In ancient Egyptian times, bread and beer were probably the two main things that were usually consumed by most poor people, unlike the rich, who were able to get some other types of foods, such as meat, into their diet. They would also raise ducks, and chickens, and grow lettuce and grapes. More importantly, they were able to get their food because of the Nile River's yearly flooding and water, which they could use for farming and drinking. Also, the Nile was a good trade route to take advantage of; ships could sail on it and people could drop anchor and trade with the locals. Trade was important because it allowed people to get food and other materials needed for people to survive, such as leather. With trade, the Egyptians could be able to obtain items to use for building, clothes, and rituals. Sometimes even tomb robbers would trade in their loot! Trade also showed friendship with other nations; gifts such as jewelry would be given to one ruler of a country from a ruler in another.