Natural Resources and Trade within Egypt

Nile River Delta. [8]

       Egypt has many natural resources that it can exploit, but its main resource is one that does not need any mining or digging. The Nile River is one of Egypt’s most prized possessions. This natural resource provides a vast amount of clean water, transportation, and flood valleys to its surrounding people.

   

Flood valley farming. [7]

       The Nile is the largest river in Egypt, and has played a huge part in the development of this nation in the past. Throughout history, people have used the Nile’s to water many crops surrounding the river. Farmers have historically depended on this source of water to keep their crops from dying in the arid dessert climate. In Ancient times, one would rely on seasonal flooding, when water would go into the flood plains, providing an ample amount of water for crops during the growing season 1. However, in the modern era, technology has allowed Egyptians to extract vast amounts of precious water from the Nile River. Crops grown in the Delta and River valleys are supported by irrigation systems. These irrigation stations use pumps to from the canals to distribute water to various crop fields 2. Farmers will then use sprinkler and drip irrigation tools so that the water is used efficiently and carefully. 

 

Railway system along the Nile [9]

Trade was also greatly impacted by the Nile because it allowed many people to travel up and down the waterfront, dispersing different types of goods. In Ancient times, people would use boats floating on the water to move cattle, crops, soldiers, and other goods throughout the country in a safe and efficient manner 3. Not only was trade internal, but other Mediterranean countries were able to trade with Egypt at the Nile's delta. Ports would be filled with ships from places such Greece, Cyprus, and Phoenicia to trade silver, paper, wine, oils 4. This large body of water thus allowed for quick transportation of goods from the Mediterranean cities down into the middle of Egypt and rest of Africa. However, today there are many railway systems that follow alongside the Nile River. This has changed immensely how people use the trading system that is now mainly on land rather than on water. The Nile was only able to allow trade with Mediterranean cities, but the railroads surrounding the River have allowed for trade with adjacent countries. Now, Egyptians are able to do business with Libya, Sudan, Palestine, and Israel 5.

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[1] Baines, John. "The Story of the Nile." BBC. February 17, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/nile_01.shtml.

[2] Kundell, Jum. "Edit Content Edit Classification Publishing Workflow Featured Settings Delete Content Water Profile of Egypt." Water Profile of Egypt. July 16, 2010. Accessed April 15, 2016. http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156938/.

[3] "Natural Resources." PBS. March 16, 2006. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.pbs.org/empires/egypt/newkingdom/resources.html.

[4] Alberge, Dalya. "Naukratis: Ancient Egypt's Version of Hong Kong Unearthed by British Team." The Guardian. December 26, 2015. Accessed April 15, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/dec/26/ancient-egypts-version-of-hong-kong-is-unearthed-by-british-team.

[5] "Egyptian National Railways." Wikipedia. January 17, 2016. Accessed April 14, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_National_Railways.

[6] "Ancient Egypt." Ian History for Kids: Boats and Transportation. Accessed April 14, 2016. http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_egypt/boats_and_transportation.php.

[7]Hallman, Ruth. Farming on the River Nile. November 24, 2009. Egypt.

[8]Getty Images. Egypt: Satellite View of the Nile River Delta. Egypt.

[9]Mike’s Railway History. The Egyptian State Railways. http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r050.html