Learn about the flora of ancient Egypt.
The climate and unique geography of the Nile Delta offered a wide variety of plant species.
Many of these plants served as sustenance for ancient Egyptians, and as crops for trade.
The Nile's consistent seasons allowed Egypt to sustain itself for centuries.
Possibly the most useful of the plants was the papyrus. This tall sedge plant grew in abundance along the water's edge of the Nile.
Commontly known for its use as paper, the ancient Egyptians found many other functions for it, including rope, sandals and mats.
Papyriform boats made from the plant are seen in paintings and reliefs, and were used in ritualistic ceremonies.
There were many types of trees along the river Nile, such as the date palm, carob and tamarisk.
The earliest fruit tree cultivated was the fig tree, followed by apple, pomegranate and eventually olive trees during the era of the New Kingdom.
Mango cultivation was the result of a late import from Asia during the Middle Ages.
Some trees were associated with gods, such as the acacia with Horus.
The divinities Thoth and Seshat were depicted inscribing the reign of the king into a persea tree.
The sycamore was connected with the goddess Iset, patron of the Ritual of Life.