At Aswan, in the Nile River there are several islands but Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island are the largest. Elephantine is much larger than Kitchener's Island and it is located between Kitchener's Island and the city of Aswan (closest to the east bank).

Most Of the trade during ancient times near Aswan took place upon Elephantine Island. It was also here that the governor had his residence. It also served as the center for the cult religion of the ram-headed god Khnum.

Elephantine Island was originally called Yebu, which is the ancient Egyptian word for elephant. The Greeks called the island Elephantine because of the ivory trade that was done on the island.

But, all you have to do is to look and see what the rock formations look like, and you can easily see why it was called Elephantine Island.