9/29 Focus: 9/29 Focus: Geographic factors played a major role in Egypt being one of the most stable and long lasting civilization in the ancient world Do Now Do Now Make a list of geographic characteristics of Mesopotamia and explain how geography influenced the development of civilizations there. The Ancient Egyptians Geography of Egypt Review Why would people settle in River Valleys? Geographic Location Egypt is located in North Africa The Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River Approx. 5,000 BCE The majority of Egyptians lived along the Nile River The Nile River Facts about the Nile River The longest river in the world Flows northward Annual flooding predictable Silt from the annual floods provided fertile soil for farming The most fertile soil is in the Nile Delta The Gift of the Nile Why? provided water for farming and drinking Predictable flooding kept land fertile Led to the development of settlements Food surpluses allowed for the development of civilization Easy transportation united people along the river The Nile as a Barrier The Southern Nile had a series of waterfalls & rocky stretches with rapids and fast currents Cataracts This made it difficult for enemies to invade down the Nile The Sahara Desert Most of Egypt is desert The desert was a natural barrier that protected and isolated Egypt Led to the development of a unique Egyptian culture Closure What were the 2 primary natural barriers in Egypt What was the impact of these barriers on the development of Egyptian culture