FOREWORD by Kay Bellinger
Ancient Egyptian Gardens considers how the ancient Egyptians' effective
management of the land led to the success of their country, in spite
of having a difficult climate. Their civilisation lasted for three millennia.
The great diversity of plants available to them was due not only to
the indigenous plants, which covered the three terrains of the desert,
Delta and Nile Valley, but to their foresight in developing and importing
foreign plants. Egypt lies on the borderline between African and the
Mediterranean climates; they also had access to the Middle East.
The value they held for their plants and agriculture is clear to see
on the walls of temples and tombs; for example, the ceiling of a tomb
belonging to a royal vintner is decorated with hanging grapes, and
his wife is shown picking them. What a lovely sight for him when he
awakes in the afterlife.
The importance of agriculture is obvious from the many scenes of
the working countryside, painted for the dead, so when they awake they
would come to life and provide sustenance. The ancient Egyptians used
their plants to enhance festivals and, as today, to decorate their coffins.
The land to them was of prime importance and they believed that the
afterlife was just like Egypt, but better. Unlike today, the ancient Egyptians
were bonded to nature.
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