Home / Physical Landscape / History / Transportation / Issues / Future / Bibliography

 

 

THE NILE

---

The Habit of the NIle was the determining factor of growth in Cairo. While being the best thing that could have happend to the region and the only way that Cairo could even exist today, was also very irregular. It would overflow once a year, but at varying times. The people had a good idea when it would happen, but the point is tthat it would flood nonetheless. The more proper word would be hostile. The river bed was constantly changing.The recession of the river began early and by the 14th century, the east bank is where it lies now. Today a line of lakes marks where the old bay once layed.

 

At the time of the Arab conquest, the river was nearly half a mile farther east then it is now.

 

That was one of the main reasons for northern expansion. The other reason was the heat.

Primarily though that the cool winds came in from the North West. SO by building on that side of town, you would catch a cool breeze. It would make the heat more tolerable.

Today the river has been brought under control by the Aswan Damn.

By the 14th century Cairo already housed 1/2 million people. The modern day growth began as the river began controlled.