Flooding of the Nile

The Flooding of the Nile refers to an annual flooding cycle in Egypt that dates back to ancient times. Lake Victoria, Africa's biggest lake, is generally thought of as the source of the River Nile. There are two Niles, the White Nile, and the Blue Nile, that become one when they meet together in Khartoum, Sudan on the continent of Africa.

Ancient Egyptians celebrated the flooding of The Nile by taking it to the river in colourfully decorated boats. Most Egyptians lived near the Nile as it provided water, food, transportation and excellent soil for growing food. Reeds, called papyrus, grow alongside the Nile. The Egyptians made paper and boats from the reeds.

In May and June, there are heavy rains on the far-off mountains (the Ethiopian Highlands), and down their steep sides torrents of muddy water rush towards the valleys below. Down these winding valleys, the mountain streams carry their waters onward until they reach the great river. Thus all these waters cause the stream to rise, and gradually the great flood moves onward to the sea.

So this is why, each year, the waters rise, and why they will soon begin to fall again. But they will leave behind them on the fields plenty of rich mud.

The Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering feat, stands as a symbol of human innovation. Completed in 1970, this massive structure tames the Nile River, generating electricity, facilitating irrigation, and offering flood control. Its construction also led to the formation of Lake Nasser, a vast reservoir that brought benefits and challenges to the region's ecosystem and communities.

That is why their land is said to be ‘The Gift of the Nile.’ In Egypt, the Flooding of The Nile is a national holiday and people get the day off work for it.