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Ancient Egypt /
People
The number of inhabitants of Ancient Egypt ranged between 1.5 and 6 million depending on the period. Most of the inhabitants lived along the Nile, but there was also a substantial population in the Nile Delta. The desert population was small in comparison.
The population of Ancient Egypt had approximately the same ethnic characteristics as modern Egyptians, medium dark skin and soft, dark hair.
There have been several waves of immigrations and emigrations over the 2000 years since the decline of Ancient Egypt, not to mention the great influx of foreign peoples during the 3,000 years of the classical period. Ancient Egypt was an attractive place, and traders came from every country of northern Africa, the Middle East and many European countries as well. Many settled, and some left their trace on the Egyptian population from sexual relations with locals.
Egypt was also attractive to invading armies, soldiers of which often settled in the conquered land and married Egyptian women.
Slaves represented the third type of immigration. Slaves came from foreign lands, either as trading merchandise or as war prisoners. As both male and female slaves could marry and have children, they also left their mark on the Egyptian population.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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