the Haiz Valley in the Bahariya Oasis
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.