Until the mid-19th century, when the river was tamed by dams, levees, and other controls, the Nile in the vicinity of Cairo was highly susceptible to changes in course and surface level.
Sampai pertengahan abad ke-19, ketika sungai itu dijinakkan oleh bendungan, tanggul, dan kontrol lainnya, Sungai Nil di sekitar Kairo sangat rentan terhadap perubahan arah dan tingkat permukaan.