranean Sea Silty delta Both Upper EgyptLower Egypt Along Nile River Rich silt

Geography of Ancient Egypt7 Black Land –Heavy rains fell in eastern Africa –Caused river to overflow its banks –Floodwaters drained, leaving silt on the land –Rich silt acted as a natural fertilizer –Deep black color of silt inspired ancient Egyptians to call it Black Land Red Land –Dry and barren lands –Nile River sliced eastern part of the Sahara in two –Today, land on east is known as Eastern, or Arabian, Desert –Land on west is called Western Desert

Geography of Ancient Egypt8 Wealthy landowners controlled almost all farmland in ancient Egypt Egyptian farmers rented from landowners, giving part of crops as rent Farmers gathered crops: –wheat, barley and vegetables Farmers raised animals for food: –Cattle, goats, sheep and pigs

Geography of Ancient Egypt9 Question 1: How would you describe the Nile River?How would you describe the Nile River? Answer: The Nile flows south to north through the Sahara Desert in northern Africa

Geography of Ancient Egypt10 Question 2: Why was the annual flooding of the Nile River important to the Egyptians?Why was the annual flooding of the Nile River important to the Egyptians? Answer: It brought silt, which fertilized the surrounding land.

Geography of Ancient Egypt11 Question 3: What were some of the crops ancient Egyptians depended on?What were some of the crops ancient Egyptians depended on? Answer: wheat, barley and vegetables

Geography of Ancient Egypt12 Harcourt Horizons: Ancient Civilizations. (2003). Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. view/horizons/index3.html