Aswan Dam has influenced ancient monuments

While Egypt is best known for its ancient archaeological treasures, those taking a trip down the River Nile will see that it is also a place that has been dramatically affected by more modern construction projects.

At Aswan, a mighty 111-metre high dam controls the flow of Africa’s longest river. A monumental construction project started in the 1960s, the completed Aswan Dam is a truly impressive sight and a piece of engineering that has had a tremendous influence over the area.

However, while controlling the Nile’s floods gave people in the region greater certainty, it did create some problems for Egypt’s older pieces of history – forcing in some cases their relocation.

Particular ancient treasures in the area include the Abu Simbel temples to the south of Aswan created during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, famous for their four huge carved figures, and the beautiful Philae temple located on an island in the river.

Written by Alex Cochrane

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