\begin{tabular}{l} 19. (1.3, 1.4; DOK 2) Why was Egypt and its surrounding areas a valuable \\ resource? \\ The mountainous terrain protected it from invasion throughout its history. \\ It lay on busy trade routes between central Africa, Egypt, and the Red Sea. \\ Its location on the Mediterranean Sea fostered its seafaring industry. \\ \hline It was located on a rare oasis in the Sahara Desert. \end{tabular}

Egypt's strategic location made it a bustling hub for trade and cultural exchange, connecting various regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The Nile River served as a lifeblood to the civilization, enabling agriculture and facilitating transport, which attracted merchants and travelers from distant lands, further enhancing its wealth and influence. Moreover, the rich natural resources of Egypt, including fertile land due to the annual flooding of the Nile, helped sustain its population and fostered advancements in agriculture. The abundance of materials like papyrus also contributed to Egypt becoming a center for writing and record-keeping, truly making it a beacon of knowledge and innovation in the ancient world.