Boats
Nile River
A felucca (wooden sailing boat) on the Nile with people on board.
Steele, Lawrence E.
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Still image.
Egypt
Photograph of a group of men standing in a line on the banks of the Nile. The rocky terrain of the opposite shore is visible in the image.
Boats and boating
Postcard of several Felluccas (wooden sailing boats) on the Nile.
Photograph of a Dahabiya boat with passengers on the River Nile.
Close-up photograph of two boys swimming.
Photograph of a small village on the banks of the Nile with palm trees.
Irrigation
Photograph of a man irrigating the land using a shaduf on the banks of the Nile. A boy sits on the ground beside the man.
Construction
Image of the construction site for the Aswan Dam.
Photograph of the First Cataract of the Nile River. The image shows a rapid flowing through a rocky landscape.
Distant view of Feluccas (wooden sailing boats) on the Nile. Mountains are visible in the background.
Photograph of a group of people including children at work in a field.
Photograph of a group of people working in a field on the banks of the Nile.
Three Egyptian people resting beside three camels. The camels are carrying goods. More people are visible in the background.
Group of children at the City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt.
Photograph of a group of children in front of structures of the City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt.
Mosques
Photograph of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali including a view of the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, Egypt. Two camels are visible in the foreground.
Photograph of a group of men irrigating the land using shadufs.
Close-up photograph of an Egyptian boy standing next to a saddled donkey with a hilly, arid landscape in the background.
Photograph of a group of Egyptian men on a grassy slope by the banks of the River Nile.
Children
Photograph of a group of children. Two older children are dressed in traditional Egyptian long cloaks. The younger children are dressed in skirts and hats made of straw.
Group of Egyptian on a rocky landscape. Two men in the foreground are standing. The other men are walking in the background.
Structure on the banks of the River Nile.
Photograph of a structure on the banks of the River Nile. Palm trees and a rocky hill are visible in the background.
Close-up photograph of a group of men working on a boat holding large wooden beams.
Group of children on the banks of the River Nile.
Photograph of a group of children on the banks of the River Nile. Buildings and palm trees are visible in the background.
Group of people with camels beside the Nile River.
Photograph of a group of European people on camels beside the first Cataract of the Nile River located just south of Aswan, Egypt. An Egyptian man with a donkey is visible in the foreground.
Two photographs of a group of men at work beside the banks of the Nile River. All men are looking towards the camera. The second photo is a faded version of the first photo and an additional person is visible on the left.
Photograph of a group of Egyptian boys and young men.
View of the Nile River flowing through a rocky landscape.
Photograph of the Nile River flowing through a rocky landscape.
View of the Nile with a small, palm tree-covered island with buildings in the middle of the river. The foreground shows some buildings and a water channel.
Photograph of a group of Egyptian and European people with a donkey. A wall is visible in the background.
Men standing beside piles of sugar cane.
Sugarcane
Photograph of two men standing next to a large pile of sugar cane, with another person walking in the background.
Fisherman casting a net on the banks of the River Nile.
Fishing
Photograph of a fisherman casting a large circular net from a cliff beside the River Nile. Another fisherman is visible in the background.
Egypt, Ancient
Musical instruments
Photograph of four men playing musical instruments in a desert landscape. One man is elaborately dressed. A smiling man is visible in the background.
Glass slide.
Egyptian man resting beside a donkey in the desert. Another donkey is visible in the background beside a rocky hill.
Group of people on a riverbank next to a steamboat.
Steamboats
Photograph of a group of people on the banks of the River Nile next to a steamboat. Some people are also visible on the boat.
Photograph of two men pictured in front of a building on the shore of the River Nile.
Villages--Egypt
Photograph of a group of people walking beside a hill. Some have sun umbrellas. A village is visible in the background.
Fishing boats
Photograph taken from a rocky shore of a small fishing vessel on the Nile River. Some figures are visible on the boat and the opposite shore can be seen in the background.
Photograph of a village on the Nile River. A group of women are visible at the shore washing clothes.
Maps
Historical map of Egypt from the Delta to Beni-Suef. The map details the course of the Nile River, the surrounding desert areas, and major cities and landmarks from that time.
Philae (Egypt)
Photograph of the island of Philae, located in the Nile River near Aswan, Egypt. The image shows the rocky landscape of the island.
View of a tall, fortified mud-brick building.
Buildings
Photograph of a village with a tall, fortified mud-brick building and a grove of palm trees.
Cliffs
Photograph taken from a boat of a cliff face. The front section of the boat is visible in the image.
Photograph of a fishing vessel with two masts beside a cliff face. Some people are on the vessel.
Photograph of a group of Egyptian and European people. An Egyptian couple feature in the foreground. The man sits on a donkey and the woman is walking with a Egyptian water vessel on her head.
Harbors--Egypt
Distant view of Wadi al-Jarf, an ancient harbor site on the Red Sea coast of Egypt.
Photograph of a steamboat named "Thewfikieh". The boat is docked, and people are visible on the deck and on the gangway. The vessel is decorated with numerous flags.
Photograph of two Dahabiya boats with passengers coming into shore. Two smaller boats are visible in the image.
Sailboats
Photograph of a sailboat on a river. A woman in a long dress is on the boat's deck, which appears to be laden with cargo. A man in a turban is seated further back on the boat. The boat has a large sail, part of which is visible on the right side of the image. The background shows a tree-lined bank reflecting in the water.
Photograph of two men on board a boat. The figure on the left is steering the boat and his head is covered. The other figure is at the front of the boat looking ahead. Mountains are visible in the background.
Photograph of a cliff face across water.
Photograph taken from the water of an ancient village. Figures are visible at the shore.
Bridges
Photograph of the Qasr El Nil Bridge in Cairo, Egypt. It shows the bridge's entrance with one of the iconic lion statues. People with camels are also present in the photograph.
Aerial view of the Aswan Dam and surrounding region on the Nile River in Egypt.
Aswan Dam (Egypt)
Map depicting an erial view of the Aswan Dam and surrounding region on the Nile River in Egypt.
Distant view of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo, Egypt.
Seas
Drawing from a rocky seashore. Rocks are visible in the foreground leading out to the sea.
Timeline of the Egyptian Empire, covering the period from 4777 B.C. to 340 A.D.
Timeline of the Egyptian Empire covering the period from 4777 to 340 BC. The timeline highlights significant rulers and dynasties.
Map of the Eastern World in the 14th century B.C.
Map of the Eastern World in the 14th century B.C. The map shows the territories of several ancient empires and kingdoms, and is likely from a historical text.
Map of the Suez Canal and surrounding areas.
Suez Canal (Egypt)
Image of a map showing the route of the Suez Canal and the surrounding area, including the Libyan Desert and the Red Sea.
View of the River Nile with a group of people at work.
Photograph of a group of people at work by the River Nile.
Waterfalls
Photograph of Ripon Falls, on the Nile River. The image shows a waterfall with trees visible on the river shore and adjacent to the waterfall.
Photograph of the River Nile showing boats, trees and a bridge.
Geology
Sketch showing the principal geological features of Egypt and Nubia. The map shows four main geological features: Alluvium, Limestone, Sandstone, and Crystalline Rocks.
Pets
Sarcophagi
Rocks
Photograph of a rock face with some holes carved into it.
Mummies--Egypt
Photograph of a mummified head. The neck and shoulders are also visible in the image.
Toys
Dolls
Photograph of two dolls made of string. One doll is large with long hair and the other is small with beaded hair. The smaller doll is from the tomb BH 420 in necropolis of Beni Hasan and was made in the First Intermediate Period, 2160-2055 BCE. It is now owned by Eton College, England, in the Myers Collection.
View of the ancient Sumerian city of Ur.
Tombs--Egypt
Distant view across the desert of the ancient Sumerian city of Ur. The ruins of a temple like structure are in the centre of the photograph with mountains visible in the background. There is a tomb like structure in the foreground.
Relief (Art)
Photograph of a relief carving of three people and a dead animal. Sections of another mural are also visible.
Photograph of a mummified head with long hair.
Floor plans
Plan and cross-sections of the tomb of Thutmose III in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.
Illustration of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Hieroglyphics
Photograph from a book featuring a illustration of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The text at the bottom identifies the subject as "Thoutmes III," referring to the pharaoh Thutmose III, and mentions the "Première salle" (First hall) and the "Début du Catalogue des divinités" (Beginning of the Catalogue of divinities).
Illustration from a book featuring a photograph of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The text at the bottom identifies the subject as "Thoutmes III," referring to the pharaoh Thutmose III, and mentions the "Première salle" (First hall) and the "Début du Catalogue des divinités" (Beginning of the Catalogue of divinities).
Photograph of the mummified head and shoulders of Thutmose III. Some cloth has been placed inside the mouth.
Stele (Archaeology)
Painted wooden stela depicting the tomb of Sennefer.
Mural from the tomb of Thutmose III in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt.
Mural painting and decoration, Egyptian
Photograph of a portion of the mural from the tomb of Thutmose III in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt. The mural depicts Thutmose III and members of his royal family.
Boats and boating in art
Mural from a tomb depicting boating on the River Nile. Two rocks are in the foreground of the photograph.
Mummies
Drawing of two sarcophagi illustrating the process of mummification and burial practices in ancient Egypt.
Mummy in a glass case displayed in the Cairo Museum.
Photograph of a section of wall from the remains of the ancient city of Nineveh.
The Sanctuary, Temple of Horus at Edfu, with Egyptian guide in foreground.
Temples
The Temple of Edfu is an Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. The city was known in the Hellenistic period in Koine Greek as Ἀπόλλωνος πόλις and in Latin as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus, who was identified as Apollo under the interpretatio graeca.It is one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt. The temple was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Hellenistic period in Egypt. In particular, the Temple's inscribed building texts "provide details [both] of its construction, and also preserve information about the mythical interpretation of this and all other temples as the Island of Creation."There are also "important scenes and inscriptions of the Sacred Drama which related the age-old conflict between Horus and Seth."They are translated by the Edfu-Project.
Still image
Bas-relief showing carved soldiers. Possibly the Temple of Isis, Philae temple complex.
Art, Egyptian
Bas-relief showing carved soldiers. Possible Temple of Isis, Philae temple complex.
Capitals of columns of the Temple of Philae complex.
The Philae temple complex (/ˈfaɪliː/; Ancient Greek: Φιλαί or Φιλή and Πιλάχ, Arabic: فيلة Egyptian Arabic: [fiːlæ], Egyptian: p3-jw-rķ' or 'pA-jw-rq; Coptic: ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕ, ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕϩ,[ Coptic pronunciation: [ˈpilɑk, ˈpilɑkh]) is an island-based temple complex in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Egypt in Africa. Originally, the temple complex was located on Philae Island, near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt. These rapids and the surrounding area have been variously flooded since the initial construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. With the construction of the modern dam in Aswan (1960–1970) a few kilometers upstream, this temple was going to face total flooding and was initially omitted from the Nubia Campaign project to rescue all temples in the area and avoid what had previously happened with the Aswan Low Dam and the Temple of Philae. However, the importance of the monumental complex, formerly known as the Pearl of the Nile, remembered for the description by Pierre Loti in his literary work Mort de Philae, led to further commitment from UNESCO member countries, which launched an international competition to save the monuments of Philae.
Photograph of a tomb entrance with a person standing by the gated entrance, which is set into a rocky hillside.
View of the Nile across Island of Philae with boats.
Egypt-- Aswan Dam
The island of Philae, submerged due to the completion of the Aswan Low Dam (Assouan Dam) - 1906. The Philae temple complex (/ˈfaɪliː/; Ancient Greek: Φιλαί or Φιλή and Πιλάχ, Arabic: فيلة Egyptian Arabic: [fiːlæ], Egyptian: p3-jw-rķ' or 'pA-jw-rq; Coptic: ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕ, ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕϩ,[ Coptic pronunciation: [ˈpilɑk, ˈpilɑkh]) is an island-based temple complex in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Egypt in Africa. Originally, the temple complex was located on Philae Island, near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt. These rapids and the surrounding area have been variously flooded since the initial construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. With the construction of the modern dam in Aswan (1960–1970) a few kilometers upstream, this temple was going to face total flooding and was initially omitted from the Nubia Campaign project to rescue all temples in the area and avoid what had previously happened with the Aswan Low Dam and the Temple of Philae. However, the importance of the monumental complex, formerly known as the Pearl of the Nile, remembered for the description by Pierre Loti in his literary work Mort de Philae, led to further commitment from UNESCO member countries, which launched an international competition to save the monuments of Philae.
Canyons
Aerial view of the cliffs and canyons of Wadi en-Nar.
Egypt--Aswan Dam
Map of the Island of Philae, submerged due to the completion of the Aswan Low Dam (Assouan Dam) - 1906. The Philae temple complex (/ˈfaɪliː/; Ancient Greek: Φιλαί or Φιλή and Πιλάχ, Arabic: فيلة Egyptian Arabic: [fiːlæ], Egyptian: p3-jw-rķ' or 'pA-jw-rq; Coptic: ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕ, ⲡⲓⲗⲁⲕϩ,[ Coptic pronunciation: [ˈpilɑk, ˈpilɑkh]) is an island-based temple complex in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Egypt in Africa. Originally, the temple complex was located on Philae Island, near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt. These rapids and the surrounding area have been variously flooded since the initial construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. With the construction of the modern dam in Aswan (1960–1970) a few kilometers upstream, this temple was going to face total flooding and was initially omitted from the Nubia Campaign project to rescue all temples in the area and avoid what had previously happened with the Aswan Low Dam and the Temple of Philae. However, the importance of the monumental complex, formerly known as the Pearl of the Nile, remembered for the description by Pierre Loti in his literary work Mort de Philae, led to further commitment from UNESCO member countries, which launched an international competition to save the monuments of Philae.
Sarcophagus of Apis bull, Serapeum of Saqqara.
The Serapeum of Saqqara was the ancient Egyptian burial place for sacred bulls of the Apis cult at Memphis. It was believed that the bulls were incarnations of the god Ptah, which would become immortal after death as Osiris-Apis, a name which evolved to Serapis (Σέραπις) in the Hellenistic period, and Userhapi (ⲟⲩⲥⲉⲣϩⲁⲡⲓ) in Coptic. It is one of the animal catacombs in the Saqqara necropolis, which also contains the burial vaults of the mother cows of the Apis, the Iseum. Over a timespan of approximately 1400 years, from the New Kingdom of Egypt to the end of the Ptolemaic Period, at least sixty Apis are attested to have been interred at the Serapeum. For the earliest burials, isolated tombs were constructed. As the cult gained importance, underground galleries were dug that connected subsequent burial chambers. Above ground, the main temple enclosure was supplemented by shrines, workshops, housing and administrative quarters. From the Late Period onward, most Apis were buried in large sarcophagi, which weigh around 40 tonnes (88,000 lb) and have 25 t (55,000 lb) lids. They were moved with the help of winches, rollers and levers. To lower them into their final position the chambers were first filled with sand, which was then gradually removed. Only four of the 24 surviving sarcophagi are inscribed. The quality of the inscriptions varies, the ones of Amasis II were beautifully executed, whereas those on an anonymous sarcophagus were only crudely scratched on the polished surface. The Serapeum was closed in the beginning of the Roman period, after 30 BC. In the subsequent centuries large-scale looting took place. Many of the superstructures were dismantled, the burial vaults broken into, and most of the mummified Apis and their opulent burial goods removed. In 1850 Auguste Mariette rediscovered the Serapeum, and excavated it the following years. He found two undisturbed Apis burials, as well as thousands of objects related to centuries of cult activity. These included commemorative stela with dates relating to the life and death of the Apis and the construction of their burial vaults. This data was crucial for the establishment of an Egyptian chronology in the 19th century. The Greater Vaults of the Serapeum, known for the large sarcophagi of the mummified bulls, are accessible to visitors.
Tomb wall painting from the tomb of Baqet III at Beni Hasan.
Photograph of a tomb wall painting from the tomb of Baqet III at Beni Hasan depicting wrestling scenes.
Hypostyle Hall, Temple of Hathor, Dendera temple complex. European woman in foreground.
The Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, Egypt, is a magnificent Ptolemaic-era hall featuring a forest of colossal, intricately carved sandstone columns crowned with Hathor's face. Its vividly painted ceiling is adorned with celestial motifs, zodiac symbols, and hieroglyphs depicting gods and rituals, creating a breathtaking sacred atmosphere. This well-preserved hall showcases ancient Egyptian artistic skill, religious beliefs, and architectural ingenuity from the late Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
False door from the tomb of the ancient Egyptian official Metjetji on display in the Cairo Museum.
False door from the tomb of the ancient Egyptian official Metjetji displayed in the Cairo Museum. The inscriptions on the door include the deceased's name and titles, as well as offering formulas.
A bas-relief of figures with boats- possibly from the Temple of Dendur.
View of the River Nile, with boats and figures, Aswan.
A view of the River Nile, with boats and figures, Aswan.
Wall relief carving depicting scenes from daily life.
Tomb wall painting from the Temple of Deir el-Medina.
Photograph of an ancient Egyptian tomb wall painting depicting a scene from the Temple of Deir el-Medina.
The Temple of Dendur (Dendoor in the 19th century) is a Roman Egyptian religious structure originally located in Tuzis (later Dendur), Nubia about 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of modern Aswan. Around 23 BCE, Emperor Augustus commissioned the temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis and deified brothers Pedesi and Pihor from Nubia. In 1963, as part of the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, UNESCO helped rescue and relocate the temple from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam.[5] Egypt gave the temple to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which has exhibited it since 1978. Petronius, the Roman governor of Egypt, built the Temple of Dendur at the request of Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome that included Egypt at that time. Originally named Octavian, Augustus became emperor after defeating Mark Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra in 31 BCE. During his reign, Augustus had Egyptian-style temples built and dedicated to Egyptian gods and goddesses. However, he only commissioned a few temples in Nubia. One of those was the Temple of Dendur which he placed on the west bank of the Nile river in Tuzis (later Dendur, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of modern Aswan). Construction started in 23 BCE and finished in 10 BCE. Augustus used the temple to legitimize and maintain his rule.[2] Part of his strategy was connecting his name and image with Isis, the primary deity in Dendur, and the local cult of Pedesi and Pihor. It was more than a temple—it was also a home for the gods. When the local people visited the temple and brought traditional gifts of incense, wine, cold water, clothing, food, and milk, they nurtured their ruler, Augustus, and also ensured their community's prosperity. In the sixth century, Coptic Christians used the temple as a church. When Egypt increased the height of the Aswan Low Dam in 1933, the temple's proximity to the Nile was problematic. The temple complex began flooding for nine months each year.