# Edfu

> Egyptian city, located on the west bank of the Nile River

**Wikidata**: [Q239107](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q239107)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edfu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edfu

## Summary
Edfu is an Egyptian city located on the west bank of the Nile River, serving as the capital of itself and classified as a large human settlement. It has a population of approximately 133,772 people, as estimated in 2012, and is known by various historical names, including Apollinopolis Magna and Apolinópolis Magna.

## Key Facts
- Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt.
- Capital of Edfu and classified as a "city" (instance_of: city).
- Population: 133,772 (estimated in 2012).
- Coordinates: 24.978055555556° N, 32.878888888889° E.
- Elevation: 86–90 meters above sea level.
- Timezone: Eastern European Time.
- Historical names: Idfu, Behdet, Apolinópolis, Apollinopolis Magna, Apollinopolis Magna, etc.
- Described in historical sources such as Pauly–Wissowa, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, and the Great Soviet Encyclopedia.
- Connected to various cultural and historical databases, including Wikidata, Geonames, and Pleiades.
- Notable identifiers: GND ID 4013553-6, VIAF ID 138424403, Library of Congress ID n84094110.
- Replaces Apollinopolis Magna as a historical structure.
- Located near the Nile River and features a commons gallery and category on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
- **What is the current population of Edfu?** The estimated population is 133,772, as of 2012.
- **What are the historical names of Edfu?** It has been known as Idfu, Behdet, Apolinópolis, Apollinopolis Magna, and Apollinopolis Magna among others.
- **Where is Edfu located?** Edfu is situated on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt.
- **What is the elevation of Edfu?** The elevation ranges from 86 to 90 meters above sea level.
- **What databases and identifiers are associated with Edfu?** It is linked to Wikidata, Geonames, Pleiades, and other cultural databases, with identifiers such as GND ID 4013553-6 and VIAF ID 138424403.
- **What historical sources describe Edfu?** It is referenced in Pauly–Wissowa, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, and the Great Soviet Encyclopedia.
- **What is the timezone of Edfu?** It operates on Eastern European Time.

## Why It Matters
Edfu holds historical significance as a major settlement in ancient Egypt, with its origins tied to Apollinopolis Magna. Its strategic location on the Nile River made it a key administrative and cultural center. The city's historical records in various encyclopedias and databases highlight its importance in Egyptian and broader Mediterranean history. Its classification as a "city" and its role as the capital of itself underscore its administrative and cultural relevance. The preservation of its historical names and identifiers in multiple databases ensures its continued study and recognition in academic and cultural contexts.

## Notable For
- Being the capital of itself and a major human settlement in Egypt.
- Its historical association with Apollinopolis Magna, as indicated by the "structure_replaces" property.
- The presence of multiple historical names and identifiers, reflecting its long-standing cultural and administrative importance.
- Being described in major historical sources such as Pauly–Wissowa and The Nuttall Encyclopædia.
- Its inclusion in various cultural databases, including Wikidata, Geonames, and Pleiades.

## Body
### Location and Geography
Edfu is situated on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt, with coordinates at 24.978055555556° N, 32.878888888889° E. The city has an elevation ranging from 86 to 90 meters above sea level, placing it in a strategic position along the river. Its proximity to the Nile River has historically influenced its development as a settlement and trade hub.

### Historical Context
Edfu is known by various historical names, including Apollinopolis Magna and Apolinópolis Magna, reflecting its significance in ancient Egyptian history. It is described in historical sources such as Pauly–Wissowa, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, and the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, indicating its importance in scholarly and cultural records. The city's historical identifiers, such as GND ID 4013553-6 and VIAF ID 138424403, further underscore its documented presence in historical and cultural databases.

### Administrative and Cultural Significance
Edfu serves as the capital of itself and is classified as a "city," highlighting its administrative and cultural importance. Its population, estimated at 133,772 in 2012, reflects its status as a significant human settlement. The city's timezone, Eastern European Time, aligns with its geographical location in Egypt.

### Database and Identifier Connections
Edfu is connected to various cultural and historical databases, including Wikidata, Geonames, and Pleiades. Its identifiers, such as GND ID 4013553-6 and VIAF ID 138424403, are linked to these databases, ensuring its recognition in academic and cultural contexts. The city's presence in databases such as the Library of Congress and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France further emphasizes its historical and cultural significance.

### Historical Replacement
Edfu's historical connection to Apollinopolis Magna is indicated by the "structure_replaces" property, suggesting a continuity of administrative and cultural importance over time. This replacement reflects the city's enduring role in Egyptian history and its preservation in historical records.

### Cultural and Scholarly Recognition
Edfu is recognized in various cultural and scholarly contexts, with references in major historical sources and databases. Its inclusion in encyclopedias such as Pauly–Wissowa and The Nuttall Encyclopædia highlights its importance in scholarly literature. The city's presence in databases such as Wikidata and Geonames ensures its continued study and recognition in academic and cultural circles.

### Multimedia and Digital Representation
Edfu features a commons gallery and category on Wikimedia Commons, providing visual and multimedia representations of the city. Its inclusion in digital platforms and databases ensures its accessibility and study in digital environments. The city's representation in databases such as OpenStreetMap and OpenWeatherMap further enhances its digital presence and accessibility.

### Elevation and Environmental Context
Edfu's elevation, ranging from 86 to 90 meters above sea level, places it in a strategic position along the Nile River. This elevation, combined with its location on the river's west bank, has historically influenced its development as a settlement and trade hub. The city's environmental context, shaped by its geographical location and elevation, has contributed to its historical and cultural significance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
6. museum-digital