Geography of Ancient Egypt

Geography of Ancient EgyptHumanities IMr. Davey

Geography of Egypt Nile river is 4,000 miles long (drive to

L.A. and back). On each side of river is roughly 13,000

miles of land for growing crops(size of Switzerland).

Great soil gave Egypt the title “Bread Basket” of the ancient world.

If yearly flood was not just right, kingdom was in chaos.

What exactly did they grow? * Wheat * Barley * Flax * Vegetables (especially garlic, onions,

corn, leeks, radishes, cabbage, Egyptian lettuce, cucumbers, asparagus, peas, and various spices)

*fruits (especially dates, figs, grapes, pomegranates, and melons)

Other Geographic Factors Desert Protection Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea

Protection and Source of Food Cataracts (waterfalls) Only way in by land was Isthmus of Suez Plentiful Copper and Gold Clay jars and pots from the river mud Papyrus for: canoes, rafts, baskets, sandals,

paper

Location Egypt was located at an ancient world

crossroads for trade. Move up and down the Nile with the

current north and winds pushed you south.

Peoples immigrated for the mild climate and good soil.

Two concentrations of peoples in Upper (Thebes) and Lower (Memphis)

Nomes (Sepat) Nomes: an area of land run by a nobleman This is how Egypt was organized before it was united. Each Nome began as an independent area Over time, nomes competed and were eventually

united together. 20 nomes in the lower 22 nomes in the upper Between 3200 and 2800 bce Menes unites these

nomes by conquering the lower part. Symbol of unity is the “double crown”