Built across the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt between 1960 and 1970, the construction was based on the successes of a lower dam built in the region. The goal was to maximize the utilization of the river while controlling flooding, improving water storage, and encouraging hydroelectricity development.
Before the dam was built, even with the old embankment dam in place, flooding of the Nile occurred in the late summer months. In past generations, this process brought needed nutrients to the soil, which made the region ideal for farming. Since the flooding was variable, low-water years could produce devastating famine and drought.
With Egypt’s population growing and technology access improving, the need to support farmlands, stabilize food cycles, and offer cash crops to the global export market facilitated the need for this dam.
