Hydreuma

Hydreumata (modern Arabic the term; kariyah, also kurêyah, Wekala ) were fortified water stations in the Eastern Desert in Egypt at the various caravan routes between the ports of the Red Sea ( Erythräisches Sea) and the Nile Valley.

There were usually rectangular fortifications with corner towers and a gate flanked by round towers on a narrow side. Inside, a cistern was in a courtyard, where the beasts of burden could be accommodated. The tanks were often built of brick and were guarded by a unit of archers.

The main caravan routes ran between:

• Berenike and Qift ( Koptos )
• Quseir and Qift, with signal stations ( through the Wadi Hammamat )
• Philoteras and Kainopolis ( Kenah )
• Aiḏâb by Kus ( Apollinopolis Parva ) south of Qift ( medieval )

Individual stations:

• Badi'a
• Abu Krêyah ( Vetus Hydreuma ) Hydreuma Troglodyticum according to Pliny
• Wadi Gasus
• Wadi Umm Wikala

• Water Supply (Africa)
• Ancient Civilization History
• History (Egypt)
• Hydraulic structure
• Building in Egypt