Egypt is the Nile, and the Nile is Egypt. The river starts down south, fed by the runoff of the Ethiopian highlands, and heavy summer rains in the east African Lake District. These two headwaters are responsible for the formation of the White & Blue Nile Rivers, which join at Khartoum, Sudan. After that the Nile enters Egypt through the Nubian and Nasser lakes. The distance between these two lakes and the mouth of the Nile into the Mediterranean was of 938 miles. The Nile River was the backbone of Ancient Egypt and it is held responsible for the flourish of civilization 5,000 years ago.
The first and most important gift the Nile gave to Ancient Egypt was its annual flooding. The Early Egyptians were never able to figure out that the flooding is due to the rains on the mountains to the south. The heavy rains would produce a run-off and create the Nile River. Ancient Egyptians were able to figure out the exact time when the flooding would happen. Akhet (Inundation), Peret (Growth) and Shemu (Harvest) were the three seasons the Egyptians used for their year. The flood also brought silt, which helped
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They used it to transport goods, materials, or carry people between cities. All major cities of Ancient Egypt were located along the banks of the Nile. Ancient Egyptians became masters at building boats and navigating the Nile from early on. Memphis, Thebes, Giza and all other important cities were located along the banks of the Nile. The Nile’s current went south to north and strong prevailing winds from the Mediterranean made it possible to travel upstream. Ancient Egyptians were able to make sailboats; As a result they were able to make trips north to south of the Nile. Building materials were also transported through the Nile. Materials that were needed in Giza could be brought from Thebes on a boat. The Nile facilitated the movement of people goods, materials and any other things throughout the Egyptian