Seheil Island: A Hidden Paradise

In southern Egypt near Aswan Seheil Island is an archaeological treasure that shows the ancient Egyptian civilization.

It was not just a passing island in the middle of the Nile waters, but rather a sacred symbol containing the secrets of the Pharaohs in addition to its great inscriptions engraved on its steadfast rocks testifying to its status as it was used as accurate measurements to track the Nile flood, the lifeline that determined the fate of ancient Egypt.

We will learn together through our article more details about the island, so follow us.

Components of Seheil Island

Seheil Island hides secrets in the folds of its rocks from ancient times as ancient inscriptions and rock art are spread that tell of the greatness of the Pharaohs.

Some historians also believe that it was home to the ancient city of Tiss the third capital of Nome during the Old Kingdom era which increases its historical status.

Today, the island has turned into a distinctive tourist destination that gives its visitors a rare opportunity to explore its ancient monuments amidst captivating nature.

Scattered along its southern hills are more than 250 sacred inscriptions many of which were dedicated to the worship of the goddess Anqet and her companion Khnum dating back to different eras from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period. 

These inscriptions were not just stone decorations, but rather prayers carved into the rock written by travelers and officials as an expression of their gratitude for safely crossing the treacherous Nile Falls, and documenting their movements and exploratory journeys there leaving us with immortal traces across the ages. 

The most famous landmarks of Seheil Island

At the top of the eastern hill of Seheil Island lies one of its greatest archaeological treasures, the “Famine Stella” inscription which tells a touching story dating back to the Third Dynasty specifically during the reign of King Zoser and Horus.

This inscription is not just a rocky monument, but rather a living testimony that tells the suffering of the ancient Egyptians with famine and how the pharaohs sought to appease the gods to ensure the flow of life in the Nile. 

In another place on the island there was a chapel dedicated to the goddess Anket built during the reign of King Amenemhat II, but time has left only a little of it.

As for the nearby Nubian village excavations have revealed the remains of a small temple to the god Khnum the god associated with the Nile and the creation of life.

Walking among the island’s rocks is like a journey through the pages of history where hieroglyphic inscriptions dedicated to honoring Khnum and Anket are scattered alongside royal maps that tell mysterious stories from the depths of the Pharaonic civilization.

But the magic of Sohail Island is not limited to its monuments, but extends to its picturesque nature that captivates the heart.

When you climb the high hills you will enjoy a stunning view of the southern waterfalls area where narrow channels and distinctive rocks known as “cataracts” were formed over time which remained until nearly a century ago. Reaching the island is an enjoyable trip in itself.

Visitors can take a boat in the early morning or at sunset to find themselves in the arms of a Nubian community that welcomes them with traditional tea that demonstrates Egyptian generosity.

The visit is not complete without wandering through the small markets where handicrafts, carved dolls and Pharaonic jewelry are displayed to be an eternal memory of a journey through time.

What is the story behind the rock carvings on Seheil Island?

Seheil Island was known as “Sats” and was a hidden treasure for ancient Egyptian civilization as it contained huge quantities of raw granite the basic material used by the pharaohs in building their temples and decorating their great monuments.

These rocks were not just natural resources but became stone pages on which travelers and workers engraved their stories to remain a witness to the changes of time.

In 1887 the famous Egyptologist Flinders Petrie was able to decipher the past when he discovered thousands of hieroglyphic inscriptions and sketches that decorated the island’s rocks.

These inscriptions also carried stories about the adventurers’ journeys to Nubia and precise details about the historical events they experienced. 

The oldest of these inscriptions dates back to the Middle Kingdom specifically to the reign of King Mentuhotep I of the Eleventh Dynasty passing through different eras that witnessed the presence of great queens and emperors such as Queen Hatshepsut and King Thutmose III.

Among the most wonderful pieces of this evidence are engravings that tell of the extraction of huge objects from granite in a unique engineering achievement.

The “Famine Stele” is one of the most important works carved on the rocks of Sohail Island and it is a living testimony to the development of the art of sculpture in ancient Egypt.

 It is also likely that the date of its engraving dates back more than 4,600 years as it tells the story of the Egyptians’ suffering from famine which makes it not just an engraving but something immortal that tells about the situations of time and the secrets of a civilization that continues to amaze the world..

The most famous rock carvings on Seheil Island

The “Famine Stele” is one of the most important archaeological engravings carved on the rocks of Seheil Island as it documents a unique story whose roots go back to the reign of King djoser one of the greatest kings of the Third Dynasty in the Old Kingdom era. 

This stele consists of texts precisely engraved on a rectangular surface of granite, and it was recorded in hieroglyphics in 32 vertical columns, to tell the details of a stifling crisis that swept the country at that time and the king’s efforts to end it.

On the top of the eastern hill of the island this tablet which was engraved in the Ptolemaic era recounts events that occurred more than 2,500 years earlier.

However some historians believe that the story may have been invented by the priests of the god Khnum who sought to establish his influence in the conscience of the Egyptians. 

The engravings tell of the god Khnum who was depicted with the head of a ram and the body of a man, as he was believed to be the creator of humans from the silt of the Nile.

Next to him appear the gods Satis and Anqat, the goddesses of the flood and the river.

The story of the flood in the reign of Djoser

The events of the story take place during a difficult period in Djoser’s reign when the water level of the Nile dropped catastrophically causing a famine that lasted for seven years and threatened the stability of the entire country.

Even the royal palace itself was not spared from the consequences of this disaster which prompted Djoser to search for a solution.

 He also sent urgent letters to the governor of the south and the high priests of the temples asking for advice.

He advised offering sacrifices and gifts to the gods especially Khnum who was believed to be in control of The sources of the Nile and in a mysterious vision, the god appeared visiting the king, so Djoser decided to strengthen his position granting his temples vast areas of agricultural land so that the god would be pleased with him and the river waters would return to their natural course thus putting an end to a crisis that almost destroyed Egyptian civilization.

What is the price of a ticket to visit Seheil Island for Egyptians?

To have a unique experience among the secrets of history engraved on the rocks of Seheil Island visitors can explore these monuments for a nominal fee as the entrance ticket price for adults is 10 Egyptian pounds while students have the opportunity to enter at a reduced price of only 5 pounds allowing them the opportunity to dive into the depths of ancient Egyptian civilization without a large financial burden.

What are the islands in Aswan?

One of the most prominent islands in Aswan is Seheil Island.

Why is West Seheil called by this name?

Because it is located in the west of the island.

Why is Aswan called the land of gold?

Because there are many kings in Nubia.

Finally, Seheil Island is considered one of the best islands in Egypt specifically in the city of Aswan which is distinguished by its great monuments as tourists come to it from all over the world, and we hope that you like the article.