1-277-208 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'Desert and Quarries, Asouan, with the Island of Elephantine', Egypt, 19th century. Situated in the River Nile on the border of Egypt and Nubia, Elephantine, known to the Ancient Egyptians as Abu or Yebu, was said to be the home of the ram-headed god of the cataracts, Khnum. A temple dedicated to him is said to have been built on the island as early as the 3rd dynasty (27th century BC). From the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.