The British-built dam, completed in 1902, was the largest masonry dam in the world at the time. It was enlarged twice but ultimately could not control the Nile's floods for irrigation. That shortcoming led to the construction of the High Dam upstream in the 1960s, with Soviet assistance. The old dam is still in use for hydroelectric power and is worth a stop for the view across the river.
Old Aswan Dam
British-era masonry dam with sweeping Nile views