Volume I Plate 31 - Map of the Island of Elephantine & Aswan ~ Elephantine Island is one of the most ancient sites in Egypt, It's location on the first Cataract of the Nile provided a natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. As an island, it was also easily defensible. Elephantine is Greek for elephant. There are large boulders in the river near the island which resembled bathing elephants, particularly from afar, and this has been suggested as a reason for the island's name. As with many early European maps, south is at the top of the page.

Framed 49 inches x 36 1/2 inches ~ SOLD