Ancient Egypt for Kids
Gifts of the Nile

The Nile is the longest river in the world. The Nile River ran down the middle of ancient Egypt.

The Nile is shaped like a lotus flower, the design seen in ancient Egyptian art, math, and hieroglyphics. It runs south to north, beginning in the mountains in the south and ending 4,000 miles later at the Mediterranean Sea.

Each spring, snow on the mountains would melt. The Nile River would flood. When the waters receded, they left behind fertile soil. Crops could easily be grown in this black, rich soil. The ancient Egyptians called this soil the "The Gift of the Nile".

The Nile provided other gifts to the ancient Egyptians. Papyrus, used for everything, grew wildly along its banks. It provided water for cooking and bathing. Fish and waterfowl were plentiful. Wild vegetables could be found, along with bird eggs. Egypt is located in the middle of a desert. But life along the Nile was splendid.

The Gift of the Nile (video)

Geography - The Nile

Farming in Ancient Egypt

Shadoofs & Nilometers

Facts about the Nile River

Interactive Quiz about Ancient Egypt (with answers)