The Nile River is called the “Father of African Rivers”. The Nile is about 6 , 670 km long. It is the longest river in Africa and in the world. The river runs from south to north, beginning in the mountains of Burundi and ending in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Nile played an important role in the development of ancient Egypt. It ran through ancient Egypt, bringing water to plants and a river to ships. The river was full of fish and the river banks were full of good things to eat.
Each spring, snow on the mountain tops would become water. That was a very good thing When the water passed by, it left behind good soil. Plants could grow very well in the black and rich soil. The ancient Egyptians called it “the gift of the Nile”
The Nile provided other gifts for the ancient Egyptians. Papyrus（纸莎草）, used for everything grew along its bank. It provided water for cooking and bathing. There were also many fish and water birds. Wild vegetables could be found, along with bird eggs. Egypt is in the middle of the desert. But life along the Nile was wonderful.
【小题1】Where does the Nile River start?【小题2】Why was the Nile important to ancient Egypt?
【小题3】What was “the gift of the Nile” for the ancient Egyptians?
【小题4】Where did papyrus grow?
【小题5】Did the ancient Egyptians along the Nile live a hard life?
