R is for Red and Black Lands
Ancient Egyptians thought of Egypt as divided into two types of land: the red land and the black land.
- The red land was the barren desert, protecting Egypt on two sides from neighbouring countries and invading armies. They were also a source for precious metals and stones.
- The black land was the fertile land on the banks of the Nile. This was used for crop growing, and was the only land in Egypt that could be used for crop growth.
I can see the logic in those names. . . . (OOooooooo its sunny, I off)
ReplyDeleteIt's official - I knew nothing about Ancient Egypt before I started reading these posts lol!
ReplyDeleteAhhh, black for the rich black soil.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that is how they saw their land, but it makes sense :)
ReplyDeleteSophie
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This is a very interesting insight. I was wondering in an earlier post whether the population of Ancient Egypt was largely centered around the Nile, and the rest of the country essentially deserted. We might tend to see that as a waste of land, but clearly it was a strategic strength. An invading army would have to weigh the cost of marching for days across arid and hostile desert, before meeting the Pharaoh and his/her armies (who would be decidedly fresher and more ready to fight).
ReplyDeleteAnother fascinating article, Laura! :)
It makes sense though I'd never heard those terms used. How very interesting your theme is.
ReplyDeleteFunny that something called the Black Lands were fertile. Still, I bet that was a beautiful sight to see with it lush.
ReplyDeleteMore interesting facts about an amazing ancient civilization.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight. thanks for giving me a new view. I am your newest A-Z follower, for the moment.
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
That definitely makes sense. :)
ReplyDeleteMakes perfect sense they would use these color names, I didn't know that before. Very cool!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom reading your posts it seems that the Egyptians were huge on dividing things into groups or categories. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that one. Awesome. I've been enjoying your series.
ReplyDeleteTrue Heroes from A to Z
Cool to know!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I didn't know this about Egypt. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard this before and it makes so much sense, thank you for the info.
ReplyDeleteTasha
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