4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­6:46 PM

Geography of Ancient Egypt

Sep 20­9:13 PM

Today's Goals:

*Describe how floods enriched and fertilized Egypt's land

*Explain how Egyptians interacted with the Nile to develop rich agriculture

4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­6:57 PM

Through which part of Africa does the Nile River flow?Trace the Nile River .

Sep 20­7:42 PM

What is in the picture at left? Hint: the answer begins with an "s"!

*SILT: mixture of tiny bits of soil and rock

The typical rainy season in Egypt is *usually* between May and September. If the river swells during this time, what might happen to the silt ?

*the river will carry the silt as it goes!

Why do you think silt was so important to Egyptian farmers?

*Whenever the Nile river flooded, it would deposit silt on its banks. This made the land very fertile, as the silt contained the nutrients necessary for the farmers' crops to grow.

4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­7:56 PM

Look at the map. Which direction do you think the mighty Nile River flows?

Why do you think so?

*North; the Nile empties into the Mediterranean Sea

Look at this satellite image. What do you notice about where the river dumps in the Mediterranean Sea?

What about along the river itself?

What is this shape?

What Greek letter does it also look like?

*DELTA

Sep 20­8:51 PM

What do you notice about the Nile Delta ?

What do you think the soil is like in the delta? Why is this important?

If the Nile Delta is in the most northern part of Egypt, why do you think this region was called " Lower Egypt ?"

How do you think the landscape might be very different in Upper Egypt than Lower Egypt?

NILE DELTA

4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­8:57 PM

Why do you think people welcomed the Nile flooding each year (during the rainy season between May and September)?

What could happen if the river overflowed too much ?

What could happen if the river didn't overflow enough ?

How can you conclude that life was a delicate balance near the Nile River valley?

Sep 20­9:04 PM

What could farmers do when land started to become dry in October?

What is irrigation ?

*watering of land by means of canals or pipes

Why might having an irrigation system in place be vital for Egpytian farmers?

When might farmers harvest crops? Why not during the rainy season?

*they would start in March and end in June; farmers could not work in fields during flood season

har·vestˈhärvistnoun1. the process or period of gathering in crops.

4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­9:12 PM

Why might the flood season be one of the busiest times for travel?

Why would travel between Upper and Lower Egypt be so important?

Sep 20­9:09 PM

Partners:

1. Describe the irrigation methods used by ancient Egyptians.

2. How did the Nile's yearly floods help ancient Egyptian farmers?

3. Name three ways the people of ancient Egypt used the Nile River.

4. As an ancient farmer, describe whether Upper or Lower Egypt is a better place for farming.

5. Look at the map on page 71. Describe three different types of physical regions that the Nile flows through.

4.1 Geography of Ancient Egypt.notebook

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September 20, 2014

Sep 20­9:21 PM