The ancient Egyptian civilisation thrived along the Nile River in north-eastern Africa for more than 3,000 years, from about 3300 BC to 30 BC. It was the longest-lived civilisation of the ancient world. The Nile formed the focus of the ancient Egyptian civilisation, serving as a water highway for the people, a constant source of life-giving water, and the sustainer of all plants and animals.

The plants that were cultivated could be used for many purposes, including food, clothing and shelter. The land provided a wide variety of minerals, several types of stone, semi-precious gems, and metals such as gold, copper and silver.