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.

Comments

  1. Rob Z Tobor21 April 2014 at 10:57

    I can see the logic in those names. . . . (OOooooooo its sunny, I off)

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  2. Kyra Lennon21 April 2014 at 12:45

    It's official - I knew nothing about Ancient Egypt before I started reading these posts lol!

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  3. Bish Denham21 April 2014 at 13:11

    Ahhh, black for the rich black soil.

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  4. Sophie Duncan21 April 2014 at 13:30

    I did not know that is how they saw their land, but it makes sense :)
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
    Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic

    ReplyDelete
  5. Colin Smith21 April 2014 at 13:57

    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).

    Another fascinating article, Laura! :)

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  6. Susan Gourley/Kelley21 April 2014 at 14:01

    It makes sense though I'd never heard those terms used. How very interesting your theme is.

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  7. S. L. Hennessy21 April 2014 at 14:36

    Funny that something called the Black Lands were fertile. Still, I bet that was a beautiful sight to see with it lush.

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  8. Michael Di Gesu21 April 2014 at 15:21

    More interesting facts about an amazing ancient civilization.

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  9. debi o'neille21 April 2014 at 15:39

    Great insight. thanks for giving me a new view. I am your newest A-Z follower, for the moment.
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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  10. Chrys Fey21 April 2014 at 16:18

    That definitely makes sense. :)

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  11. SK Anthony21 April 2014 at 18:37

    Makes perfect sense they would use these color names, I didn't know that before. Very cool!!!

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  12. cleemckenzie21 April 2014 at 18:56

    From reading your posts it seems that the Egyptians were huge on dividing things into groups or categories. Very interesting.

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  13. Crystal Collier21 April 2014 at 21:02

    I did not know that one. Awesome. I've been enjoying your series.

    True Heroes from A to Z

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  14. L.G. Keltner21 April 2014 at 22:56

    Cool to know!

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  15. Sara C. Snider22 April 2014 at 06:25

    Very cool. I didn't know this about Egypt. :)

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  16. Tasha Duncan-Drake22 April 2014 at 08:59

    I've never heard this before and it makes so much sense, thank you for the info.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
    FB3X - AtoZ (Erotic Drabbles)

    ReplyDelete

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