15
Feb
While agriculture is important throughout the world, for the people of Egypt it has always been a matter of working closely with the seasons and understanding their change. Throughout history, Egypt has celebrated the relationship between the land they farm and the Nile.The Nile is the longest river in the world, a majestic body of water that flows with the very life of Egypt in its currents. The shape of the Nile is that of a Lotus flower, the ancient Egyptian symbol for regeneration of life. Rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, and the Nile has always been the source of water for crops and animals.
The land of ancient Egypt was divided into sections with varying proximity to the Nile. The lower land on either side of the Nile is known as the floodplain. This is the most fertile land in Egypt and most of the crops were grown here. Farming in ancient times occurred on the highest ground in this zone. The land was rich and fertile, dark black in color.
A little higher, above the floodplains was the low desert. The Nile did not water this area of land. Egyptians used this portion of land to hunt and bury their dead. It was scant with any kind of vegetation, which made it perfect for such activities.