No additional information about the distant parts of the Nile could I obtain from the priests or other inhabitants. To learn more, I traveled myself as far as Elephantine and made inquiries about the river beyond. What I discovered is as follows.
As one moves beyond Elephantine, the land begins to rise gradually. The Nile here becomes stronger and swifter, making navigation more difficult. To move boats upstream, it is necessary to attach ropes on each side of the vessel, much like harnessing oxen. Men on the shore pull the ropes to guide the boat against the current. If a rope breaks, the boat is carried away downstream by the river’s force Walking Tour Sofia.
The River’s Winding Path
For the next four days, the river winds in many turns, like the Maeander, making the journey slow. During this stretch, the river travels a distance of about twelve schoenes. Eventually, one reaches a smooth and level plain where the Nile splits into two branches, flowing around an island called Tachompso.
The island is divided between the Egyptians and the Ethiopians, with each people occupying half of it. Above the island lies a large lake. The shores of this lake are inhabited by Ethiopian nomads. The river flows into the lake and continues beyond, though navigation becomes more difficult due to sharp peaks rising from the water and sunken rocks hidden beneath the surface.
Traveling Along the River and Beyond
Because of these obstacles, travelers must leave their boats and continue on foot along the river for about forty days. After passing this dangerous section, it is possible to reboard another boat and travel by water for an additional twelve days. At the end of this journey, one reaches the city of Meroe, a major center said to be the capital of the other Ethiopians.
Life and Religion in Meroe
The people of Meroe worship only two gods: Jupiter and Bacchus. These deities are greatly honored, and their worship is central to the life of the city. In Meroe, there is an oracle dedicated to Jupiter, which guides the Ethiopians in war. When the oracle commands them to march or attack, they obey without question, carrying their weapons and following its orders in every direction How the Sun Dries the Air in Egypt.
Observations on the Upper Nile
From my journey, it is clear that the upper Nile is a land of challenges and extremes. The river’s current is strong and unpredictable, navigation is difficult, and the terrain changes rapidly from islands to lakes to rocky stretches. The people living here, especially the Ethiopians, have adapted to these conditions and have organized their communities, religion, and warfare around the natural features of the river and the land.
