Nelson Island Archaeological Site

Nelson Island in Abu Qir Bay preserves several distinct historical layers. Archaeological excavations document a Late Period Egyptian necropolis dating to the 26th–30th Dynasties, an Early Hellenistic Greek settlement established around the end of the fourth century BCE, and British-period burials and graffiti after the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The island is especially important because it preserves an early Hellenistic settlement over an older Egyptian cemetery. Visitor planning: Plan this stop together with nearby attractions in the same Alexandria cluster whenever possible. This record is connected to Nelson's Island / Battle of the Nile Landscape. Parent-site context: Explore Nelson's Island, a historic site of the Battle of the Nile where Admiral Nelson secured a pivotal victory in 1798. Nelson Island lies about 4 km off Abu Qir Bay and preserves a much longer archaeological sequence than its modern name suggests. Excavations have documented a Late Period Egyptian necropolis, an Early Hellenistic settlement, and British-period burials and graffiti following the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The naval battle occurred across Abu Qir Bay, so the island should be presented as part of the battle landscape and later British occupation, not as the exact single location of the battle. Plan roughly 15 to 45 minutes. The recorded recommended transport mode is taxi or ride hail. The current access classification for this record is limited; parent-site context should not be read as overriding this status.