These things were: writing (cuneiform), basic algebra and geometry, and calendars. It is remarkable to think that a people who existed around 3,000 years before the arrival of Christ could have created such things when the world was so primitive. Cultural diffusion occurred when other civilizations learned things from contact with the Sumerians. The civilized people of the world denigrated Sumer. Egypt had a vast civilization that lasted a long time. However, without the Nile, there would have been no Egypt because this civilization depended on the Nile flooding at certain times of the year. Egypt is located in North Africa, a mostly arid region. The Nile provides fertile soil, fresh water and means of transportation. Neolithic farmers took advantage of the fertile soil of the Nile Valley to grow wheat and flax (used for clothing). Not only did the Nile contribute to the production of resources, but it also helped Egypt become the first unified country in the world.