Egypt and the Desert

The Nile River borders the alluvial Black Land known as the Red Land, which is surrounded by deserts. From the Nile Valley, desert roads led to the high desert, giving access to the Eastern and Western Deserts' mineral wealth and trade networks. Rock art and inscriptions along the desert roads show how the ancient Egyptians used the deserts as a living landscape and how writing originated in northeast Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The deserts, often referred to as the Red Land, encompass the narrow strip of alluvial Black Land that borders the majestic Nile River. Within this arid landscape, intricate networks of desert roads ascend to the high desert, offering access to the rich mineral wealth and bustling Red Sea ports of the Eastern Desert. These oases, characterized by their depressions and vibrant trade networks, serve as hubs of commerce and cultural exchange. Looking back through the historical lens of the Predynastic through the Roman Periods, it becomes evident how developments in the Nile Valley profoundly impacted the Egyptian administration and exploitation of the deserts. For the ancient Egyptians, the deserts were not merely barren wastelands but a living tapestry of landscapes. Along the desert roads, they employed a unique form of artistic expression known as rock art and rock inscriptions to create and mark sacred places. These sites, scattered across the desert, provide invaluable evidence for the origin of writing in northeast Africa, the profound religious significance the desert held, and the expressions of personal piety and devotion. Moreover, they shed light on the early development of the early alphabet, a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Egyptians. The deserts, with their rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage, continue to captivate and intrigue us, offering a glimpse into the ancient world and the remarkable achievements of its inhabitants.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108820530