Fayum
FAYOUM, or FAIOUM (fa-yoom'), a famous valley and province of central Egypt, anciently the name of Arsinoë, and stretching out into the desert, which almost entirely surrounds it. In extent, its length may be taken at 40 miles by a width of 30. It is the most fertile of the Egyptian provinces and produces dhurra, rye, barley, flax, cotton, sugar, grapes, olives, figs, etc.
Near the capital (Medinet-el-Fayum) large quantities of roses are cultivated, Vol. IV-Cyc-H FEATHER and are converted into rose water which is highly esteemed. The land capable of cultivation in Fayum is about 493 square miles. Manufactures woolen, linen, and cotton goods. In ancient times, the Fayum contained the artificial lake MOERIS (q. v.) and a famous labyrinth.