Introduction: The Sad Sea

On August 15, 1869, the world changed. A few dozens of dignitaries gathered along the digging site of the Suez Canal, somewhat north to the Bitter Lake. “The Mediterranean team”, which was digging from north to south, and “the Red Sea team”, which came from the opposite direction, reached their meeting point. A narrow strip of dirt separated them. Managers of “the Suez Canal Company”, a few engineers and guests, stood on it. Lesser figures, local and foreigner, watched the scene from both banks.