Egypt Map

   Look at this map and notice where the cities in ancient Egypt were located. Ancient Egyptian civilization developed in the delta (The Nile River delta is located at the northern end of the river where the Nile empties into the Mediterranean Sea. A delta is land made by deposits of sand, dirt, and stones left at the mouth of a river) and valley regions of the Nile River (The longest river in the world, the Nile flows 4,187 miles from south to north and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. That's longer than the distance across the U.S. from coast to coast! In addition to providing fertile soil for agriculture along its banks, the Nile served as a major "highway" through Egypt for ships carrying goods from one city to another. The Nile served the ancient Egyptians as an important resource for food and trade) isolated and protected by vast deserts on either side. The Nile River was the "backbone" of Egypt. The annual flooding of the river deposited rich soil allowing farmers to raise crops along the river banks. This fertile strip along the Nile was never more than 12 miles wide. Rich agricultural and mineral resources along with protection provided by the desert allowed a long-lasting civilization to develop in Egypt.

Abu Qir Bay in Alexandria, Egypt

Eastern Harbor and Western Harbor in Alexandria, Egypt