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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
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The Nile River is the longest river in theworld. The Nile River is over 4,000 mileslong. The Nile River is located in Egypt.
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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.
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It is important to remember that mostof Egypt is desert. The Nile River madecivilization in Egypt possible.
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“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.
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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.
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Specialization occurs when people in asociety perform different jobs. Surplusmakes specialization possible.
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Characteristics of a Civilization
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Surplus
• Division of Labor or Specialization
• Advanced Technical Skills
• A form of government
• Cities
• A Calendar
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The Nile River made civilization in Egyptpossible. It allowed Egyptians to farmand develop a civilization.
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The Nile River flooded and provided afertile layer of soil. This layer ofsoil is called silt.