How Did Geography Affect Ancient Egypt

Cairo is Egypt’s capital and the largest city in Africa. Located around the delta of the Nile River, Cairo is a populated area with a rich culture. From the desert where the Great Pyramid of Giza is located to the banks of the Nile, the location and geography have greatly affected Cairo. Cairo’s geography have influenced its population, culture, and lifestyle to being developed around the Nile.Although Cairo is near the delta of the Nile, outside of the city is Sahara Desert. As the Sahara covers most of Egypt’s land, there is a very small amount of people living in these areas. Since the desert has a very dry climate with little water, much of Egypt’s population lives in areas around the Nile, and 25% of the population lives in Cairo. Since the Nile is the main

source of water for Cairo, the population is focused around it.
The Nile River has affected how the people of Cairo live since Ancient Egypt. Without it, Ancient Egypt might have not existed as most of Egypt is a desert with very little water. Since the land around the Nile is fertile due to the annual flooding, many farms are in this area, giving many people jobs. On these farms, cotton is grown and woven into clothing that is often worn in the hot climate. The warm climate also allows Egyptians to be doing outdoor activities such as playing soccer all year long. Much of the food that is eaten is also based on what can be grown on the farms. Products such as wheat for bread is a basic and easy to grow crop. Fava beans are also crops that are incorporated into the common dishes in Cairo. Tourism also affects Egyptian lifestyle by giving many people jobs as tourists. These tourists spend time showing foreigners famous places such as the Nile and Pyramids of Giza.
Cairo has many cultural aspects that are affected by the geography.

Since the Nile is such an important river to Egyptians, it is used in blessings. Ancient Egyptians believed that if you are kind, you will go to a good afterlife. While the religion in modern day Cairo has changed, many still are kind. The symbolism of the Nile is very important to Egyptians, as the Nile provides for their water, farms, and parts of religion. The geography also affects the colors for art that were used in Ancient Egypt, as certain minerals had certain colors, those colors were used in the majority of the art, and those same colors influence modern art. Along the Nile was where papyrus grew and was used as paper in ancient times, but even today, artists will use papyrus to write or draw on. Ancient Egypt also made music for their many gods and goddesses, and some of this music still used in modern parties and festivals in Cairo. Religion in Ancient Egypt was impacted by the importance of the Nile, as some of the gods and goddesses were based on the Nile. Traditional food is an important part of the culture. These foods are made based on what can be grown on the Nile and are often eaten on holidays and special

occasions.
With the Nile River being an important part in Cairo’s geography, the people, their lifestyles, and their culture is impacted largely by the Nile. A quarter of Egypt’s entire population lives in Cairo, next to the river. Their jobs, activities, and food are available because of the Nile and many parts of their culture originate from how the Nile affected Ancient Egypt. Without it, Cairo might not have the unique culture that it has today.