How did the presence of natural barriers affect Egypt compared to Mesopotamia?

The presence of natural barriers, such as deserts and mountains, had a significant impact on the security and stability of Egypt in comparison to Mesopotamia. Egypt was primarily surrounded by formidable natural features: the Sahara Desert to the west, the Red Sea to the east, and the cataracts of the Nile River which created difficult terrain to navigate. These barriers made it challenging for outside forces to penetrate the region, providing a greater level of protection against invasions and military campaigns.

In contrast, Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, lacked similar natural defenses. Its relatively open plains made it more vulnerable to invasions from neighboring regions, leading to a history where city-states often faced external threats from various groups. Therefore, the natural barriers that defined Egypt contributed to a more fortified and stable civilization, allowing it to develop its culture and governance with fewer interruptions from invading forces. This distinction highlights the importance of geography in shaping the historical experiences of these two ancient civilizations.