The flora and fauna in Egypt differ drastically between the Nile River Valley and the vast desert regions.
Herodotus, the "Father of History" who lived in the fifth century BC, stated that Egypt was "the gift of the Nile." Although this famous writer was wrong about many things he seems to have correctly summarized the fauna and flora of this country.
The dark soil that fertilized the river valley crops is also the basis for the name of their country: The Black Land. The Nile region still produces a variety of crops for Egypt.
The symbol of ancient Egypt is the lotus and it still can be found in the Delta region.
Herodotus, the "Father of History" who lived in the fifth century BC, stated that Egypt was "the gift of the Nile." Although this famous writer was wrong about many things he seems to have correctly summarized the fauna and flora of this country.
The dark soil that fertilized the river valley crops is also the basis for the name of their country: The Black Land. The Nile region still produces a variety of crops for Egypt.
The symbol of ancient Egypt is the lotus and it still can be found in the Delta region.
Egypt also has more than one hundred types of grasses. Along with the date palm these grasses thrive around water sources. Egypt's arid summers are colorful with the blooming of tamarisk, eucalyptus, acacia, poinciana and jacaranda.
Not surprisingly, a wide assortment of flowers and crops can be found around the Nile, but with irrigation becoming more popular, many of these bright deserts can be found in the desert.
You probably have already assumed that the Nile attracted the earliest settlers, which were wandering tribesmen. They grew small plots of vegetables, legumes, wheat, barley and flax. They used looms to weave the flax into linen. As larger towns and cities developed the diets became more distinct by economic class. The poor would oftentimes live on bread and beer-produced from half-baked, fermented loaves. The rich feasted on beef, waterfowl, fruits and fancy cakes.
The wealthy would refuse fish from the Nile and pork, declaring them unclean. Herodotus has a lot to say about pigs, including the following: "If anyone touches a pig accidentally in passing, he will at once plunge into the river, clothes and all, to wash himself; and swineherds, though of pure Egyptian blood, are the only people in the country who never enter a temple, nor is there an intermarriage between them and the rest of the community" Wine, however, was quite a different story.
Not surprisingly, a wide assortment of flowers and crops can be found around the Nile, but with irrigation becoming more popular, many of these bright deserts can be found in the desert.
You probably have already assumed that the Nile attracted the earliest settlers, which were wandering tribesmen. They grew small plots of vegetables, legumes, wheat, barley and flax. They used looms to weave the flax into linen. As larger towns and cities developed the diets became more distinct by economic class. The poor would oftentimes live on bread and beer-produced from half-baked, fermented loaves. The rich feasted on beef, waterfowl, fruits and fancy cakes.
The wealthy would refuse fish from the Nile and pork, declaring them unclean. Herodotus has a lot to say about pigs, including the following: "If anyone touches a pig accidentally in passing, he will at once plunge into the river, clothes and all, to wash himself; and swineherds, though of pure Egyptian blood, are the only people in the country who never enter a temple, nor is there an intermarriage between them and the rest of the community" Wine, however, was quite a different story.
The local grapes produced at least six different varieties of wine, a favorite of the upper class. At one famous archaeological site, that of Pharaoh Akhenaten at Amarna, jug labels identified "good wine," "very good wine," and "very, very good wine!"
A fascinating display in the Cairo Museum contains many ancient models, including one of a maidservant grinding the grain by hand and a granary. The Old Testament also alludes to the favorable growing conditions of Egypt in the story of the patriarch Jacob and his command to search for food: "Behold I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down and buy grain there, that we may live."
A fascinating display in the Cairo Museum contains many ancient models, including one of a maidservant grinding the grain by hand and a granary. The Old Testament also alludes to the favorable growing conditions of Egypt in the story of the patriarch Jacob and his command to search for food: "Behold I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down and buy grain there, that we may live."
Today over 190 types of fish are found in the Nile with the Nile perch as the most well known. Bird life is even richer. 200 migrating and 150 resident types of birds are found in Egypt. The upper class fascination with birds in antiquity is easily discerned with a glimpse at artifacts and paintings, and religious objects.
One of the world's most spectacular underwater paradises is found in the Red Sea! The fish, coral, eels and marine life are clothed in some of creation's most spectacular colors. From the orange Sixspot Grouper and hot pink Dottybacks to the silvery Jacks and Striped Butterflyfish, the Red Sea provides a continual array of brilliant artistic designs that swim through equally crystal clear water.
Besides the variety of small desert rodents and similar animals, the most common mammals are camels and donkeys. You will also see domesticated horses and buffalo. The camel, snake and scorpion are the three most common visitors of concern to The Scriptorium's excavation team, and all three are important factors in surviving the throes of desert life.
One of the world's most spectacular underwater paradises is found in the Red Sea! The fish, coral, eels and marine life are clothed in some of creation's most spectacular colors. From the orange Sixspot Grouper and hot pink Dottybacks to the silvery Jacks and Striped Butterflyfish, the Red Sea provides a continual array of brilliant artistic designs that swim through equally crystal clear water.
Besides the variety of small desert rodents and similar animals, the most common mammals are camels and donkeys. You will also see domesticated horses and buffalo. The camel, snake and scorpion are the three most common visitors of concern to The Scriptorium's excavation team, and all three are important factors in surviving the throes of desert life.