A number of factors jointly contributed to the emergence of a state and a civilization in Egypt in the year 3500B. C. These factors range from the geographical location of Egypt to the ability of the inhabitants of the Nile Valley at that time to make things better for themselves. These factors included the following:

1.  The location of Ancient Egypt: The territory of Ancient Egypt was located in north east Africa. This territory was a narrow strip of land of about 550 miles long and 15 miles wide on each side of Nile River. During each summer, the Nile overflowed and rich soil was deposited on the adjacent banks of the River. This soil near the river could produce as many as Jour crops per year.

Apart from the Nile River being an aspect of Ancient Egypt's location, natural boundaries were an added advantage. Natural barriers made it possible for Ancient Egypt to enjoy peace for long and to develop its civilization. Such barriers included; the desert barriers on both sides of the River Nile, the mountains to the south and the sea to the north.

2.  The Role of River Nile: Historians always say that if there were no Nile River there wouldn't have been any civilization in ancient Egypt. The importance of the Nile cannot be overstated. The waters of a flooded Nile brought in rich, fertile soil for the cultivation of crops.

Secondly, the waters of the river were used to irrigate crops during very dry periods.

Thirdly, the cooling effects of the river made human settlement along its banks possible.

Fourthly, the Nile helped to unite people on the east and west banks, making trade and exchanges between the villages, towns and cities possible. Later on in the history of Ancient Egypt, the Nile River had a religious significance and even had a god of its own, called Osiris. Because of all these factors, Ancient Egypt was called a "Gift of the Nile" by historians (the river is the longest in the world).

3.  Unification of Egypt: Egyptian civilization received a boost in the year 3100B. c. when the first king or pharaoh of Egypt, Menes unified the North and South kingdom. This unity enabled the ancient Egyptians to accomplish the investment and improvements that are recorded in history books.

4.  Good leaders: Ancient Egypt was also fortunate to have very able and wise leaders, especially during the years of the first dynasties.

5.  The influence of other civilizations: Following the creation of the state of Ancient Egypt, contacts were made with other civilizations as time passed. Some of these contacts helped to greatly enrich the civilization of Egypt. For example, the

Ancient Egyptians learned to fight war on horseback from the Hyksos, people from Asia who conquered Egypt in 1730B. c. Ancient Egypt also learned much from the Sumerians, The Hebrews and Babylonians from Asia. They also borrowed from the Greek and Roman civilizations from Europe. These peoples also borrowed much from Ancient Egypt's civilization.

6.  A powerful army: Egypt had the ancient world's first army. It played an important role in the growth and the spread of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Armed with spears swords and axes, this army fought off enemies such as the Nubians, Hittites and Libyans; this army numbered about 20000men under the reign of Rameses II.

7.  Religion: The worship of gods like those of the Nile, the sun and many others helped to bring the people of Ancient Egypt together. This unity was very helpful to the construction of Egypt's rich civilization.