|
The first major shipping canal was constructed under Pepi I (6th Dynasty), when the rocks of the first cataract were pierced. This helped the Egyptian army to extend their hold on Nubia, from where raids had been conducted against Upper Egypt. The canal was also of economic significance, enabling the transport of blocks of granite and obelisks downriver on sizable ships. The canal had a length of 90 metres, was ten metres wide and nine metres deep, carved through granite.
Senusret III (12th dynasty) ordered the excavation of a 75 metre long canal at the first cataract which had to be repaired eight years later.
The easternmost of the seven arms of the Nile used to flow into the Red Sea, east through the depression of Wadi Tumilat into the area taken up nowadays by the Bitter Lakes and from there south to the Red Sea. This gave the early Egyptians a direct naval link to East Africa, Arabia and possibly even India. The Tumilat canal seems to have become repeatedly obstructed and reconnected.
The first documents concerning a direct link between the Nile and the Red Sea date to the late Old Kingdom. It appears that by the time of Pepi II the northern part of this waterway was not navigable anymore. Dismantled ships were transported to the Bitter Lakes and rebuilt. By the Middle Kingdom the southern part of this route had become blocked too, and under Mentuhotep III Punt had to be reached through Wadi Hammamat. The Tumilat canal was possibly restored during the 12th dynasty and was seemingly navigable during the reigns of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III who made intensive use of their navy for both economic and military ventures...........
LINK 1. CLICK HERE for Rest of Story found at this internet address:
http://nefertiti.iwebland.com/timelines/topics/canals.htm
Email this interesting website to my friend. CLICK HERE
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.)
| 
