When did the Nile flood begin in ancient Egypt?
The river began to rise at Aswan in early June, turning dry earth into fertile land. This annual event defined the name Kemet or black land given by Egyptians to their home.
Questions about Flooding of the Nile
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What myth explained the cause of the Nile flooding for ancient people?
Ancient Egyptians believed floodwaters were tears from Isis weeping for her murdered husband Osiris. Set had killed Osiris and his sister's grief manifested as the river rising each year.
How many years ago did early farmers start dividing land with dams and levees?
Some 7000 years ago early farmers began dividing land into large fields surrounded by dams and levees. Intake and exit canals allowed water to flow in and then be discharged back into the Nile after about 45 days.
Who ruled Egypt when the Aswan High Dam was completed in 1970?
Gamal Abdel Nasser led Egypt from 1956 until 1970 making final decisions regarding river control infrastructure. Completion arrived in 1970 when filling of Lake Nasser finally occurred successfully.
Why did the British build the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile during the 1920s?
During the 1920s Britain built the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile to supply Gezira Scheme regularly. This became the first dam retaining large amounts of sedimentation while diverting quantities into irrigation canals.