The Nile: A Source of Sustenance
Sustenance played a crucial role in the founding of Egyptian civilization. The Nile was an unending source of sustenance. The Nile made the land surrounding it extremely fertile when it flooded or was inundated annually. The Egyptians were able to cultivate wheat and crops around the Nile, providing food for the general population. Also, the Nile’s water attracted game, such as water buffalo, and, after the Persians introduced them in the 7th century B.C., camels. These animals could be killed for meat, or could be captured, tamed, and used for ploughing—or in the camels' case, traveling. Water was vital to both people and livestock. The Nile was also a convenient and efficient way of transportation for people and goods.
Egypt’s stability was one of the best structured in history. In fact, it might easily have surpassed many modern societies....
Which question would be best to ask before reading the rest of the passage?
How did the Nile directly affect the stability of Egypt?
How might Egypt’s stability have surpassed many modern societies?
Why was the Nile an unending source of substance?
How did the Nile get its name?