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Events on Wednesday 17 November 1869 1
1869Opening of the Suez CanalWaterway linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas opensThe Suez Canal, built by the Suez Canal Company under Ferdinand de Lesseps, opened to shipping after a ten-year construction project. It shortened the sea route between Europe and Asia by thousands of miles, removing the need to sail around Africa. Heads of state and dignitaries from across Europe attended lavish opening ceremonies at Port Said.