What Sustained The Ancient Egyptian Civilisation?
The Ancient Egyptian civilisation has fascinated people over hundreds of years. By excavating remnants of this mystifying period in history, archaeologists are trying to piece together the secrets of what sustained these civilisations for thousands for years.
On the rich banks of the Nile, is where the start of this civilisation is first thought to have developed. Meandering through the arid climate, the River Nile brings life and relief from the surrounding harsh environment. Water and food was never far off anyone’s mind. As dying from dehydration or starvation during a particularly dry spell was always a possibility. Especially for those who did not have a dependable water source.
1. Ancient Egyptian Agriculture
During the Pre-Dynastic age of the Egypt 8000 BC, the foundations were laid by farming communities. There is evidence of people having a surplus of food, due to their farming practises.
Ancient Egyptians understood the importance of crop rotation. As certain crops such as wheat, barley and flax deplete the soil of its nutrients. And by planting legumes like lentils and beans, replenishes the soil.
The soil was ploughed and toiled by oxen and crops were planted in rows. After harvesting, surplus crops were stored near granaries along the Nile. Granaries of all shapes and sizes have been found surrounding the river banks.
Ancient Egyptians Crops :
- Flax, Barley & wheat.
- Vegetables : Aubergine, Squash, Pumpkin, Courgette, Okra, Artichoke, Asparagus, Lettuce, Cucumber, Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Radish.
- Legumes : Beans, Lentils, & Chickpeas.
- Fruits: Dates, Melons, Figs, Pomegranate, Grapes, Pistachio, Tamarind, Jujube, St John’s bread.
2. Water Management
Ancient Egyptian agriculture relied on the annual flooding of the Nile & referred to the black mud left behind as Kemet. After the flooding, the soil reaches its maximum water retention ( field capacity) which is important if you want well watered crops that do not wilt. This type of soil left behind is called Silt, it is a mixture of sand and clay. But most importantly, it is nutrient rich and retains moisture.
A Nilometer was erected to measure the water levels which would help estimate the success rate of their harvest. And successful they were, a good season could generously feed every person in the empire for one year and they would still have a plethora of food left to store in their granaries in times of low yields or for trading.
To water their crops, the ancient Egyptians created complex irrigation systems, suited to individual crops. This helped control the water flow to their fields.
3. Trade
The Ancient Egyptians had a complex network of trade routes. Trading was done by travelling hundreds of miles on land, by river, and by sea crossing as far as the Mediterranean.
Therefore this meant being away from home for months on end. Not only that, being ambushed & looted by bandits in desolated parts of the trade route, was not uncommon. Luckily, tradesmen travelled together in large groups.
Ancient Egyptians would trade their goods such as papyrus, textiles, spices & herbs, gemstones, food, and gold in exchange for Ancient Greek goods like wine, olive oil, myrrh, perfume and metal framework, & livestock . This type of trade is known as Barter Trade.
Osiris and Agriculture
The practice of agriculture allowed us to settle and form civilisations. With growing populations, food surety was absolutely sacred. The Ancient Egyptians ran a seamless agricultural production. Evidence of the sheer dedication and devotion can still be found through archaeological excavations and current farming practises in Egypt.
Tending to the fields and crops was tied in with their religious beliefs. The annual River Nile flooding and seasons were recorded on a calendar. The flooding was celebrated as it rejuvenated the fields, and thanks was given to the gods especially Osiris. Osiris was associated with fertility and who would bless farmers with a successful harvest.
