The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that "Egypt was the gift of the Nile". An unending source of sustenance, it provided a crucial role in the development of Egyptian civilization. Silt deposits from the Nile made the surrounding land fertile because the river overflowed its banks annually. The Ancient Egyptians cultivated and traded wheat, flax, papyrus and other crops around the Nile.

Egypt Tourist Attractions

If you've always wondered where the most famous archaeological sites in Egypt were located, most of them can easily be found by looking near the Nile River Valley. This was truly the sustaining resource of the ancient Egyptians. Most of their temples were built along its banks, close to the water and the fertile land so scarce in this desert climate. Their tombs will be found exclusively on the west side of the river. The Egyptians believed that the Nile was the route between life and death and the west side of the river symbolized death.

Explore the Magic of Ancient Egypt, Pyramids & the Nile River and choose the perfect Egypt travel package for your taste and budget. Explore the wondrous ancient attractions in Egypt!

The Egyptians prospered because of it, modern Egypt is dependent upon it and for thousands of years it has been one of the most important trade routes in the world. The Nile River in Egypt is the longest river in the world, starts in Rwanda and flows to the Mediterranean in Egypt. Of all the nations in Africa, perhaps none have so deep a connection to the Nile as does Egypt.