Egypt is located on the northeastern corner of Africa and in part of the vast region
that makes up the Sahara Desert. Millions of people make their way to Egypt each year, in
search of information about the various traditions and cultures, including modern
Christianity, that have emerged from this land of sand.
As a country, Egypt is known for its religion and its arid landscape; however, the amazing
history of ancient Egypt is fascinating and engrossing. The great traditions of ancient
Egypt include the stories of the mighty pharaohs, tales of how the people used the land
for food and wealth, and the actual prophecies that were used to communicate with the
common people.
Stories of ancient Egypt would be incomplete without mentioning the importance of the Nile
River to the survival of the Egyptians. The Nile River supplied the people of Egypt with
both fish for food and water for their crops, particularly wheat and barley.
Most of these crops would either be sold at market or used as food for the ancient
Egyptian people. Some of the crops were even used to manufacture different oils that would
later be used as bartering tools for other items. The ancient Egyptians relied very
heavily on their land to supply them with the resources necessary to live a good life.
The overlord for all Egyptians at these times was the pharaoh. The pharaoh was considered
to be a kind of half-man, half-god being that was looked up to and idolized by ancient
Egyptians. In order to help him rule over the entire land of Egypt, prime ministers were
often appointed to help keep all ancient Egyptians faithful and loyal to the pharaoh.
There were 34 dynasties throughout the course of ancient Egyptian time, with the Roman
Emperors being considered the last dynasty to rule over the Egyptian people. Some of the
most highly respected men and women of power came from ancient Egypt.
Distinguished rulers such as Alexander the Great (from the Greco-Roman Period), Cleopatra
(from the Ptolemaic Dynasty), Menes (from the First Dynasty), and Ramesses (from the 20th
Dynasty) were just some of the powerful commanders who ruled ancient Egypt with an iron
fist.
Even though it eventually fell, Egypt was able to prosper for many thousands of years
because of its strong government and because of the arid deserts surrounding it. Ancient
Egyptians were involved in very few wars, and these were very short. Ancient Egyptians
were able to create what is still considered one of the greatest civilizations of all time
because they had great leaders and the fertile waters of the Nile River.
