 Russel estimated the Egyptian village population to be 3 @.@ 3 million in 2 @,@ 300 villages , a high density for rural populations in the time period . He attributes it to the high productivity of Egyptian soil which allowed for increased agricultural growth . The urban population was much lower , 233 @,@ 100 , consisting of 5 @.@ 7 % of the total Egyptian population . The largest cities were Cairo ( pop . 60 @,@ 000 ) , Alexandria ( pop . 30 @,@ 000 ) , Qus ( pop . 25 @,@ 000 ) , Damietta ( pop . 18 @,@ 000 ) , <unk> ( pop . 13 @,@ 000 ) , and Bilbeis ( pop . 10 @,@ 000 ) . Numerous smaller cities dotted the Nile River . Among the latter were <unk> , Asyut , and Tanta . Cities in Egypt were also densely populated , mainly because of greater urbanization and industrialization than elsewhere . 
