the Haiz Valley in the Bahariya Oasis

1. Geographical Features:

   • The Haiz Valley is situated near the western edge of the Bahariya Oasis, which itself lies in the Western Desert of Egypt.
   • The valley is adjacent to the Black Desert and is characterized by its unique landscape.
   • Remnants of a prehistoric lake can be found in the fertile valley floor.
   • Conical hills dot the area, adding to its picturesque beauty.

2. Historical Significance:

   • The history of the Bahariya Oasis dates back to the New Stone Age, hundreds of thousands of years ago.
   • Settlements from the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE) have been discovered, along with rock inscriptions from the Middle Kingdom (2040-1782 BCE).
   • During the Greco-Roman period (332 BCE - 642 CE), the oasis was economically and culturally prosperous.
   • Notable archaeological finds include:
     • The ruins of the great temple of Alexander the Great in Qasr el-Miqisba (Ain et-Tibniya).
     • The Valley of the Golden Mummies, which contains 34 tombs from the Greco-Roman period.
     • A Roman-era mummy discovered in the city of Al Harrah, dating back to 300 BCE.

3. Climate and Best Time to Visit:

   • The Bahariya Oasis has a desert climate with no rainfall throughout the year.
   • The average temperature across the year is 21.4°C.
   • The best time to visit is between October and April.

4. Culture and People:

   • The oasis is home to approximately 40,000 people who are descendants of ancient Egyptian tribes.
   • These tribes once dominated western Egypt, eastern Libya, and the north coast.