The Nile River was essential to life and travel in ancient Egypt. It flooded annually, depositing nutrient-rich soil along its banks and allowing for the cultivation of crops. The Nile also served as the primary method of transporting goods and people, as there were no roads, with smaller boats carrying grain and larger ships transporting livestock. Major structures like the Sphinx were built alongside the river so the Egyptians could live near it and use it for transportation.