(1) Modern crowds that flood museums to view fabled treasures of Egyptian art are still captivated by the spell of one of the oldest and most alluring civilizations in history. (2)Almost as old as the civilization founded in Mesopotamia during
the fourth millennium B. C.E., Egyptian civilization provides a fascinating contrast to that of Mesopotamia because it was
characterized by stability and serenity as opposed to the turmoil and tension of Mesopotamia. (3)Not only were the
Egyptians peaceful for long periods of their ancient history, but surviving Egyptian statuary and painted human figures
often seem to smile and bask in the sun as if they were on summer vacation.
(4)Environmental factors best explain the striking differences. (5)Since the Mesopotamian climate was harsh, and since
the Tigris and Euphrates flooded irregularly, the Mesopotamians could not view nature as dependably life-enhancing.
(6)Furthermore, since Mesopotamia, located on an open plain, was not geographically protected from foreign
incursions, its inhabitants were necessarily on continual military alert. (7) Egyptian civilization, on the other hand, was
centered on the dependably life-enhancing Nile. (8)Not only did the richly fertile soil of the Nile valley provide great
agricultural wealth, but the Nile flooded regularly year after year during the summer months and always receded in time
for a bountiful growing season, offering Egyptians the feeling that nature was predictable and benign. (9)In addition,
since the Nile valley was surrounded by deserts and the Red Sea, Egypt was comparatively free from threats of foreign
Invasion.
3. According to the passage, the Nile was
a. more beautiful than the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
b. larger than the Tigris and Euphrates.
c. more predictable than the Tigris and Euphrates.
d. deeper than the Tigris and Euphrates.