Egypt in the Nile River Valley

Egypt in The Nile River Valley

The early Egyptians discovered that the Nile river flooded six months out of the year. They found that the floods deposited rich silt after receding which was perfect for farming. Realizing this advantage, they began digging canals leading to their fields. This provided them with a water supply that lasted all year long thus keeping their earth rich with nutrients. Because their crops fared so well the early Egyptians stayed along the Nile and built their homes. Because they were surrounded by the desert, they did not have to fear an enemy attack, therefore, they were able to create more permanent structures and in-turn, flourish into a civilization. During the development of this civilization the people also began to develop a religion, that called for the Egyptian people to worship their Pharaoh as a God. Because the Egyptians considered Pharaohs as Gods, the Pharaohs were feared and respected, giving them complete authority without opposition. However, their downfall ultimately lay in this worship of the Pharaohs. Having so much power made their position very coveted, causing conflict from within and making them vulnerable to attack.

Sometime during 5000 B.C.E the inhabitants of the Nile were introduced to farming. Because the banks of the Nile river flooded every year, the farmers dug canals leading to their crops for water year round. The Nile also brought rich silt from volcanic regions to the north. This enabled them to to plant crops such as barley and wheat. They also cultivated flax, which could be woven into linen, which was then made into clothes or used for writing on. Cattle was also raised and provided the proteins the crops lacked. This cultivation allowed the Egyptians to build huts and share food, allowing them to settle down and group together as a community. Their abundance of food allowed for a boom in the population, making the small villages into cities. Because the Nile river is surrounded by the desert, the Egyptians did not have to fear attack from foreign cities.This was their first big step in becoming a civilization.

In 3100 B.C.E., a man named Menes took control of upper Egypt and conquered lower Egypt, establishing the first dynasty. The unity of the two halves of Egypt brought a collection of knowledge. The invention of hieroglyphics allowed this knowledge to be communicated in a more efficient way. The invention of hieroglyphs also allowed for a system of communication for the building of the first pyramid 400 years later in 2700 B.C.E for the Pharaoh Djoser. The creation of the pyramids gave new meaning to the worship of the Pharaohs. They now had enormous monuments built for their own pleasure in the afterlife. In 2600 B.C.E., the pyramids of Giza were built. Much improved from those built before, these pyramids were smooth