What does cataracts mean in Egypt?

What does cataracts mean in Egypt?

The word cataract comes from the Greek word Katarakhtes meaning "waterfall". In ancient times, Upper Egypt extended from the Nile Delta to the first cataract. Further upstream, in what is modern Sudan, the land was later controlled by the Kingdom of Kush.

What was the purpose of a cataract in the Nile river?

Besides the Kushite invasion, for most of Egyptian history, the Nile's cataracts, particularly the First Cataract, primarily served as a natural border to prevent most crossings from the south, as those in said region would rely on river travel to venture north and south.

How many cataracts does the Nile river have?

In the south, the Nile has a series of six main cataracts, which begin at the site of Aswan. A cataract is a shallow stretch of turbulent waters formed where flowing waters encounter resistant rock layers.

Where are the 6 cataracts of the Nile?

Yes, the Nile's most significant rapids are the six “Cataracts of the Nile.” The Cataracts of the Nile are a long, shallow stretch of the river between Khartoum, Sudan, and Aswan, Egypt.

What is the first cataract in Egypt?

The Nile River is shown above passing the granite islands that form the first cataract at Aswan City, Egypt. Cataracts occur where outcrops of granite, as well as other resistant rocks, reach the banks of the Nile River.

What are cataracts caused by?

Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye's lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.

How did the cataracts contribute to the development of ancient Egypt’s civilization?

In the far south the Nile's cataracts prevented enemy ships from attacking Egypt. In the north delta marshes stopped invaders who sailed from the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River's physical features prevented enemies to attack the Egyptians. So the Egyptians civilization developed peacefully.

Where are the six cataracts?

Individuals can find the cataracts between Aswan in Egpyt and Khartoum in Sudan. Five of the six major sections are located in Sudan, with one in Egypt at Aswan.

Where is the first cataract?

Aswan City The Nile River is shown above passing the granite islands that form the first cataract at Aswan City, Egypt.

What is the difference between a cataract and a waterfall?

A cataract is a type of waterfall with a large, single vertical drop, usually falling clear of the bedrock. A cascade waterfall is used to describe a waterfall running over an irregular steep surfaced gradient where the water is generally in contact with the river bedrock.

What are the cataracts along the Nile similar to?

The cataracts along the Nile are most similar to where boulders turn the river into churning rapids.

What are the 3 types of cataracts?

There are three primary types of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, cortical and posterior subcapsular.

  • Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts. …
  • Cortical Cataracts. …
  • Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts.

What are the 5 types of cataract?

There are 5 main types of cataracts.

  • Age-related cataract. As you age, a cataract can develop because of natural changes in the lens of your eye. …
  • Traumatic cataract. Serious eye injuries can damage your lens and cause a cataract. …
  • Radiation cataract. Certain types of radiation can cause cataracts. …
  • Pediatric cataract.

Aug 3, 2019

How did cataracts affect the areas along the Nile river?

Nile's cataracts helped and hurt Egypt by flooding every year and bringing down boulders and trees. The Egyptians were protected from invaders due to their geographical features. Furthermore the cataracts in the Nile to the south protected the Egyptians from lands below them. The cataracts were river rapids.

Why were the cataracts of the Nile river ideal places to locate cities?

Why were the cataracts of the Nile River ideal places to locate cities? They provided protection from enemies.

Where are the Nile river cataracts?

The Cataracts of the Nile are shallow lengths of the Nile River, between Khartoum and Aswan, where the surface of the water is broken by many small boulders and stones jutting out of the river bed, as well as many rocky islets.

Why is it called cataract?

Cataract dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning "portcullis." The Latin pertains to the ocular cataract, probably because it obstructs one's vision much like the portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle.

Why are waterfalls called cataracts?

The term “cataract” is derived from the Latin, “cataracta” which means “waterfall” and the Greek” katarhaktes” which means “waterfall, broken water; swooping, rushing down”.

Which type of cataract is most common?

Age-related cataract As you age, a cataract can develop because of natural changes in the lens of your eye. This is called an age-related cataract, and it's the most common type of cataract.

What is the main cause of cataract?

Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye's lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.

What are the 3 cataracts causes?

There are three primary types of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, cortical and posterior subcapsular.

What are the 3 main types of age related cataract?

3 Common Types Of Age Related Cataracts

  • Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract.
  • Cortical Cataract.
  • Posterior Capsular Cataract.
  • Treatment Options For Age Related Cataracts.

Sep 17, 2018

What are cataracts in geography?

cataract, a waterfall (q.v.), especially one containing great volumes of water rushing over a precipice.

Where are the 6 Cataracts of the Nile?

Yes, the Nile's most significant rapids are the six “Cataracts of the Nile.” The Cataracts of the Nile are a long, shallow stretch of the river between Khartoum, Sudan, and Aswan, Egypt.

What was cataract in history?

Cataracts may actually be one of the first ailments people attempted to treat surgically. Our earliest records of it date back to 600 BC. In those days, they used something called the “couching” technique, which involved smacking the eye with a blunt object until the lens dislodged entirely.

What is a cataract in water?

a descent of water over a steep surface; a waterfall, especially one of considerable size. any furious rush or downpour of water; deluge.

What are the 5 types of cataracts?

There are 5 main types of cataracts.

  • Age-related cataract. As you age, a cataract can develop because of natural changes in the lens of your eye. …
  • Traumatic cataract. Serious eye injuries can damage your lens and cause a cataract. …
  • Radiation cataract. Certain types of radiation can cause cataracts. …
  • Pediatric cataract.

Aug 3, 2019

What are the 4 types of cataract?

Cataract types include:

  • Cataracts affecting the center of the lens (nuclear cataracts). …
  • Cataracts that affect the edges of the lens (cortical cataracts). …
  • Cataracts that affect the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts). …
  • Cataracts you're born with (congenital cataracts).

Sep 2, 2021

Where is the first cataract of the Nile?

Aswan City, Egypt The Nile River is shown above passing the granite islands that form the first cataract at Aswan City, Egypt. Cataracts occur where outcrops of granite, as well as other resistant rocks, reach the banks of the Nile River.

What is a cataract in geography?

cataract, a waterfall (q.v.), especially one containing great volumes of water rushing over a precipice.