Why was the Nile River so important to the Egyptians?

The presence of the Nile River and the Nile River Valley in Ancient Egypt greatly influenced the culture of its people. The ancient Egyptians began with small settlements around the Nile River and were able to make permanent settlements only because of the presence of the Nile. As the Egyptian civilization grew, it became even more dependent on the Nile and its’ role in their economy. Finally, because of the Ancient Egyptian dependence on the Nile River, it became a centerpiece of their religious practices and their belief in the afterlife. These are a few of the major ways that the Nile River played a significant role in Ancient Egyptian culture.