No, Egypt was not always a desert.
Ancient Egyptian Climate
While modern Egypt is largely known for its arid desert landscapes, historical evidence indicates a significantly different climate in earlier periods.
According to historical and environmental studies:
- In Predynastic and Early Dynastic times, the Egyptian climate was much less arid than it is today.
- Large regions of Egypt were covered in treed savanna.
- These savannas were traversed by herds of grazing ungulates.
- Foliage and fauna were far more prolific in all environments.
- The Nile region specifically supported large populations of waterfowl.
This description contrasts sharply with the present-day environment, showing that the region underwent a significant climatic shift towards increased aridity over millennia. The vibrant savannas and abundant wildlife of early Egypt gradually gave way to the desert conditions that characterize much of the country today.
