Heroopolite Gulf

The Heroopolite Gulf was the term used to describe the Gulf of Suez in the vicinity of Heroopolis in ancient times when the Gulf of Suez extended as far as the Bitter Lakes.

In ancient times the Red Sea is recorded as having extended as far northward as the Bitter Lakes of Egypt"Encyclopaedia Britannica", 11th edition, s.v. [http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Suez_Canal "Suez Canal"] . Accessed 10 August 2008.] Rappoport, S. (Doctor of Philosophy, Basel). "History of Egypt" (undated, early 20th century), Volume 12, Part B, Chapter V: "The Waterways of Egypt," pages 251-254. London: The Grolier Society.] .

Ptolemy II Philadelphus opened a west-east "Suez" canal in Heroopolis (circa 270/69 BC) [F.W.Walbank, "The Hellenistic World" 1981:202. Ptolemy II Philadelphus's lifespan was 309 BC–246 BC.] and constructed a navigable lock, with sluices, between the Heroopolite Gulf and the Red Sea so as to allow the passage of vessels but prevent salt water from the Red Sea from mingling with the fresh water in the canal.

Ancient cities which were at one time situated along the coastline of the Heroopolite Gulf include Arsinoe, Heroopolis and Olbia.

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