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Wadi El-Jarf: Egypt's Ancient Maritime Gateway

Discover Wadi El-Jarf, the world's oldest harbor, revealing ancient Egyptian maritime history and trade routes on the Red Sea coast.

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Explore Wadi El-Jarf, a Red Sea coastal site and home to the world's oldest known artificial harbor, dating back 4,500 years to the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt. Discover remnants of ancient maritime activity and gain insights into the harbor's role in voyages to Sinai and possibly the Land of Punt.

A brief summary to Wadi El-Jarf

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the archaeological site.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the Red Sea coast can be hot and sunny.
  • Check with local authorities or tour operators for the latest information on site accessibility and visiting hours.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Wadi El-Jarf is located approximately 119 km south of Suez. From Ras Ghareb, follow the coastal road south. The site is located off the main road; look for signs indicating the turn-off. Due to the remote location, ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies. There are no established parking facilities, so park safely off the road near the site entrance. As of July 2025, there are no known tolls or parking fees in the immediate vicinity.

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Discover more about Wadi El-Jarf

Wadi El-Jarf, located on the Red Sea coast approximately 119 km (74 mi) south of Suez, is an area of immense historical significance as it holds the remains of the oldest known artificial harbor in the world. Dating back roughly 4,500 years to the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, this ancient port offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime capabilities and trade networks of the early Egyptians. The harbor complex features a remarkable L-shaped jetty, stretching 200 meters east and then south, creating a protected basin for ships. While mostly submerged today, the jetty's remains are still visible, attesting to the advanced engineering of the time. The site also includes storage galleries carved into the rock, a large building of unknown function, and evidence of mooring installations. Wadi El-Jarf served as a crucial starting point for Egyptian voyages to the South Sinai mining operations, facilitating the extraction of copper and turquoise. Some speculate that it may also have been a launch point for expeditions to the Land of Punt, a mysterious trading partner of ancient Egypt. The harbor's construction is attributed to the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (2589–2566 B.C.), with inscriptions of his name found on limestone blocks at the site. The archaeological discoveries at Wadi El-Jarf include over 100 anchors, the first Old Kingdom anchors found in their original context, along with numerous storage jars and papyrus fragments. These papyri, the oldest ever found in Egypt, provide invaluable insights into the daily lives and activities of the people who lived and worked at the harbor during the Fourth Dynasty.

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