Famine Stela: An Ancient Egyptian Chronicle

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Explore the ancient Famine Stela in Aswan, a Ptolemaic inscription recounting Pharaoh Djoser's response to a devastating seven-year drought.

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Famine Stela

The Famine Stela, located on Sehel Island near Aswan, is an ancient Egyptian inscription recounting a seven-year drought and famine during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser. Carved during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, it offers insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs and their response to natural disasters.

A brief summary to Famine Stela

3V5F+2MG, Aswan 1, Sheyakhah Thaneyah, Aswan Governorate, EG

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
Bring water and sun protection, as there are limited shaded areas.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Aswan city center, take a microbus or minibus heading towards the Aswan High Dam. These minibuses can be found near the main bus station. Inform the driver that you are going to the Famine Stela, and they will drop you off at the closest point. The ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From the drop-off point, walk about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) to reach the Stela. The minibus fare is minimal, around 5-10 EGP.
Taxi

Take a taxi from anywhere in Aswan directly to the Famine Stela. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip; it should typically range between 50-100 EGP, depending on your location in Aswan. The taxi will take you directly to the site.
Car

Drive south on Corniche Road from Aswan city center, following signs towards the Aswan High Dam. Continue for about 15 kilometers (9 miles) until the intersection with the road to Sheyakhah Thaneyah. Turn right and follow the road for approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles). The Famine Stela will be on your left, marked by a small sign. Parking is available nearby. Parking fees may apply; keep some Egyptian pounds handy.

Discover more about Famine Stela

The Famine Stela is an inscription carved into a granite block on Sehel Island in the Nile near Aswan. The inscription tells the story of a seven-year drought and famine during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. Although the story is set during Djoser's reign (around 2650 BC), the stela itself is believed to have been inscribed during the Ptolemaic Kingdom (332 to 31 BC).The stela depicts Djoser making offerings to the gods Khnum, Satis, and Anuket. The text describes the king's distress over the famine and his appeal to the priests to seek a solution. The priests advised Djoser to make offerings to Khnum, the god of water in the Aswan region, and to provide his temple with property. The inscription consists of 32 columns of hieroglyphs. The stela provides insights into the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians, as well as their methods of coping with natural disasters.Visitors to the Famine Stela can appreciate the intricate hieroglyphics and the historical context of the inscription. The surrounding landscape of the Nile River and the Aswan desert adds to the experience.