Clues from the Nile

The Nile shaped daily life. Its yearly flood spread rich soil over fields, helping farmers grow crops such as emmer wheat and barley. People also caught fish and raised animals. When the floodwaters went down, farmers sowed seeds and later harvested crops. The river provided water, a route for boats and a place to wash, although people had to manage its changing water levels. Many homes were built from mud bricks and had flat roofs. Roofs could offer a cooler place to rest or work. Linen, made from flax, was a common fabric for clothing. People ate bread, vegetables, fruit and fish; wealthier households could enjoy a wider variety of foods. Most people worked in farming or related jobs. Other workers included potters, builders, bakers and weavers. Scribes were trained to read and write, using writing to keep records. Society was unequal: a small number of people had great wealth and power, while many others did hard physical work. These clues describe common patterns, not every person’s experience.