Anonymous
Suez
De Aarde en haar Volken, 1865
"Suez" by Anonymous is a historical account likely written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the significance of Suez and the canal project that was anticipated to connect Europe and Asia, highlighting the transformation and importance of the region in global trade and civilization. It reflects on historical cities that have risen and fallen, drawing parallels between past empires and the emerging relevance of Suez in a modern context. The opening of the book presents a philosophical examination of history, likening it to a grand drama where nations play their roles only to fade into obscurity. The author ponders the fate of great cities like Ninive, Babylon, and Alexandria, contrasting them with the nascent importance of Suez. It goes on to detail the geographical positioning of Suez and the journey to reach it from Europe, emphasizing the ongoing changes in trade routes and the expectations tied to the canal project spearheaded by Ferdinand de Lesseps. The text serves both as a guide to understanding the strategic importance of the Suez region and as a commentary on the anticipatory nature of this grand engineering endeavor.