OASIS (Gr. &toss, the name given by

See also:

• HERODOTUS (c. 484-425 B.C.)

Herodotus to the fertile spots in the Libyan

See also:

• DESERT

desert: it probably represents an

See also:

• EGYPTIAN

Egyptian word, cf. Coptic ouahe, ouih, to dwell, from which the Egyptian Arabic sod is derived)  , a fertile spot surrounded by desert . For example, where the high plateau of the Libyan desert descends into a longitudinal valley between Syrtis and the Nile delta there are a few spots where the water comes to the surface or is found in shallow wells . It may come to the surface in springs, upon the artesian principle, or it may collect and remain in mountain hollows . These areas are of small extent and are closely cultivated, and support thick forests of date-palms . All kinds of tropical vegetables, grains and small fruits grow under cultivation, and land- is so precious in these limited areas of great richness and fertility that very narrow pathways divide each owner's plot from his neighbour's . Wherever oases are found they present similar features, and are naturally the halting-places and points of departure of desert caravans .