Question

Can you locate the River Nile on the given map? Why do you think the northern part is called Lower Egypt and the southern part Upper Egypt?

Answer 1

• River Nile: The River Nile can be located in the centre of the map. It flows from the south towards the north and reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
• Lower Egypt: The northern part is called Lower Egypt because it is downstream, closer to the Mediterranean Sea and at a lower elevation.
• Upper Egypt: The southern part is called Upper Egypt because it is upstream, at a higher elevation. The Nile flows from Upper Egypt towards Lower Egypt.

Thus, the terms “Upper” and “Lower” refer to the elevation and direction of the Nile’s flow, not simply north and south.