Chapter 7 Geography and Early Settlement of Egypt, Kush, and Canaan

Ancient Egypt and the Middle East

Ancient Egypt and the Middle East

How did geography affect early settlement in Egypt, Kush, and Canaan?

Environmental Factors and Early Human Settlement The most important environmental factor in early human settlement was water—to drink, bathe, wash, irrigate crops, as a source of food (fish), and as a transportation highway. Topography is the shape and elevation of surface features, such as mountains or deserts, of a place or region. Vegetation is the plants of a place or a region.

Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Egypt and Kush Nile River was the life source of ancient Egypt and Kush. Mediterranean Sea is a body of water north of Africa. Hot and dry Libyan and Nubian deserts formed a natural barrier that helped protect people living in the Nile River valley.

Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Egypt and Kush The Nile River provided natural irrigation and fertilization. Every summer, the river overflowed its banks and left a layer of silt, very fine particles, which was perfect for farming. People were more likely to find fish to catch and animals to hunt. The topography was good for farming. There were wide, flat areas of land around the deep bends in the river. Nile River valley had useful plants such as papyrus, tough reed used to make baskets, roofs of huts, rope and paper. The rich farmland was good for growing wheat and barley.

Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Canaan In Canaan, the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee were important sources of fresh water. Much of the land, however, was too hot, dry (Syrian and Negev deserts) or hilly (Lebanon Mountains) for farming.

Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Canaan As a result, many Canaanites, including the ancient Israelites (Hebrews), were herders rather than farmers. Herders were nomads who moved from place to place to find grasslands where their animals could graze.

Summary