Answer: Agriculture
Some extra relevant information:
Egypt’s economy in ancient times was primarily based on agriculture. The fertile land along the Nile River provided the perfect conditions for farming, allowing the ancient Egyptians to cultivate a variety of crops. The annual flooding of the Nile deposited nutrient-rich silt on the fields, ensuring abundant harvests.
One of the main crops grown by the Egyptians was wheat, which served as a staple food for the population. Other important crops included barley, flax, vegetables, and fruits such as dates and grapes. The Egyptian farmers used irrigation systems to control the flow of water from the Nile, maximizing their agricultural output.
Apart from agriculture, trade also played a significant role in the Egyptian economy. Egypt was strategically located between Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a hub for international trade routes. The Egyptians exported a range of goods, including grain, textiles, gold, papyrus, and luxury items such as precious metals and gemstones. They imported goods such as timber, copper, and ivory from neighboring regions.
The Egyptians also engaged in industries such as mining, quarrying, and pottery production. They extracted valuable resources such as gold, copper, and limestone, which were used for various purposes, including construction of monumental structures such as the pyramids and temples.
The ancient Egyptian economy was centered around a hierarchical system, with the pharaoh as the ultimate authority. The state controlled much of the land and resources, and the surplus from agriculture and trade was used to support the ruling class, fund construction projects, and maintain the military.
Overall, the economy of ancient Egypt thrived on the fertile agriculture along the Nile, supplemented by trade and other industries. The combination of abundant crops, strategic location, and efficient trade networks allowed Egypt to become a prosperous civilization in the ancient world.