Nile

XVII International Congress of Classical Archaeology, Roma 22-26 Sept. 2008 Session: Portus, Ostia and the Ports of the Roman Mediterranean. Contributions from Archaeology and History

Emad Khalil

The Sea, the River and the Lake: All the Waterways Lead to Alexandria

Introduction Economic and social activities in the Alexandria region were influenced by three main water bodies throughout its history; the Mediterranean Sea, the River Nile and Lake Mareotis, which extended to the south and west of the city. Almost everybody travelled to Alexandria by means of water. From Alexandria, Egypt was very much accessible via Lake Mareotis and the Nile1. Ancient Alexandria was located on the northwestern edge of the Nile Delta, opposite to, and protected by, a relatively large offshore island, the Pharos Island, which had made the area suitable for being utilised as a harbour since the pre-Hellenistic period2. Such a unique location has played a significant role in the foundation and development of the city throughout its history. However, the main privilege of the site of Alexandria was not its location in relation to the sea coast but to the River Nile. The Nile was the main water body that affected most aspects of life in Egypt. It was the spine of the transport system in Egypt until the early 20th century. Virtually, all movable articles travelled by means of the Nile, which was the principal and cheapest means of internal transport. From Aswan in Upper Egypt to the Nile Delta in the north, a distance of about 1100km, the Nile ran without any substantial obstacles, except for the shoals that were occasionally formed from the accumulation of Nile sediments. Moreover, the river was navigable in both directions, particularly during high flood when protruding rocks and shallows were submerged beneath the water. The water flowed from south to north, enabling river vessels to drift northwards, while boats sailing upstream were aided by the prevailing northerly and the...