Ancient Egypt was united out of its northern and southern halves in the 4th century BC and had two dominating features: the inhospitable desert and the life-giving river Nile.

Day-to-day life was dependent on the narrow strips of habitable land on either side of the river and these played host to every part of ancient Egyptian life.

Centres of political, religious and social importance grew up all along its length with regular flooding being a crucial part of the farming cycle.

Special importance was given to cult centres for the worship of the gods.