Travel News
EGYPT AND MIDDLE EAST TOURS
Elephantine Island: A meeting point of two ancient cultures
During a tour of Egypt, travelers visiting the city of Aswan will want to make a trip to Elephantine, an island in the middle of the Nile that once served as the meeting place for different ancient cultures.
Named for the fact that its shape resembles that of an elephant's tusk, the island once sat on the border between Egypt and Nubia. This made it an important hub for travel, trade and defense between the two civilizations. Additionally, Egyptian mythology says that Elephantine is the home of Khnum, a god who controlled the waters of the Nile.
Today, visitors to Elephantine can see the legacy of this ancient culture by exploring the ruins that still remain there. Some of these relics include a granite step pyramid and a small shrine. Moreover, the island is home to two nilometers, tools used by Egyptians to gauge the flow and level of the river during its annual flood season.
Travelers can also learn about the island's historical importance at the Aswan Museum. Located at the southern end of the island, this facility holds a large collection of artifacts that were uncovered during archaeological excavations in the area.
Posted: June 7, 2011
| OTHER EGYPT AND MIDDLE EAST TOURS ARTICLES |
| > |
No rock 'n' roll legends in Memphis, Egypt
Posted: May 23, 2012
|
| > |
Egypt through the ages in Dendarah
Posted: May 18, 2012
|
| > |
A white wonderland in an Egyptian desert
Posted: May 15, 2012
|
| > |
Pay your respects to history at the Western Wall
Posted: May 3, 2012
|
| > |
Exotic fauna on Kitchener Island
Posted: April 20, 2012
|
| > |
Walk along the shores of Egypt's ancient lifeline, Lake Qarun
Posted: April 13, 2012
|
| > |
Dive into the reefs of the Red Sea in Eilat
Posted: April 12, 2012
|
| > |
Nature in luxury in Sharm el Sheikh
Posted: March 29, 2012
|
| > |
Uncover an Egyptian treasure at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Posted: March 19, 2012
|
| > |
Hike the path of Jesus from Cana
Posted: March 16, 2012
|
| > |
From the ashes, Ajloun Castle
Posted: February 27, 2012
|
| > |
Dive into relics in Safaga
Posted: February 15, 2012
|
| > |
Sacred spots in the Garden of Gethsemane
Posted: February 2, 2012
|
| > |
Monuments and mosaics in Madaba
Posted: January 25, 2012
|
| > |
Qatzrin, in the land of oil and wine
Posted: January 17, 2012
|
| > |
Simmer down in Tel Aviv
Posted: January 9, 2012
|
| > |
Safeguarded Egypt in Edfu Horus Temple
Posted: January 6, 2012
|
| > |
Duality in Kom Ombo Temple
Posted: December 30, 2011
|
| > |
Tutankhamun’s legacy in Saqqara
Posted: December 23, 2011
|
| > |
Essential Egypt in Luxor
Posted: December 13, 2011
|
| > |
Wash onto the shores of ancient Caesarea
Posted: December 9, 2011
|
| > |
Find your own oasis in Bahariya
Posted: November 23, 2011
|
| > |
Visit Jesus' childhood home on a Holy Land tour
Posted: November 4, 2011
|
| > |
Embark on a museum crawl in Amman
Posted: October 31, 2011
|
| > |
Dive into an Egypt tour in Sinai
Posted: October 31, 2011
|
| > |
Admire the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' on a tour of Egypt
Posted: October 28, 2011
|
| > |
Spice up a tour of Israel by visiting the Negev Desert
Posted: October 12, 2011
|
| > |
Ancient Rome meets modern Jordan at Jerash
Posted: September 29, 2011
|
| > |
Travel to Jordan to appreciate ancient artwork in the desert
Posted: September 26, 2011
|
| > |
A tour of Turkey might include a pilgrimage to St. Nick's birthplace
Posted: September 22, 2011
|
| > |
Explore Haifa during a tour of the Holy Land
Posted: September 21, 2011
|
| > |
Take in the views from the top of Cairo Tower
Posted: June 22, 2011
|
| > |
Explore Jordan's scenic Wadi Rum
Posted: June 14, 2011
|
| > |
See the ancient Khufu ship on a visit to Egypt
Posted: May 31, 2011
|
| > |
See artifacts from ancient history at the Egyptian Museum
Posted: May 18, 2011
|
| > |
Get in touch with the ancient past at Jabal al-Qal'a in Amman
Posted: May 9, 2011
|
| > |
Go diving at Egypt's Ras Muhammad National Park
Posted: May 4, 2011
|
| > |
Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem
Posted: April 28, 2011
|
| > |
Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel
Posted: April 13, 2011
|
| > |
Go for a dip in the Dead Sea
Posted: April 8, 2011
|
| > |
Visit the stunning ruins of Petra in Jordan
Posted: March 30, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
