The ancient Egyptian name Abu, or Yebu, seems to mean "elephant". The later Greek name, Elephantine, also helps define this island. Certainly , the boulders along one shore of the island are readily transformed by the eye into a herd of elephants.

Abu was settled from the earliest years up through Roman times. Militarily and economically, it was an important waystation between Nubia to the south and Egypt to the north. Its location near the First Cataracts helped double its importance, especially when this region demarked the border between Nubia and Egypt. While generations of use have obliterated many of the ancient landmarks, enough remains to paint an enticing picture of life here. It served as the capital of the 1st Nome of Upper Egypt, and was well-garrisoned. Some Middle Kingdom rulers have tombs here. The First Cataract is situated somewhat south of this location.

Although Abu was important during the entire history of ancient Egypt, a non-exclusive focus here is on the Middle Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom lasted roughly from 2040 - 1782 bce, the years of the 11th and 12th Dynasties. During this period there was an Egyptian expansion into Nubian lands, of necessity involving this portal of travel. Much of this activity occurred during the 12th Dynasty, under various of the pharaohs most notably Senusret III, who extended the canal across the First Cataract to facilitate his military might. He was later worshipped in Nubia.

While no specific literature is noted as originating in Abu, it is interesting to study the literature of the Middle Kingdom to understand the (sometimes idealized) lives of these ancient Egyptians. The Story of Sinuhe, for instance, is an important piece of literature, which relates to the reign of Sesostris I. Didactic literature impressed on classes of Egyptians the proper way to aspire to behave, and includes The Satire of the Trades, no doubt copied often by scribes in training to express why other professions were inferior, or much more painful to accomplish; and the Instruction of King Amenemhet. Hymns to the deities have also been recovered.

(Note: While the information about Abu and the Middle Kingdom are intended to be accurate, the division of Abu/Elephantine's southern tip into Districts, and the location of many of the places within each district, is purely fiction and is meant to facilitate Neighborhood development here at Ancient Worlds.)