What physical feature provided protection and natural barriers for Ancient Egypt and Kush?
The deserts surrounding ancient Egypt and Kush served as significant physical features that provided protection and natural barriers for these civilizations. Specifically, the Western Desert and the Eastern Desert acted as natural barriers for ancient Egypt, while the Red Sea and the Nubian Desert served as protective features for Kush.
The Western Desert, also known as the Libyan Desert, is a vast expanse of arid land that stretches west of the Nile River and separates Egypt from Libya. This desert consists of harsh and inhospitable terrains, including vast dunes and rocky plateaus, making it extremely challenging for invaders to cross. Consequently, it provided a natural buffer against potential external threats, safeguarding ancient Egypt from invasion and offering a sense of security.
Likewise, the Eastern Desert, also referred to as the Arabian Desert, is located on the eastern side of the Nile River and comprises a barren landscape with rocky outcrops, wadis (dry riverbeds), and mountain ranges. This desert acted as a natural barrier, preventing easy access to the eastern side of Egypt and acting as a protective shield from potential invaders.
Similarly, for the Kingdom of Kush, which was located in what is now modern-day Sudan, the natural features surrounding its territory provided protection. The Red Sea, to the east of Kush, acted as a natural barrier against hostile forces, making it difficult for invading armies or fleets to enter Kush from that direction. Additionally, the Nubian Desert, which spanned from southern Egypt to northern Sudan, formed a protective boundary to the west of Kush. This desert consists of vast sand dunes, rocky plains, and scarce water sources, making it an inhospitable environment for invaders and thus acting as a physical shield for the kingdom.
Overall, the deserts and water bodies surrounding ancient Egypt and Kush served as natural barriers and provided protection against external threats, contributing to the security and longevity of these civilizations.