Flood In Ancient Egypt

As in any river valley, Egypt’s geographical surroundings and environment provided benefits and difficulties. One feature that greatly affected Egypt was the Nile River. This river flooded at a specific time annually, giving the Egyptians time to prepare. On the other hand, when the floodwater rose a few feet higher than normal, it destroyed homes and farms. If it was lower than usual, the fertile soil and water regularly deposited would be minimized causing a great decrease in crops which lead to starvation. But, when the level of floodwater was ordinary, the fertile soil allowed them to grow successful farms. The Nile Delta, an area of marshy land by the mouth of the river also received a deposit of silt or fertile black mud. Furthermore,

Among the most important gods were the pharaohs, the sun god Re, Osiris god of the dead, and Isis, the ideal mother and wife. Towns and villages would each focus on a god or goddess of their choice to worship. Moreover, the afterlife was believed to be something of significance. After death, pharaohs and nobles would be mummified and placed in pyramids while other Egyptians would be laid to rest in smaller tombs. Both were filled with things that were thought to assist with the journey to the underworld such as clothing, food, cosmetics, jewelry, and a scroll filled with hymns and spells called the Book of the Dead. The Egyptian religion features many more rituals, rites, ceremonies, and construction of temples. Furthermore, in their society there was a social hierarchy with a rigid class system. On the top were royalty, second came wealthy landowners, government officials, priests, and army commanders, followed by merchants and artisans, then finally in the bottom level were the peasants. Slaves obtained by war or debt were also part of the lowest class. Although the society was rigid, it was possible to raise your social statues through marriage or success in your job. Even slaves could earn freedom by remaining loyal. Those who were literate were also able to find better jobs and advance in society. Family life was imperative to the Egyptians. Most were polygamous but had a chief wife who was seen as above the others. Although divorce was allowed in their culture it was rarely practiced due to their commitment to their families. Children were also special. They were thought to be a blessing from the gods. Additionally, men and women were relatively equal. Women were able to conduct business, marry, and divorce among other abilities. Regardless of these rights, women still held the role of caretaker and housekeeper while the men supported the family. Egyptian households were mainly