Definition:
The annual flooding of the River Nile in Egypt (which has not happened since the creation of the Aswan High Dam). The inundation (Ancient Egyptian name 'hapy') was of such importance to Ancient Egyptians that they based their lives around it. The flood, caused by water from the Blue and White Nile and Atbara Rivers, would reach Aswan by the end of June and Cairo in September. Fertile silt deposited by the yearly flood was essential for Ancient Egyptian agriculture, which would begin planting in October and harvest in April. The off season in agriculture provided 'corvée' labour for major building projects like the pyramids.
