Lower Egypt, called “Miṣr as-Suflā” in Arabic and “Tsakhet” in Coptic, is the northernmost region of Egypt. It consists of the fertile Nile Delta located between Upper Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from El Aiyat, south of present-day Cairo, to Dahshur. Historically, the Nile divided into seven branches in the delta of Lower Egypt.
Cultural Development and Civilization of Lower Egypt
Lower Egypt began to develop as a civilization around 3600 BC. AD Crafts and architecture progressed during this period, with the appearance of new ceramics linked to those of the southern Levant and an extensive use of copper. Mesopotamian architectural principles, such as the use of sun-dried adobe bricks for arches and recessed walls, grew in popularity.
The Geographical Landscape and the Symbolism of Lower Egypt
In ancient Egypt, Lower Egypt was known as “mḥw”, which means “north”. His patron deity was the goddess Wadjet, represented by a cobra. Lower Egypt was symbolized by the red crown Deshret, the papyrus and the bee. Today, two main canals cross the Nile Delta: the western one at Rashid and the eastern one at Damietta. The delta is well irrigated and crossed by canals.
The Climate of Lower Egypt
Thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the climate of Lower Egypt is milder than that of Upper Egypt, which is the southern part of the country. Temperatures are less extreme and rainfall more abundant.
The Nomes of Lower Egypt
Lower Egypt was divided into twenty districts, called nomes. The first nome was at el-Lisht. Due to the predominantly undeveloped and scrubby character of Lower Egypt, dotted with all kinds of vegetation such as grasses and herbs, the organization of the nomes underwent several changes.
The Capital of Lower Egypt: Memphis
The capital of Lower Egypt was Memphis. After the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt under the reign of King Narmer, the patron deities of the two regions, Wadjet of Lower Egypt and Nekhbet of Upper Egypt (represented by a vulture), were depicted together under the form of the Two Ladies to protect all ancient Egyptians.
Lower Egypt after the Muslim Conquest
After the Muslim conquest in 639 CE, the central part of the delta was called al-Rif, which means “countryside, rural area”, and which comes from the ancient Egyptian “r-pr”, meaning “temple”, because the rural areas were administered by them. The eastern part, roughly corresponding to the ancient Tiarabia, was called al-Hawf, meaning “edge, fringe”.
Lower Egypt today
Currently, Lower Egypt is a region characterized by fertile agriculture, supported by the extensive network of canals and waterways that cross the Nile Delta. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea offers milder climatic conditions, making this region pleasant for living and farming.