The Nile River in Africa is the longest river in the world. Many scientists and researchers in the past few decades have argued that the Amazon River may be relatively longer than the Nile however further studies have shown that Nile is the longest river in the world and it has been the longest river for centuries.
With such a long length it’s no surprise that the river holds its own mysteries and stories. Today we are going to take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about the River Nile.
It Passes Through 9 African Countries
Everyone is familiar with the might of the River Nile. If you are not; then you would be surprised to know that it flows through nine different African countries starting from Tanzania. Most part of the River flows through Egypt and Sudan.
River Nile Is Responsible For the Early Settlements in Egypt
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Nile River is responsible for the bustling Egyptian Civilization that we all have come to know through historians. The ever flowing water made it easy for people to settle nearby and thus start a civilization that the world will never forget.
Egyptian cotton is grown on the Banks of the River Nile
Egyptian cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. Different items mainly bed sheets are made with this immaculate material. The continuous flow of water in the River makes the soil on the banks extremely fertile and ideal place to grow cotton.
Did You Know That Water from River Nile Was Used In the Construction of the Pyramids?
Even in the modern world, water is a very important component in the construction industry. The same could be said about the construction process in the ancient world. The ancient Egyptians used water to soften the sand and mud in order to mold it into different shapes.
This is why it was used in the construction of the great pyramids of Giza. And with such a massive structure, a large amount of water was required and what better place to get such large amount of water than the River Nile.
River Nile Was Spiritual To Ancient Egyptians
The Nile River had spiritual significance for people in Ancient Egypt. Many believed that the Nile led to the afterlife. This is why they used to bury their dead on the west bank of the River Nile. They believed that as the sun set in the west, it symbolized the ending of life.
It Has Its Unique Wildlife
The River Nile has its own unique wildlife. You might have heard about the Nile crocodile but there are many different species of animals and plants that are native to the Nile River and the surrounding areas. Some of these include Nile monitors, rock python, snakes, otters, birds and other species.