Ancient Egypt

Which people made up Egypt?

People from Africa, Palestine and Syria began to settle along the Nile river in Egypt about 5000 years ago.

What was the “black land”?

The 'black land' was the fertile land on the banks of the Nile. The ancient Egyptians used this land for growing their crops. This was the only land in ancient Egypt that could be farmed because a layer of rich, black silt was deposited there every year after the Nile flooded.

What was the “red land”?

The 'red land' was the barren desert that protected Egypt on two sides. These deserts separated ancient Egypt from neighbouring countries and invading armies. They also provided the ancient Egyptians with a source for precious metals and semi-precious stones

Where is Egypt located

The North-Eastern corner of Egypt

What is an oasis? How was it used?

An oasis is an area of land in the middle of a desert with a natural water source. Some of the oases in ancient Egypt were large enough so that people could settle there and grow fruit and grain. One oasis was actually the site of a vineyard which produced wine for the pharaoh.

Why was Limestone, sandstone and granite important in Egypt?

The ancient Egyptians quarried many different types of stone. Limestone, sandstone and granite were some of the most common stones used in making statues and building temples and pyramids.

What was the significance of having gold and semi precious stones?

The mines of the eastern desert produced important natural resources like gold and semi-precious stones. The ancient Egyptians used these materials to make jewellery and special objects for the pharaoh and his family, members of the nobility, and temples.

Upper and lower Egypt

The Nile River flows from the mountains in central Africa through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. Ancient Egypt was divided into two regions, Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt.

This looks a bit confusing on a map because Upper Egypt is to the south and Lower Egypt is to the north. This is because the names come from the flow of the Nile River.