An Overview of the History of Research on the Nile Landscape in Antiquity

This chapter offers a critical overview of research undertaken over the last two centuries on the characteristics of the ancient Nile. Although important maps and hydrological studies were published already in the 1800s, historians have for a long time remained oblivious of the enormous changes of the floodplain, even during that brief time period. This in itself raises questions as to how easily the formation processes of the ancient floodplain have been considered similar to those encountered in the late 19th century. Karl Wilhelm Butzer’s research undertaken in the second half of the 20th century has had a strong impact on how people think about the ancient Nile. Key element in his work is the assumption that the Nile was a river system characterised by meandering. Despite his analysis having been mostly based on the interpretation of maps rather than on physical evidence, it has been followed—and still is—by many. Recent research shows, however, that fluctuations in climate induced changes in river typology, and it is becoming clear that in Egypt, the straight river type played a significant role.