How did the desert on both sides of the nile the ancient egypts?

The desert on the Nile helped the Egyptians to concentrate political control over the areas along the river because life was centralized around this region. The people in the region did not live far from the river so it allowed the Egyptian pharaohs to establish control of the river valley and most of the inhabitants of Egypt. In addition the desert served as a natural barrier against invading armies or potential threats.