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## The Birth of Egyptian Civilization The birth of the Egyptian Civilization can be dated back to around 3200 BCE when Pharaoh Menes, also known as Narmer, unified the two traditionally existing kingdoms of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The powerful civilization that ensued lasted till the death of...

## The Birth of Egyptian Civilization The birth of the Egyptian Civilization can be dated back to around 3200 BCE when Pharaoh Menes, also known as Narmer, unified the two traditionally existing kingdoms of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The powerful civilization that ensued lasted till the death of Queen Cleopatra, its last ruler, in 30 BCE. ### Phases of Egyptian Civilization These phases were characterized by peace and stability. Periods of conflicts and rivalries, known as intermediate periods, separated these phases. The New Kingdom is known as the age of empire during these years, the pharaohs created a large empire. ## Gift of the Nile The Nile was the lifeline of ancient Egypt. The longest river in the world, the Nile originates from Lake Victoria in Central Africa and joins the Mediterranean Sea after completing a journey of 6,500 kilometers. The word Nile was derived from the word Nelios which means "river valley" in ancient Egyptian language; the Nile was described as Iters which means "the great river." The Nile used to flood its banks annually and deposit alluvial black silt over a vast area, which made the land around it extremely fertile. Cattle rearing also became easy. The Nile served as a constant source of drinking water and facilitated transportation of goods. The proximity to the river ensured a steady supply of fish and *papyrus*, a plant that grows in water. Ancient Egyptians used the stem of this plant to produce a paperlike material for writing and drawing on. Greek Historian Herodotus described Egypt as "the gift of the Nile".