Famine Stela and Inscriptions at Sehel
Inscriptions at Sehel
Please have a closer look: We have increased the contrast and hope that this will help you see the many inscriptions.
„… Sehel Island … became a popular resting-spot (in ancient Egypt) for the king’s army, and trading expeditions making their way upstream into Nubia. As a result, the island contains hundreds of inscriptions and royal cartouches, immortalizing countless officials and kings. …“
The most famous rock at Sehel is The Famine Stela:
Approximately 200 years B.C. the priests of Elephantine were falsifying history: they scratched an inscription, according to which the Pharaoh Djoser (2.700 B.C.) gave all conquered Nubian regions to Khnum, the guardian god of Nile flood, in order to dispel the famine that had haunted Egypt for 7 years by then.
„My heart was heavy because the Nile had not come for years during my time. The corn thrived sparse, seeds withered in the ground and there was not enough food (…) But I turned away from the grief and called for the top lector priest Imhotep. (…) While I was sleeping, the god appeared to me and said, I am Khnum, who has created you (…) The hearts of the Egyptians will cheer for joy more than ever. (…) Then I awoke. (…) As soon as I had collected my thoughts, I issued a decree in favor of my father Khnum.“
(Translated from: Bildlexikon der Völker und Kulturen, Band 7)
The Famine Stela
The fascinating text of this stela carved on the face of a granite boulder on Sehel Island tells the story of a nation in crisis, its concerned king, and his efforts to find a solution. Although it was composed and carved in the Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BC), the events are set around 2500 years earlier.
The Famine Stela is inscribed in 32 vertical rows of hieroglyphic script, with a scene above it depicting King Djoser (c. 2686-2667 BC) presenting offerings to the divine triad of Elephantine consisting of the god Khnum, his wife Satet and their daughter Anuket.
The country is gripped in seven years of drought and famine and King Djoser summons his famous courtier, the wise lmhotep to find a solution. lmhotep told the king that the inundation came from the sacred spring in Elephantine Island, whose god Khnum was the one who controlled the flow of water. Djoser dutifully made offerings to the gods of Elephantine and Khnum appeared to him in a dream one night, promising him to end the famine by returning the flood.
To celebrate the return of prosperity, Djoser built a temple on Elephantine to thank Khnum.
(Text copied from a sign on Sehel Island erected by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.)
Djoser offering gifts to Chnum, Anuket and Satis
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- Inscriptions at Sehel
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- Khnum at Elephantine
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- Inscriptions at Sehel
Price & advice
The Cataract is famous
Large outcroppings of granite make the flow of the river unpredictable and difficult to traverse by boat.
Thats why we are offering motorboat for a faster and easier trip to visit Old Dam and / or Seheyl:
Hourly Felucca Motorboat: $15
If you prefer to sail with Felucca:
Felucca and captain for 1 – 4 guests
Sail and visit Sehel: $98
Including motorboat to tear the felucca upstream, against the current, across the cataract.
Or – in case the wind is good enough – sail with time to visit Old Dam and return very relaxed. If you like with one other stop on the way.
A bigger felucca cannot navigate across the cataract. That’s why only the price for the Usual Felucca is given (1-4 guests).
Private boat for you only
In any case you will always enjoy your private boat tour. Aswan-Individual promises: with us you will never share a vehicle or boat with other guests. The captain(s) or driver will always serve you only, without any hassle.
Tea and coffee are for free.
For picnic you can bring a lunch box from your hotel.
More information about felucca tours:
https://aswan-individual.com/felucca-suggestions/
