Trade with foreign nations and tribes was vital to the Egyptians. It allowed them to gain access to goods and resources which their lands were unable to produce. Some of these resources could be gathered through tribute paid to Pharaoh from the regions surrounding Egypt. While not under direct government control, the vassal tribes in these regions were influenced by Egyptian rule and culture and were obliged to honour Pharaoh with regular gifts. These were then presented as rewards to officials, helping to distribute them through the entire Egyptian economy.
