It flows through most of the lands of Egypt and suffices for them, and the distances between all the lands of Egypt are close, so that the distance between one city and another is no more than a day or two. They do not stray from the banks of the Nile on either side, and their settlements are continuous. From Egypt to Aswan is a distance of 25 stages. We have mentioned in this part what is sufficient and informative, and here we conclude the mention of what the fourth part of the second climate contained, praise be to God.

Mention of the Third Climate When we spoke previously of the cities located in the two preceding climates, we decided to do the same for this third climate, and to mention the cities, districts, villages, and metropolises within it, and to provide their distances and details as they are in miles and stages. We will mention each of these lands individually, and how it is in its condition, its interior and exterior, and what is adjacent to it of seas, valleys, marshes, and lakes. We will provide descriptions of the mountains located within it, their lengths and widths, and what they contain of plants, trees, minerals, and animals. We will describe the origins of the rivers, their locations, and the boundaries of their courses, as previously mentioned and reported. We will present all of this in its place, clearly and concisely, based on established facts and reports, in order and sequence, with God's help. We say that this First Part of this Third Climate Begins from the Great Sea that surrounds the western side of the Earth. In it are the islands, including the island of Sara, near the Dark Sea. It is said that Dhul-Qarnayn landed there before the darkness entered it and stayed there overnight. They were throwing stones, and this harmed a group of his companions.