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Into History.

com. It's April 25th, 1859, on a rocky beach on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.

A sea breeze ruffles through the hair of Frenchmen Ferdinand de la Seps,

as he stands in front of the small smartly dressed

crowd that he's invited here today.

Unlike 53 year old Ferdinand, most of the guests have never been to this barren stretch of coastline

before. There's been no reason barren stretch of coastline before.

There's been no reason for them to do so.

There's nothing here but a few simple huts.

But Ferdinand has a grand vision for this undeveloped section of the Egyptian coast. Five years ago, Ferdinand drew upon his years of

experience as a diplomat and businessman to secure permission to construct a canal linking

the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Excavating 120 miles across the narrow strip of Egypt known as the Suez Ismus would be a

colossal task.

But Ferdinand was convinced it would be worth it because once finished this

canal would be a new route for ships traveling between Europe and Asia. No longer

would captains have to sail around the southern tip of Africa. Instead they could take the canal and

shaved thousands of miles from their journey. Ferdinand believed shipping companies

will pay a premium for this shortcut, but before Ferdinand can collect any tolls, he first needs to build the canal.

...