Ancient Egypt was a civilization of ancient Northeastern Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the modern country of Egypt. It was one of the world's earliest and greatest civilizations, with a rich history that spanned over 3,000 years. The civilization of Ancient Egypt thrived from around 3100 BCE to 30 BCE.
Ancient Egypt was located in the northeastern corner of Africa. The Nile River, the longest river in the world, played a crucial role in the development of the Egyptian civilization. The river provided a source of water for irrigation, transportation, and fertile soil for agriculture. The surrounding deserts provided natural barriers that helped protect the ancient Egyptians from invaders.
The society of Ancient Egypt was hierarchical, with the pharaoh at the top, followed by the nobles, priests, scribes, and peasants. The ancient Egyptians had a rich and complex belief system that included the worship of many gods and the practice of elaborate burial rituals, including mummification. They also excelled in architecture, art, and engineering, leaving behind impressive monuments such as the pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
The pharaoh, meaning "great house" in Egyptian, was the supreme leader of Ancient Egypt and was believed to be a god on earth. The economy of Ancient Egypt was primarily agrarian, with the Nile River providing the necessary irrigation for farming. The ancient Egyptians also engaged in trade with other civilizations, exporting goods such as gold, papyrus, and linen.