Egyptian GeographyOn this date in history…in

1957, West Side Story premieres on Broadway. In 1960, the 1st televised presidential debate aired (Nixon & Kennedy). And, in 1969, the Brady Bunch premiered on television.

9/26/11

LocationNorthern AfricaCulturally considered part of the Middle East

Modern-day EgyptNile River

Delta first, then spread south

EnvironmentDeserts on either side

Difficult to expand east – westDifficult to invade

Yearly floodingPredictable (that’s good)

Red land vs. Black landDesert land vs. fertile land

CataractsRapids that impede travel along Nile

Good climate for agricultureDelta

Nature’s irrigationNo need for major public works projects early on

EnvironmentNatural Resources:

PapyrusAnimals & birdsStoneCopper

More self-sufficient than Mesopotamia Trade on their terms

SolutionsTrade with Mesopotamia

Cultural diffusiontechnology

Nilo-metersMeasured river’s height

Dynasties linked to flood of riverDynastic cycle

More positive outlook than MesopotamiaWhy?