The boundaries of ancient Egyptian settlement can be summarized as follows: Eastern Boundary:
- The eastern extent of Egyptian influence reached into the Eastern Desert, the Red Sea coastline, and the Sinai Peninsula at various times, especially during periods of expansion such as the New Kingdom. This area was important for mineral resources like gold and served as a route to the Red Sea
- In later periods, Egyptian control extended into parts of the Levant (Canaan), with cities such as Ashkalon and Gezer under Egyptian governors during the Ramesside period
Western Boundary:
- The western boundary was largely defined by the Libyan Desert, which was sparsely populated and lacked precise limits. The border roughly started near the Mediterranean coast around Marsa Matruh but was not sharply defined due to the desert's harsh environment
- The western desert included oases and was inhabited by nomadic tribes, but it did not support large-scale Egyptian settlement
Northern Boundary:
- The northern boundary was the Mediterranean Sea, with the Nile Delta forming a fertile and heavily settled region. The delta spread about 90 km in length and 240 km in width along the coast, with several Nile tributaries flowing into the Mediterranean
- The northernmost extent of ancient Egypt was the Nile Delta, where the river fans out into multiple branches before entering the Mediterranean
Southern Boundary:
- Although not asked, it is relevant that the southern boundary was marked by the First Cataract near Aswan, beyond which lay Nubia. Egyptian control extended into Nubia during periods of expansion, especially for trade and resource access
In summary, ancient Egyptian settlement was concentrated along the Nile River from the Nile Delta in the north to the First Cataract in the south, with the eastern boundary extending into the Sinai and the western boundary limited by the Libyan Desert. The Mediterranean Sea formed the natural northern boundary
