The Unconquered Nile
The Nile, Originating in the Ethiopian highlands, is one of the ancient world’s greatest rivers, traversing almost 4,258 miles and stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the African Great Lakes. From the early ages of prehistory, the fertile banks and floodplains of the Nile have been a center of human settlement and a source of material wealth and prosperity, powering the earliest civilizations to develop in Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.
The Nile has made its way into our consciousness as the world’s longest river, but with recent studies unveiling more of the inner workings of the great rivers of the world, has the Nile been dethroned?
In fact, the “World’s longest river” title has, over the last decades, been assigned to a number of different rivers. The Amazon has been touted as the world’s longest, and although it is 4,345 miles in length, it is only 687 miles longer than the Nile. However, recent studies have led to the belief that the true measurement of the Amazon does not match the South American measurements, but encompass a much wider area. This takes away from the length of the Amazon and essentially puts it and the Nile on an even playing field.
Other rivers have also been brought into consideration for the official title of the world’s longest river, such as the Yangtze River, which flows for 3,964 miles, and the Mekong River of Southeast Asia, which is around 4,350 miles in length. Like the Amazon, these have now been seen to encompass a wider area, which would make their length similar to that of the Nile.
The most reliable research has put the length of the Nile as the longest river in the world, with studies conducted by the National Geographic Society determining it as the longest in 2009 and subsequent research proving the same thing.
The National Geographic Society determined the true length of the Nile by settling on the longest uninterrupted stretch between two points, the Ripon Falls in Uganda, and the Mediterranean Sea north of Cairo. This stretch amounts to 4,258 miles and compensates for a number of different flows and tributaries that feed the Nile themselves or cut into it from different directions. The unusual currents and tributaries, as well as its lengthy history as a significant waterway, add to the majesty and mystery of the Nile.
That being said, there remain many unanswered questions about the mysteries of the Nile. Many of the flows and sources of the Nile are unknown, and modern day studies are yet to unearth the full extent of its length. For example, the Akagera River, which begins in Rwanda, is thought to join the Nile somewhere along its course, increasing its length by around 305 miles.
Furthermore, tales and legends of explorers and travelers such as Herodotus and James Bruce still abound regarding the true source of the Nile and its illustrious past. Their accounts of it have been passed down through the ages, while Herodotus himself conducted many of his own studies on it.
The Legacy of Ancient Egypt
The Nile has long been connected to the development of Ancient Egypt, considered the cradle of the world’s earliest and most powerful civilizations. When the Nile flooded, fertilizing the land, the Egyptians were able to channel the water and transform their scarce desert environment into an immensely productive paradise.
The river was also of formidable importance for trade and transportation. During the New Kingdom period, for instance, it was possible for ships to travel from the First Cataract, near today’s Sudan, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Pharaohs built settlements along the river’s banks as staging posts, navigational beacons, and supply centers.
The Nile was thus an indispensable factor in the Egyptian Empire’s great rise, and hailed as a major deity, the god Hapi, who was responsible for the Nile’s annual flooding – bringing spiritual and worldly blessings onto the Egyptians and filling their granaries with an abundance of food.
Along with being the source of Egypt’s waters and food supply, the Nile offered symbols of eternity and renewal through its “black land” (the alluvial plains left over from its flooding), while also offering a glimpse into the past with the ancient wonders Egypt has built from over the eons such as the Great Pyramids and Valley of the Kings.
Threats to the Nile
Nowadays, various threats are endangering the Nile and its legacy. Pollution from urban and agricultural runoff has become a severe problem, threatening much of the river’s life, while dams have been built along its banks, causing serious deforestation rates and hindering the invaluable “black land” from being washed further downstream.
Furthermore, urbanity aggressions put pressure on the Nile and affect its delicate environment severely. The Nile’s wetlands, for instance, are suffering from the alteration of their delicate ecosystems. Wastewater from nearby industries, cities, and other municipalities is being released into the Nile, contributing to its degradation and posing a huge risk to the health of the people living near its banks.
Climate change is also proving to be a major threat, and its effects are making the situation worse by altering the length, flow and flooding pattern of the Nile – and thus, the lives of those connected to it.
Environmentalism Gains Momentum
Still, there is hope. In recent decades, a strong campaign of environmentalism has gained momentum with organizations and initiatives such as “The Long Run Initiative”, which works towards promoting real solutions to the problems facing the river. Through initiatives such as conservation efforts and water policies, as well as financial and technical assistance, they are putting forth meaningful solutions to the needs of the people living near the Nile.
A large part of their work focuses on raising awareness on the threats posed to the Nile and encouraging people’s involvement in their defense and rehabilitation efforts. In this area, organizations and initiatives have also been calling for governments and corporations to be more conscious about how to fairly use resources and how to find sustainable ways of dealing with the region’s economic development.
In recent years, collaborations between governments and scientists have allowed for transboundary efforts to protect the Nile from further damage. From the cooperation of the 11 African nations neighboring the Nile to the joint research efforts of scientists from several countries, the future has the potential to be much brighter for the river.
A River that Binds a Continent
In the end, the Nile is quite a paradox as it simultaneously binds and divides the continent of Africa. Handled intelligently, its waters can still be a great vehicle for interconnectedness through technology, trade, eco-tourism, and new sources of energy. The spirit of the Nile, although challenged, is still alive – an unconquered river that can become once again a great source of harmony, balance and wealth.
An Inspiration to the World
Still, the visible power of the Nile lies in the amazing variety of life, land, and culture it binds together. Its magic has undoubtedly risen to the surface throughout its long history, inspiring societies and empires alike. Even today, the Nile continues to do so as it flows calmly towards its home – the Mediterranean Sea.
Preserving the Ancient Watersheds
In a way, the mission of saving the Nile is saving Africa, for in its length lie the waters of life for over 300 million people. Furthermore, the history, culture and bounty of life it supports are relics of the deep, mostly invisible, wilderness areas from which the old gods and ancient civilizations drew inspirations. In order to preserve these old watersheds, we must act and act fast, to honor the legacy of this great river.
Time to Live Up to the Name
From Ancient Egyptian monuments carved into cliffs overlooking the Nile to new cities and irrigation networks built on its banks, the Nile connects us with our past, present and future. Its waters have given life to a dozen nations that have shared its wealth over time – a reminder of the great potential of the human spirit to come together and foster a common, shared heritage. To honor its name today, it is time to unite and protect this great source of life for our future generations.
