Garden of Egypt, Irrigation, Society, and the State in the Premodern Fayum

Brendan Haug's "Garden of Egypt" offers a comprehensive environmental history of Egypt's Fayyum depression, spanning from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. The book meticulously examines the intricate interplay between human societies, water management, and the environment in this unique region.

Haug masterfully interweaves diverse sources, including ancient Greek papyri and medieval Arabic literature, to illuminate the long-term evolution of the Fayyum's irrigation systems.

The study reveals how the Nile's water, local farmers' practices, and state power continuously shaped the landscape over centuries.

Ultimately, "Garden of Egypt" provides a nuanced understanding of human-environment interactions and the resilience of socio-ecological systems.