Egypt: Oasis: Fayoum - Medinet El-Fayoum (Faiyum)

Medinet El-Fayoum (Faiyum)

Originally named Crocodilopolis, then Arsinoe, Medinet El-Fayoum was the main place of worship of the crocodile god, Sobek. Apparently, during ancient Medinet, crocodiles were adorned with gold and fed honey cakes and meat by the priests. Of interest are the huge wooden waterwheels. The waters of the Bahr Yusef are distributed throughout the oasis from Medinet, the capital of the Faiyum. Approximately 200 of the great waterwheels are located throughout the oasis. The Seven Waterwheels, a Fayoumm landmark, are surrounded by mangos, palms and willows. A great stone obelisk was erected in honor of Senwosret I in Abgig during the 12th Dynasty. It was discovered on the ground in two pieces during the 18th century and was recently reconstructed and erected in Medinet.