Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Location
About
Bigeh Island, located in the Nile River within the Aswan Governorate of southern Egypt, is an important archaeological site with deep historical and religious significance. Historically positioned at the First Cataract, the island played a strategic role in controlling access to Upper Egypt and Nubia. It was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, who believed Osiris was buried there. A temple known as Abaton, where only priests were allowed, was dedicated to Osiris, marking it as a significant religious site. The island's sacred nature is further emphasized by references from Seneca and Lucan, and by the visit of an embassy from the Kingdom of Kush in the 3rd century CE. The site's integration into the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam has preserved its unique archaeological and historical context.
Gallery
Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Bigeh


Archaeological Features
Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Water Management Features
Religious and Ritual Structures
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- Egypt
- Source
- Wikipedia
More Sites in Egypt
Qustul
Lower Nubian cemetery with ancient burials
Philae Island
Submerged island with relocated temple complex.

Elkab
Ancient Egyptian city with temples and tombs.

Qubbet el-Hawa
Ancient necropolis on Nile's west bank
Nitria (monastic site)
Early Christian monastic settlement in Egypt.
Leontopolis
Ancient city with temples and provincial capital