E. Napp

The Rise of Civilization in Egypt

In this lesson, students will examine the rise of civilization in Egypt.

Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms and concepts:

Nile RiverAgricultural Surplus

CivilizationSpecialization

E. Napp

The Nile River is the longest river in theworld. The Nile River is over 4,000 mileslong. The Nile River is located in Egypt.

E. Napp

Egypt is a

country in

Africa.

E. Napp

Facts About the Nile River

• The Nile River is the longest river in the world.

• The Nile gets its name from the Greek word “Neilos”, which means valley.

• The Nile flows northward.

• The Nile flooded annually.

• Flooding from the Nile provided fertile soil for farming.

E. Napp

It is important to remember that mostof Egypt is desert. The Nile River madecivilization in Egypt possible.

E. Napp

E. Napp

“The Gift of the Nile”

• Historians call Egyptian civilization the “Gift of the Nile.”

Why?The Nile provided water for farming.

Farming led to permanent settlements.Permanent settlements led to civilization.

Let’s examine these events more closely.

E. Napp

When people farm successfully, they growmore food than they need. This extra food is called agricultural surplus. With surplus, some people do not need to farm.They can perform different jobs.

E. Napp

Specialization occurs when people in asociety perform different jobs. Surplusmakes specialization possible.

E. Napp

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Agriculture

• Agricultural Surplus

• Division of Labor or Specialization

• Advanced Technical Skills

• A form of government

• Cities

• A Calendar

E. Napp

The Nile River made civilization in Egyptpossible. It allowed Egyptians to farmand develop a civilization.

E. Napp

Can you find the country where the Nileriver is located in this map of Africa?

E. Napp

The Nile River flooded and provided afertile layer of soil. This layer ofsoil is called silt.

E. Napp

Questions for Reflection:

• Where is the Nile River located?

• Provide two facts about the Nile River?

• Why do historians call Egyptian civilization the “Gift of the Nile”?

• Define agricultural surplus.

• Define specialization.

• List three characteristics of civilization.