Lake Moeris
/ˌleɪk ˈmɔːrɪs/noun
An ancient lake in Egypt’s Faiyum region, now generally identified with Birket Qarun.
Did you know?The name comes through Greek historians, especially Herodotus, while the lake’s Egyptian association was tied to the Faiyum’s immense irrigation and flood-control system.
Etymological Timeline
Pharaonic Egypt
Egyptian
mr-wr
“Traditionally interpreted as “Great Lake,” though the precise ancient vocalization and identification remain debated.”
5th Century BCE
Greek
Μοῖρις (Moîris)
“The Greek name used by Herodotus for the great lake in the Faiyum.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Moeris
“Latin form of the Greek geographical name.”
Medieval Period
Arabic
Birkat al-Qarūn
““Lake of Qarun,” the Arabic name for the surviving lake in the Faiyum.”
Modern English
English
Lake Moeris
“The conventional historical-English name for the ancient Faiyum lake, commonly associated with modern Birket Qarun.”
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