Snaking across 4,000 miles and 11 African countries, the River Nile is perhaps the most famous river on planet earth. The 80 billion gallons of water that flow through its banks each day give life to countless animals and ecosystems - from crocodiles and hippos, to rare species of fish, plants, and people. But who has tried to harness the power of this river, and why have so many failed? What cultures have grown from the Nile’s waters? And why are emperors, prophets, writers, Kings and Queens, drawn to its famous banks?

This is a Short History Of the River Nile.

Written by Paul Kerensa. With thanks to Robert Twigger, author of Red Nile: A Biography of the World’s Greatest River.

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