Discover The Fascinating History Of Marsa Alam In Egypt

During the Greek period, Ptolemy II built a road through the Eastern Desert all the way from Edfu, to Marsa Alam at the Red Sea. It ran some 230 km (142 mi) before finally intersecting the Red Sea coast road. Along the way it passed through what is now historic landscape where much of early Egypt's gold was mined. It's still in use today.

Gold is still being mined in the Marsa Alam Egypt area. In fact the two main communities in the region probably owe their existance to man's lust for gold. Just off the road lies Wadi Barmiya, Several gold mining operations are known. Just off this road is an area called Wadi Barmiya, and approximately 30 kilometers further into the mountains is Wadi Miya, home to a temple built by Seti I.

Pre-dynastic Rock Inscriptions
In addition, a wealth of rock inscriptions from as early as the pre-dynastic period may also be found along this route near Marsa Alam Egypt. The smooth rock faces were an ideal canvas for ancient graffiti, which dates from the earliest times right up until the present. This ancient graffiti depicts animals, including giraffes and cattle, and also includes hunting scenes, such as an ostrich hunt with dogs. Unfortunately, with the expansion of this road, many if not all of these inscriptions will be lost soon.

While this road in ancient times was used for the gold mining trade, archaeologists believe its main use was as a trade route between the Nile River Valley and the Red Sea, where an important ancient port was located.

Modern Day Marsa Alam
Today, Marsa Alam Egypt remains a fairly small tourist town, but there is considerable development underway. The airport is actually part of a larger project designed to create a state-of-the-art resort area in Port Ghaleb, including both a 1,000-berth marina and port, with a dockside harbor, yacht club, and spa, along with a highly animated town center and a corniche around the marina area.

On the corniche will be shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bistros, nightclubs, discos, and a casino. In addition, there will be a conference center and festival hall, along with a combined desert and links golf course.

The private marina will not only be the largest in the Middle East but also an international sea-gateway for yachts to visit Egypt.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Only a short time ago, it would seem that most of the accommodations here were tent camps, but even now, many new, fine hotels have been built.

However, for the moment, the primary reason to visit the mainland Red Sea community is for the snorkeling and diving. This whole coastline is one huge reef of exceptional quality with new dive sites being discovered all the time. Dive sites such as Elphinstone (famous for its Hammerheads!) and Dolphin Reef, previously only accessible to southern Red Sea live-aboards, can now be dived by day boats from Marsa Alam Egypt.