Question

Regarding the irrigation techniques used in the Nile valley, which statement is accurate?

1. The Nile's overflow was stored in shallow basins for irrigation.
2. Water-lifting devices were primarily powered by wind energy.
3. The stored floodwater was used to cultivate crops only during the winter season.

• A. 1 only
• B. 3 only
• C. 1, 2
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

• Settled agriculture is possible only where a permanent source of water is available.

• Farmers have practised agriculture along the Nile valley in Egypt for more than 5000 years.

• They devised a system of using floodwaters for irrigation by storing the overflow from the Nile in shallow basins that were bounded by raised banks.

• This water could be stored for more than a month and was lifted into narrow canals with the help of water-lifting devices, such as the shaduf and the noria, that were powered by animals and human beings.