Ancient Egyptian Seasons

The Egyptian seasons corresponded with the flooding of the river Nile; Akhet (Flooding season) from June to October, Peret (Growing season),October to February and Shemu (Harvesting season), February to June. Akhet consisted of the months of Thoth, Paophi, Athyr and Khoyak; Peret of Tybi, Mekhir, Phamenat and Pharmuti; Shemu of Pakhons, Payni, Epiphi and Mesore.

There were three seasons.

Akhet

It was the flooding season from June- September. The water, mud and silt from the river was washed up over the river banks creating a fertile growing area. All the fields were flooded during this time and naturally farming did not take place. Farmers took to other jobs during this season. People went around in boats.

Peret

It was the growing season from October to February. When floods receded, farmers ploughed the soil ready for farming. They had large ploughs pulled by oxen and hand ploughs

Shemu

Shemu was the harvesting season from March to May. The fully grown crops were cut down and removed before the next flooding season. Reapers cut the ripe corn with wooden sickles edged with sharp flints. Women and children followed behind the reapers to collect any fallen ears of corn.