Famine Stela, Nubia Travel Guide

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Explore the ancient Famine Stela on Sehel Island, a Ptolemaic inscription recounting a Pharoah's plea to end a devastating seven-year famine.

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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 into a granite boulder, the stela offers insights into the era's religious beliefs and the importance of the Nile River.

A brief summary to Famine Stela

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Famine Stela.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
Hire a local guide on Sehel Island to gain deeper insights into the stela's historical significance and the surrounding area.
Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade on the island.

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Getting There

Boat

To reach the Famine Stela, take a boat from Aswan's Corniche to Sehel Island. Negotiate the boat fare before departure; a round trip should cost approximately 100-200 EGP, depending on the boat type and your bargaining skills. The boat will drop you off at the island's dock, from where it's a short walk to the stela.
Walking

Once on Sehel Island, follow the marked path towards the Famine Stela. The walk is relatively short, about 5 minutes, over rocky terrain. The entrance fee to the site is 60 EGP. A local guide may offer their services for a tip.

Discover more about Famine Stela

The Famine Stela is a captivating historical site on Sehel Island in the Nile near Aswan. This large granite boulder features an inscription detailing a severe seven-year drought and famine during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. Although believed to have been inscribed during the Ptolemaic period (332 to 31 BC), the stela connects the cartouche name Djeser with the serekh name Netjerikhet of King Djoser.The inscription, consisting of 42 columns of hieroglyphs, tells the story of King Djoser's distress over the famine and his appeal to the god Khnum for help. The top of the stela depicts Djoser making offerings to the deities Khnum, Satis, and Anuket. The text describes the suffering of the Egyptian people and Djoser's efforts to restore the Nile's inundation by restoring Khnum's temple.Sehel Island itself was a significant waypoint for ancient travelers navigating the Nile. Thousands of inscriptions left on the island's boulders by these travelers offer insights into their experiences and the gods they revered. The Famine Stela, enclosed within a metal fence, stands as a testament to ancient beliefs and the vital role of the Nile in Egyptian civilization. Visiting the stela provides a unique glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the cultural significance of the Nile.