Monday, January 5, 2009

Ride that Nile

The Nile River provided transportation for the Egyptians so that they could trade with other kingdom's. The calm waters of the Nile were ideal for downstream boating. During the flood season boating was faster, but during the dry season it took longer. When boating Egyptians had to look out for hippo's who could easily tip boats over and crocadiles. Wildlife on the Nile was small other than hippos and crocadiles other wildlife is small fish and birds. This transportation system was a key element in the development of the Egyptian civilization.

Back in the day


Back in the day the Nile was very important yet things haven't changed because egypt still depends on it. People have lived in the Nile River Valley for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians built small settlements along the Nile which depended on the water for survival. The more the civilization grew the more it depended on the Nile. They used the Nile for water, fertile soil, and transportation. The water attracted animal which helped Egyptians get food. Some of the Egyptians religous practices were based on the Nile.

What is the Nile

















The Nile is the longest river in the world (4160 mi. long) in other words the length on the United States. It rises near the Equator and flows to the Mediterranean Sea. If the Nile didn't exist there would be no reason to go visit Egypt, I mean who wants to see a barren desert land. Two rivers join to make the Nile, the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Though i would appreciate the Blue Nile more because 70% of the Nile's water comes from the Blue Nile.

Here comes the Flood!



The Nile is very important to Egypt. The Nile and the Nile delta make up a total of close to 3% of Egypt's area. Within this area is all farm land. The annual flood is very important to the Egypt's not just for water and good farm land but for survival. If the flood did not come there would be a breakout of famine. That's why the Nile is so important.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Crocky Mate!


Though this animal would be far down on your list of friends the egyptians saw them in another way. Crocadiles were seen as a symbol of the god Sobek. Although this was an attempt to please and get the crocadiles on their side and save their skin! : )
Another animal in ancient egypt is the Hippo but they got the bad side of the deal. Hippos were seen as a evil omen and were associated with the evil god Seth. Also hippos could easily overturn papyrus boats. Because of all this they were often hunted. : (
( other animals of the nile include hyenas, jackels, and other birds)