Final answer:
The Sahara desert was important to the ancient Egyptians for protection, as a source of valuable resources, and as a hub for trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sahara desert held importance to the ancient Egyptians in several ways. First, it acted as a natural barrier, providing protection against invasions from neighboring regions. Second, the desert served as a source of valuable resources such as salt, which was mined from sites like Taghaza and traded with West African villages. Salt was highly prized and stored alongside gold nuggets in the royal treasury. Finally, the Sahara's oases were crucial hubs that connected trade routes, allowing the movement of goods across the region.