Sources
The Nile River and its Influence on Settlement. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/nile-river-and-its-influence-settlement The River Valley Civilizations. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http://www.rivervalleycivilizations.com/nile.php Stiros, S. (2009, January 1). Misconceptions following Suez Canal Excavation. Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http://mediterranee.revues.org/162 TimeMaps Atlas of World History. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http://www.timemaps.com/ Wenke, R., & Long, J. (1988). Epipaleolithic and neolithic subsistence and settlement in the Fayyum Oasis of Egypt. Boston: Boston University. |
Early Settlement
The barren landscape of Egypt seems an unlikely place for humans to thrive; however human settlement in Egypt is one of the earliest documented areas of civilization. Although historians are unable to pinpoint an exact date, human life in Egypt is believed to have started around 1100 BC. After the Ice Age, Egypt was not a trademarked by dirt and dryness. In fact, during this era, Egypt was a flourishing grassland which allowed for many hunting and gathering opportunities ("Nile River Influence," 2012). However, after thousands of years, the well-watered grassland gave way to the infamous Sahara desert which characterizes Egypt currently. Egyptian people faced a major problem with the change of climate, however, they quickly adapted. Although Egypt’s plentiful sources depleted, early humans found relief in the Nile River. The Nile River allowed for thriving life in an otherwise uninhabitable land ("Timemaps," 2014). The Nile River is the single most key component to life in Egypt. However, while the Nile brought life, it also brought difficulty. The Nile River allowed for successful farming, the key necessity in creation of cities. Between the months of July and November, the river would provide rich soil for the next season ("River Valley Civilizations," 2011). In order for the replenishment of soil, the Nile River experienced annual flooding which, wiped out farmer’s crops ("Nile River Influence," 2012). In addition to annual flooding, the river would drain into the ocean and cause a period of dryness in the riverbed. Without reliable water source, life would be unsustainable in Egypt ("Timemaps," 2014). The Nile River was finally conquered by careful planning, leadership, and intense laboring. As seen in figure 1, the Nile Rivers river beds allowed for prime geographical settlement. The early people of Egypt began to gather water in large pools or tanks, which required construction of canals. By approximately 3500 BC, irrigation and farming had become the key to life in Egypt. The tradition of irrigation spread throughout the Nile River Valley as numerous farming and fishing towns began to appear (Stiros, 2009) The earliest significant canal is demonstrated by the dotted line found in Figure 2. . Increase of towns and irrigation called for an elite to guide workers. The concept of group leaders became prevalent in the riverside settlements. The settlements, known as chiefdoms, came under the influence of social elite who ensured labor goals were accomplished. Leadership increase, and allowed for achievement of larger goals. This early system of leadership would be crucial in the Egyptian society, as it gave society a head start on the concept of social class. An early effect of proper leadership became prevalent as towns were now more efficiently planned and had increased security, such as fortified walls and brick buildings. As the towns grew and advanced, people were attracted to the area more than ever. Recommended Sources
The book Epipaleolithic and Neolithic Subsistence and Settlement in the Fayyum Oasis of Egypt by R. Wenke and J. Long contains useful information on the Eygptian settlement patterns. This nonfiction piece contains reliable sources within it, which are cited at the end of the novel. In addition, book sources tend to be more reliable than internet sources due to the financial investment places in the book, rather than creating a free webpage online with false information. The River Valley Civilizations website provides information about the terrain and the effects it has on the Nile. The website is commercial use, which typically depletes the credibility. However, this particular source contains simple information which would be beneficial in any K-8 setting. |