The Ancient Egyptian Economy: Barter, Trade, and the Role of the State

1. Agriculture in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptian economy was built on the back of the farmer, who enjoyed numerous rights. The most significant of these rights was the ability to own and rent land. As a result, the farmer was well-positioned in society. However, farmers were the least affluent and suffered much injustice and tyranny during periods of state weakness. They were influenced by the elders, who would buy their product at a reasonable price after receiving the government’s tax portion. A message from a smallholder of agricultural land, urging seriousness and work on his land, stated:

Feed the men while they work, take good care of them, and play the whole earth. Work until your ears hurt, see if they are hardworking, and thank the gods because you and I will not have to offend the farmers.

The Importance of the Nile

Egypt’s agriculture has been reliant on the Nile’s waters since prehistoric times. The Nile inundated the area every year, bringing water and rich silt. The Egyptians understood that the Nile River was vital to their survival, so they dug canals, built bridges, and built dams to protect it and arrange irrigation. The farmer’s life was the most significant of all because he established gauges to watch the Nile. He predicted the rise in its water level to estimate the value of taxes and the regions he could irrigate during the year. If the Nile’s flood level rose, he had to drain the water from his property, and if the level dropped, he had to elevate the water to reach his land.

Ancient Egyptian Crops

Pharaonic Egypt was self-sufficient in crops, except during periods of famine and lack of floods. The most famous crops were:

• Cereals: wheat and barley
• Vegetables: onions, garlic, and lettuce
• Pulses: lentils, sesame, and lupine

The Egyptians used flax plants for their fibers in the textile industry. They also grew other plants, including ornamental plants and fruit trees like grapes, dates, and figs. They grew sesame for oil extraction. Egypt has been known as a country of good agricultural products since ancient times.

Cultivation Techniques and Farming Equipment

The cultivation process went through several stages after the floodwaters retreated. The government established irrigation projects to achieve an agricultural renaissance, building dams to mitigate the impacts of flooding. Egypt has a history of calmly and strongly dealing with crises and developing emergency plans.

Livestock and Hunting

Egyptians have been known for their love of animal grazing and their compassion for it. A separate crew of trained shepherds was in charge of herding the livestock. Egypt had significant livestock wealth, with the delta being the wealthiest area due to abundant natural pastures.

• Farm animals and birds: Among the animals, cows took the top rank, followed by sheep and goats. Ducks, geese, hens, and pigeons were among the birds they knew, and they also kept bees. The farmer benefited from the use of animals in agriculture and transportation. Wool, dander, fur, hair, skin, and flesh were also beneficial.
• Fishing: In Ancient Egypt, there were numerous different forms of fishing.
• Land hunting: hunting desert animals such as deer and lions. The Egyptians were unconcerned since it was not a means of subsistence, but rather a pastime for the people.
• Hunting birds: This included hunting quails, birds, and swans, which required little effort. It was a significant source of food, particularly for the impoverished.