travel.mapsofworld.com offers complete information on Elephantine Island, Aswan

Elephantine Island, Aswan is the biggest of the Aswan area islands in Egypt. One of the popular historic sites in Egypt, Elephantine Island, Aswan attracts tourists in large numbers. Visit the Elephantine Island in Aswan and explore the rich artifacts dating back to pre-dynastic times.

One of the popular Aswan tourist attractions, the Elephantine Island acted as a natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. The ancient town situated to the south of the island was a famous fortress throughout most of the earlier period.

Elephantine literally signifies elephant in Greek. In earlier times, the Elephantine Island, Aswan along with the southern town, was known as Abu, or Yabu, which also meant elephant. The town has also been referred to as Kom, after the main god of the island, Khnum (Khnemu).

According to popular perception, the Elephantine Island, Aswan got its name as it was a thriving ivory trading center. Large boulders are found in the river near the island resembling bathing elephants, especially from a distance. This too has been cited as one of the main reasons for the island bearing the name of Elephantine.

The beautiful island Elephantine Island in Aswan is one of the major tourist attractions in Aswan. Most of the artifacts are in ruins. But many historical attractions in the island still pull in a large number of tourists and travelers.

One of the main attractions of the Elephantine Island, Aswan is the Nilometer, which is one of the three found along the Nile. This was used to measure the water level of the Nile during the nineteenth century.

A prolonged process of excavation at the Elephantine Island, Aswan over several years by the German Archaeological Institute has led to the unearthing of the island artifacts, including a mummified ram of Khnum. These can be found in the Elephantine Museum.

Another attraction of the Elephantine Island, Aswan is the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Elephantine Island was said to be the abode of this Egyptian god. You can also see the ruins of a Temple of Satet, who was believed to be Khnum's female counterpart. You can also see a 3rd Dynasty granite step pyramid.

travel.mapsofworld.com offers complete information on Elephantine Island, Aswan.