âŠidentify the site with biblical Succoth, the Israelitesâ first halt in the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37). The canal itself follows the course of an ancient Red SeaâNile canal, first built by the Saite pharaoh Necho II (610â595 bce). Area 557 square miles (1,442 square km). Pop. (2006) 942,832.
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