How did the Nile effect ancient Egyptian commerce?

Answer 1

The Nile made the passage of goods a relatively easy task and therefore a great boon to commercial activity. The Nile is a broad slow moving river ideal for moving goods and produce on barges. The current runs from south to north and the prevailing wind blows from the north. This allows barges to drift on the current when moving north and sail against it in the opposite direction. Oars can be to used in either direction to speed up the process when required.

The Nile drains into the Mediterranean Sea which permitted the Egyptians to trade with important trading nations such as the Phonecians, Minoans and later the Greeks. At one stage they also dug a canal to improve their access to the Red Sea.