Heliodorus on the region called Boucolia

The whole district is called Bucolia (Pasture) by the Egyptians. In it there is a valley, which receives the overflow of the Nile and becomes a lake, very deep in the middle, while its shores are shallow and marshy for the waters of lakes, like those of the sea, diminish in depth the nearer they are to the land. This spot is as it, were the republic of all the brigands of Egypt. Some dwell in huts which they have built upon rising ground above the level of the water while others live in boats, which they use both for habitation and purposes of transport; it is here that their wives spin, and are brought to bed.