Activities in Ancient Cairo

Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt is one of the oldest museums in the world. In fact, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo has a long history which dates back to the 1825. It was when Mohamed Ali Pasha issued a decree to establish a museum for the antiquities. Mohamed Ali Pasha was the ruler of Egypt at that time. The first location of the museum was in front of the Azabakeya Lake. Azabakeya Lake was between Opera Square and Ataba Square.

The rulers of Egypt in this period did not realize the real value of the antiquities. They also didn’t for ancient historical finds of Egypt. They gave them to the European tourists who visited Egypt. It was in the middle of the 19th century. The rest of the antiquities taken to an abandoned room in the Citadel. The Austrian Archduke Maximilian visited the Citadel. He was fond of the belongings of this room. Khedive Abbas, the ruler of Egypt at that time, gave the Archduke all the items that kept in the room. Afterwards Maximilian took theses antiquities with him to Austria. They are still there until today.

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The recent museum located in Tahrir square. In fact, it is because of the efforts of the great Egyptolog man, Auguste Mariette. The Museum opened for public in the 15th of November 1902. Situated in front of the main entrance of the Egyptian Museum Cairo, a small artificial lake. It has some of the lotus and the papyrus plants. Papyrus is indeed the most important plant for the ancient Egyptians. The papyrus is that green long plant which used by the ancient Egyptians to produce papers. Furthermore, the words “paper” in English and the word “Papier” in French both derived from the word “Papyrus”.

In fact, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities consists of two floors. The ground floor hosts the heavier displays. They are such as coffins, huge statues and also stone carvings. Moreover, the displays of this floor organized according to the historical periods. They are Old Kingdom, Intermediate Period and also New Kingdom. They also include Late Period Gareco Roman Period and the antiquities of the Nubia. The upper floor of the Egyptian Museum houses the lighter displays. The displays include gadgets and also tools. They include also funerary objects, smaller statues, papyrus papers, wooden coffins and jewelry. In addition, they also include jewelry. Moreover, they also include the displays of the Tut Ankh Amun tomb (Tutankhamen’s tomb).

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In fact, displays you must view at the Museum is the Narmer Plate or the Plate of the King Menes. The Narmer Plate is a large plate which made out of stone. It is the only remaining evidence that King Narmer was able to unify the two regions of Egypt. They are Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The name of the King Menes inscribed at the two sides of the plate. In addition, King Menes portrayed on one side of the plate wearing the long white crown. He is about to beat a war prisoner with his hands. On the other side of the Narmer Plate, also the king portrayed. He wears the two crowns and walking with his followers. This to supervise the process of prosecuting the war prisoner.

The Displays of the Old Kingdom:

The displays of the Old Kingdom in the Egyptian Museum Cairo located to the left hand side of the entrance door. They are among the most remarkable among the whole displays of the museum. The Old Kingdom or the Pyramids builders period, is a section of the ancient Egyptian history. The achievements of this period are Pyramids of Giza, Zoser’s Step Pyramid and Dahshur Pyamid. The achievements also include Abu Sir Pyramids. The first capital of a unified Egypt founded by King Menes in the 32 nd century BC. It called Memphis and located nowadays to the South of Giza. In fact, the important Egyptian kings are King Menes, King Zoser and King Senefru. They are also King Chespos and King Khafre. They ruled over the country from Memphis.

In addition, there is a wonderful statue of King Khafre which made out of alabaster. It put on display in the second hall of the ground floor of the Egyptian Museum Cairo. There are also four heads of some of the relatives of the king. They also made out of limestone. The museum of Antiquities has also a collection of attractive smaller statues of servants. They are carrying out their everyday duties and responsibilities. There is also a statue of a woman grinding the grains. Beside her, there is a statue of a man getting the dough ready to produce beer.

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On the other side there is a man grilling a goose and beside him. There is also another man holding a large bag on his shoulder. In fact, these statues found in some of the tombs of the Nobles. They included these servants with them in their burial chambers. This is to serve them in the afterlife as they have served them during their lives. Moreover, the ground floor of the Egyptian Museum Cairo also has a large collection of coffins. They made from different types of rocks and stones. They have notable decorations and carvings.

There are also the walls of the funerary chamber. They reconstructed after brought from one of the tombs of Sakkara. This piece is the best example of the magnificent art of the 6th dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The guests will view on the walls of the chamber a list of items. They show what the deceased might need in the after life.

The Old Kingdom considered one of the most powerful periods of the ancient Egyptians. This is why the guests will find huge statues that featured with the accuracy in their design and beauty. An example of this, is the wonderful statue of king Khafrae. In fact, it made out of the strong diorite stone. The Egyptian Museum has also a wonderful statue of the old kingdom. The statue is the sycamore wooden which made statue of the “Sheikh of the town”. Furthermore, it is one of the most important figures. The statue dates back to the ancient Egyptian. It still practiced until today.

The Displays of the Middle Kingdom:

The Egyptian Museum Cairo also comprises ten notable statues that date back to the Middle Kingdom. The ten statues portray the King Senusret I and a king that belongs to the 12th dynasty. In fact, they all made out of limestone. There are also three other statues of Senusret which portrayed as a the god Osiris. They found near the El Lisht. It is an area near El Fayoum. The area is also near to Meidum Pyramid in Beni Suef. The Middle Kingdom period started in Egypt with the fall of the Old Kingdom. It was indeed a negative period of the ancient Egyptian history.

The living conditions of the Egyptians improved. It was in the beginning of the 12th dynasty rule. Moreover, the arts and industries have flourished. Another transition took place in Egypt once again. It is when the nobles fighting among each others. As a result, the living conditions getting worse once more. In fact, all these facts paved the way for the Hyksos to invade the country. The 17th dynasty came to rule over Egypt from Thebes. They started to fight these foreign invaders. It was until the King Ahmose was able to defeat the Hyksos and expel them out of Egypt. Ahmose founded the 18th dynasty, which is the first dynasty of the New Kingdom of Egypt.

The Displays of the New Kingdom:

The 18th dynasty is the first dynasty of the New Kingdom. It is indeed the greatest dynasties that ruled over Egypt. The most important rulers of this period are Queen Hatshepsut and King Amenhotep. They are also Ikhnaton and King Tut Ankh Amun. In fact, there are so many displays in the Egyptian Museum which date back to the New Kingdom. Among these there are several statues of the Goddess Hathour and the god Amun. Without doubt, they are the most famous god of ancient Egypt.

The displays of the New Kingdom also include a large collection of mummification tools. They also include chairs, wooden objects and crowns. Moreover, the displays also include a large collection of statues of gods, kings and queens. In fact, they date back to many different periods in the New Kingdom. There are also many remarkable statues of Queen Hatshepsut. Some of them portraying her in the shape of the Sphinx. The other shows her in the disguise of a man. There are also some notable statues of King Thutmose III, the successor of Hatshepsut. He is one of the most skillful military leaders of ancient Egypt. He called, the Napoleon of Egypt.

Egyptian Museum in Cairo operation hours:

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo opens daily from 9 am till 5 pm.
9:00 AM-2:00 PM during Ramadan month

Egyptian Museum ticket cost:

Egyptian: LE 10 (LE 5, students)
Foreign: LE 120 (LE 60, students)

Royal Mummies Room:
Egyptian: LE 20 (LE 10, students)
Foreign: LE 150 (LE 75, students)

Centennial Gallery:
Egyptian: LE 2 (LE 1, students)
Foreign: LE 30 (LE 15, students)

The Egyptian Museum location:

Midan al-Tahrir, Downtown Cairo

Egyptian Museum direction:

First by metro: Sadat Station, follow signs to Egyptian Museum exit and walk straight along the street.

Second car or taxi: Ask for “al-mat-haf al-masri”

Third by bus: Ask for “abdel minem-ryad”

The Egyptian Museum facilities:

Cafeteria, bank, post office, gift shop, library, children’s museum and school.

Taped audio guides are available in English, French and Arabic for LE 20. Go to the kiosk in the front foyer to purchase.

Membership in the Friends of the Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt organization is available. Call for details (+20-(0)2-2579-4596).

Services for patrons with special needs:

An elevator, located to the right of Gallery R43 (Pre- and Early Dynastic). It is available for those unable to use the stairs. Ask the engineers in the office next to the elevator to activate it.
Guided tours for blind and low-vision patrons are available upon request (please phone in advance).

The Egyptian Museum contact information:

Phone: (+202) 25794596
Fax: (+202) 25794596
Email: [email protected]

NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED. Cameras must checked at building entrance.

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Menkaure Pyramid Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Menkaure Pyramid Cairo Egypt located at Giza Plateau. It is near to Khafre Pyramid and Cheops Pyramid. In fact, Menkaure pyramid had an original height of 65.5 meters (215 feet). It is the smallest of the three major pyramids at the Giza Necropolis. Moreover, The pyramid now stands at 61 m (204 ft) tall with a base of 108.5 m. Furthermore, the pyramid constructed of limestone and granite. The first sixteen courses of the exterior made of red granite. The upper part cased in the normal manner with Tura limestone. In fact, part of the granite left in the rough. The pyramid helped archaeologists understand the methods used to build pyramids and temples.

In fact, south of Menkaure pyramid Cairo are three satellite pyramids. Moreover, they are each accompanied with a temple and have a substructure. Furthermore, the southernmost is the largest and a true pyramid. It’s casing is partly of granite like this pyramid. It believed to have completed due to the limestone pyramidion found close by. In fact, neither of the other two progressed beyond the construction of the inner core. In the mortuary temple the foundations and the inner core made of limestone. The floors begun with granite and granite facings added to some of the walls. The foundations of the valley temple made of stone. Moreover, both temples finished with crude bricks. Some of the blocks of local stone in the walls of the mortuary temple weighed as much as 220 tons.

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In fact, the heaviest granite ashlars imported from Aswan and weighed more than 30 tons. It was unusual for a son or successor to complete a temple when a Pharaoh died. It is not unreasonable to assume that Shepseskaf finished the temples with crude brick. There was an inscription in the mortuary temple. It said “made it (the temple) as his monument for his father, the king of upper and lower Egypt”. During excavations of the temples Reisner found a large number of statues. They were of Menkaure alone and as a member of a group. These all carved in the naturalistic style of the old kingdom with a high degree of detail evident. Menkaure pyramid Cairo date of construction is unknown. In fact, it is because Menkaure’s reign has not defined. But it probably completed in the 26th century BC.

Richard William Howard Vyse first visited Egypt in 1835. He discovered in the upper antechamber the remains of a wooden anthropoid coffin. It inscribed with Menkaure’s name and containing human bones. This is now a substitute coffin from the Saite period. The bones are less than 2,000 years old. Deeper into Menkaure pyramid Cairo, Vyse came upon a beautiful basalt sarcophagus. It is rich in detail with a bold projecting corniche. This sarcophagus now lies at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. It sunk on October 13, 1838. It was on the ship Beatrice. The ship was in its way between Malta and Cartagena. It was on the way to Great Britain. It was one of only a handful of Old Kingdom sarcophagi to survive into the modern period. In fact, the anthropoid coffin successfully transported on a separate ship. It maybe seen today at the British Museum.

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Al-Malek al-Aziz Othman attempted to demolish the pyramids. It was in the end of the twelfth century. He started with Menkaure Pyramid Cairo. The workmen found it almost as expensive to destroy the pyramid as to build. They stayed at their job for eight months. They were not able to remove more than one or two stones each day. It was at a cost of tiring themselves out. Some used wedges and levers to move the stones, while others used ropes to pull them down. When a stone fell, it would bury itself in the sand, requiring extraordinary efforts to free it. Wedges used to split the stones into several pieces. A cart used to carry it to the foot of the escarpment, where it left. Far from accomplishing what they intended to do. They spoiled Menkaure Pyramid Cairo by leaving a large vertical gash in its north.

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Memphis Cairo Egypt information, tours, prices, booking

Memphis Cairo Egypt was a city and the capital of Ancient Egypt. It indeed was an important center during much of Egyptian history. Memphis Cairo located south of the Nile River delta. It is on the west bank of the river. The site is about 15 miles (24 km) south of modern Cairo. Moreover, its archaeological zone designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It founded about 2925 BC by Menes. Menes united the two prehistoric kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt. The original name of the city was the White Walls. The modern name of Memphis is a Greek version of the Egyptian Men-Nefer. This name is of the nearby pyramid king Pepi I.

Ptah was the local god of Memphis Cairo. He was a patron of craftsmen and artisans. Furthermore, he was also a creator god. The great temple of Ptah was one of the city’s most prominent structures. He created humans through the power of his heart and speech. Memphis Cairo reached preeminence by the third dynasty. The huge royal pyramid tombs of this period in the necropolises of Memphis indeed confirm this. Djoser was the second king of the third dynasty. He also was the builder of the Step Pyramid in Sakkara. Sakkara is the earliest royal foundation at the site. Moreover, it is also the first important stone building in Egypt.

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Imhotep was the king’s architect and adviser. He credited with this architectural feat. He also was wise man and physician. His reputation led to his deification and his identification with the Greek god Asclepius. There are remains of several unfinished or ruined pyramids near Memphis Cairo. They have attributed to other 3rd dynasty kings. The first king of the 4th dynasty was Snefru. He built two pyramid tombs at Dahshur. The last known king of this dynasty was Shepseskaf. He built his tomb at south Sakkara.  In fact, it was not a pyramid but a distinctive oblong structure with sloping sides.

In fact, the royal pyramids surrounded by large cemeteries. They are where the courtiers and officials who had served the king during his lifetime buried. The beautiful reliefs in certain of these tombs include scenes of daily life. Thus it gives some idea of the crafts, costumes, and occupations of the royal court of Memphis. These reliefs are a valuable source of information on such subjects. An exception to the general rule of loss and destruction which is the hidden tomb of Queen Hetepheres. She was the mother of Khufu. Her tomb discovered near the Great Pyramid of Giza. Though the queen’s body was missing from her sarcophagus. Moreover, Her funerary equipment and furniture survived.

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In fact, some scholars believe that Old Kingdom influenced by the craftsmen of the Memphis Cairo court. The kings of the 5th dynasty (2465 BC – 2325 BC) moved south of Giza to build their funerary monuments. The pyramid temples and causeways decorated with fine reliefs. This dynasty marked by a decline of Memphis influence. It paralleling the rise of a sun cult centered at Heliopolis. The major monuments of the period are not the pyramids but the sun temples. The pyramid field of Sakkara continued to decline in size and workmanship. It was during the 6th dynasty.

At that time the influence of the centralized government at Memphis Cairo began to wane. It indicated by the increased prominence of provincial cities. It was also by the number of fine tombs which located away from the Memphis Cairo area. This process of decentralization ended in the First Intermediate Period. Another period of political and social chaos followed the 13th dynasty. Second Intermediate Period characterized by the presence in Egypt of the Asian Hyksos peoples. The Hyksos king, whom he calls Salitis made his capital at Memphis. From there, he ruled both Upper and Lower Egypt. But his capital generally supposed to locate at Avaris, near Tanis, in the Nile delta.

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The importance of Memphis Cairo Egypt based to an extent on its venerable religious role. Certain of the coronation ceremonies enacted in the site. The Heb-Sed festival is a jubilee which celebrated by the king after 30 years of rule. It repeated every three years thereafter. Perhaps it was a ritual reenactment of the unification of Egypt. During the New Kingdom, Memphis functioned as the second, or northern, capital of Egypt. At one time it seemed to have been the principal residence of the crown prince. Several 18th-dynasty inscriptions mention royal hunting parties in the desert near the Sphinx. Amenhotep II born at Memphis Cairo. He held the office of high priest there. Both he and his son, Thutmose IV reigned 1400–1390 BC. He left inscriptions at Giza.

Despite the rise of the god Amon of Thebes, Ptah remained one of the principal gods of the pantheon. The great temple of Ptah added to or rebuilt by every king of the 18th dynasty. Chapels constructed by Thutmose I, Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III. Amenhotep III’s son was the religious reformer Akhenaton. He built a temple to his god, Aton, in Memphis Cairo. There are many tombs dating back to this period in the Memphis Cairo necropolis. They testify to the existence of a sizable court. During the New Kingdom Memphis shared the cosmopolitan character of the nation. It shared as trade, foreign conquest and travel developed. Though Memphis Cairo was not on the Nile. It connected with the Nile by a canal and it was important as a commercial center.

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In fact, Specific quarters of Memphis city named for the foreign colonies who resided there. They were like slaves, prisoners of war, or merchants. Under the 19th dynasty, a new royal house built farther north at Per Ramessu in the delta. But Memphis Cairo continued to be important. The great temple of Ptah rebuilt. The kings of that period pillaged the monuments of their predecessors for building materials. Furthermore, Some of the reused blocks come from Memphis necropolises. Ramses II who reigned from 1279–13 BC, erected several colossi in the temple. The Serapeum dedicated to the cult of Apis, the bull-god. It built in the form of a labyrinth. It begun under the son of Ramses II, Khaemwese, high priest of Ptah.

By the end of the 20th dynasty (1190–1075 BC) the united kingdom had begun to break down once again. The official capitals were Tanis and Thebes. But the royal palace at Memphis Cairo also continued to mentioned. The growing popularity of the Apis cult led to further enlargement of the Serapeum. In addition, in the 8th century BC, the Nubian king Piye conquered Egypt and restored its unity. Nubia (Kush) is to the south of Egypt. It had been under Egyptian political and cultural influence for centuries.

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An inscription describing Piye’s campaign has survived, and it mentions a siege of Memphis Cairo. The city had fortified walls and surrounded by water, presumably from its encircling canals. Piye took the city, but it left to his brother and successor, Shabaka, to claim the royal title. There are some indications that this king made Memphis his capital. But the Kushite dynasty overthrown shortly thereafter. In fact, it was when the Assyrians invaded Egypt.

The siege and destruction of Memphis  Cairo Egypt was because of the royal house of one Tarku (Taharqa). He was the king of Egypt. In addition, he became pharaoh in 690 BC. Taharqa regained Memphis, but he driven out of the city again by Ashurbanipal of Assyria. It was in 667/668 BC. The collapse of Assyria (612 BC) led to brief Egyptian independence. It was under the 26th dynasty. But in fact, it was not long before new invaders appeared. The Persian Cambyses II took Memphis by siege in 525 BC. After years of Persian rule, Egypt was ready to welcome Alexander the Great in 332 BC. The conqueror used Memphis as his headquarters. It was while making plans for his new city of Alexandria. After his death at Babylon, his body brought to Egypt. He laid to rest in Memphis Cairo before buried at Alexandria.

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Under the Hellenistic Ptolemaic dynasty (332–30 BC), Memphis Cairo retained its cosmopolitan character. It had a sizable Greek population. Some of the diversified racial types to found in the city during Greco-Roman times. They depicted in a series of striking terra-cotta heads dating from this period. At the beginning of the Roman period, Memphis was still an important provincial capital. The serious decay of the ancient city began after the rise of Christianity. In brief, it was when zealots of that faith defaced and destroyed the remaining pagan temples.

Additionally, the Christian monastery of Apa Jeremias rose among the venerable tombs of Sakkara. It was in the 5th century. Therefore, the capital continued to deteriorate. It was receiving its death blow during the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 AC. Furthermore, a garrison and fort called Babylon occupied the eastern end of the bridge. This bridge crossed the Nile from Memphis. After a long siege the fortress taken by the Arab general Amr ibn Al Aas.

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Memphis Cairo Egypt abandoned, and later the few remaining structures dismantled. So that the stone maybe reused in the neighboring villages and in Cairo. It was after that city’s founding in the 10th century. The ancient city of Memphis Cairo lies near the modern village of Mit Ruhaynah. At the beginning of the 20th century some ruined walls still seen. The only monument above ground is a colossal statue of Ramses II. It was once adorned the great temple of Ptah.

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Sakkara Giza Cairo Egypt information, tours, prices, booking

Sakkara Giza Cairo Egypt is a section of the great necropolis of Memphis. Memphis was the Old Kingdom capital. The kings of the first and second dynasties buried in this section of the Memphis necropolis. In fact, it has constant interest to Egyptology men. In fact, three major discoveries made at Sakkara Giza Cairo. They are a prime minister’s tomb, a queen’s pyramid, and the tomb of the son of a dynasty founding king. Each discovery has a fascinating story. It is with many adventures for the archaeologists who revealed the secrets of the past. The site in fact is famous for Zoser Step Pyramid. In fact, it is the oldest which known of Egypt’s 97 Pyramids. It built for King Djoser of the third dynasty. It was by the architect and genius Imhotep. Imhotep designed it and its surrounding complex.

In fact, Imhotep was the first to build stone tombs in honor of the king’s majesty. He has many titles such as Treasurer of the King of Lower Egypt and Administrator of the Great Palace. Moreover, Imhotep may also designed the pyramid of Djoser’s successor, Sekhemkhet. Kings such as Userkaf and Djedkare-Izezi built their Pyramids at Sakkara Giza Cairo. In fact, they are from the fifth dynasty. Unas was the last king of fifth dynasty. He decorated his burial chamber with the famous ‘Pyramid Texts’. Moreover, he also dis with written spells. The spells were to help the king ascend to the heavens and descend again. In fact, they reveal the relationship of the king to the gods. Kings such Pepi I, Merenre and Pepi II built their Pyramids to the south of Sakkara. They were from the sixth dynasty.

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In fact, the site is also famous for its private Old Kingdom tombs. The tombs contain indeed beautiful and revealing scenes. The scenes are like men force feeding geese and cattle crossing a canal. Moreover, the scenes also are like men dragging a statue on a sled to the tomb. In fact, the best known tombs are those of Ti, Kagemni and Ptahhotep. In fact, the most famous is that of Meruruka. During the New Kingdom, Memphis took second place to Thebes as Egypt’s capital. The government officials who ruled Upper Egypt lived in Memphis and buried at Sakkara Giza Cairo. Here Geoffrey Martin found the famous tomb that Horemheb built for himself. In fact, it is before he becomes pharaoh. He was still the overseer of Tutankhamen’s army. Martin also found the tomb of Mava and Tutankhamen Treasurer.

The first of the recent discoveries at Sakkara Giza Cairo dates back to the New Kingdom. This site developed by the French Alain Zivie. Zivie started work at a place in Sakkara called Abwab el-Qotat, ‘The Doors of the Cats’. It called because hundreds of cat mummies found here. Ancient Egyptians worshiped the cat goddess Bastet. The main place of worship was at Tel Basta. In fact, it is near Zagazig in the east of the Delta. Sakkara sanctuary stood above a cliff in which some New Kingdom tombs cut. Some of them reused much later for cat burials connected with the sanctuary. The Abwab El-Qotat site had neglected for many years. It was dangerous because the cliff was crumbling and the Tombs were falling apart.

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The French archaeological team worked here for the last 14 years. The main focus of their work was the tomb of the Vizier Aperel or Aperia. Amenhotep III served as the prime minister of Lower Egypt. It was in the fourteenth century BC. His son was Amenhotep IV. In fact, he known as Akhenaten. Aperia’s tomb discovered in 1987. Zivie got the opportunity to clear a huge burial complex on four levels. The last level still contains a large part of the funerary treasure of Aperia. They were his wife Tauret, their son Huy and prominent general. The big surprise was indeed the discovery of the funerary chamber. In fact, it found hidden behind the stairway.

The remains of the Vizier, his wife and their son found in beautiful coffins. They were with canopic jars of alabaster, objects of daily and religious use and many jewels. Moreover, the gold transferred from Sakkara Giza Cairo to the Cairo Museum and is on exhibit there. The beautiful rings and bracelets can compared only with those found at Thebes. Dr. Zivie’s report referring to the funerary chamber as the ‘chapel’. A late masonry was present almost everywhere at the first level of the tomb. It prevented investigation. Moreover, three cult niches revealed when they removed the masonry. Dry stones had blocked the entire chapel. The decoration on the main, central and niche remained in a good state of preservation. Furthermore, on the sides are paintings of the Vizier.

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Each with his complete name, Aper-EI. He receiving offerings of flowers or purification from two sons unknown to us. In fact, their names and titles are present. The first one is Seny. He was a high official. The other one is Hatiay. He was a priest. The representations are important because they illustrate the art of the time of Akhenaton. Its aftermath not at Amarna or at Thebes, but rather at Memphis. Memphis remained the main city of the country. But also in some neighboring tombs. This masonry dates back to the beginning of the Ptolemaic (Greek) Period. The site then re used in cat burials at the sanctuary of Bastet above the cliff. It was necessary to remove the blocking (late masonry). it was to explore the chapel completely.

In fact, the operation provided the Mission with a chance discovery. Moreover, the larger part of the chapel of the tomb hidden by the masonry. The decoration well preserved behind the stones and mortar. The work took several months, but the chapel now completely cleared. In cat, now we have a complete picture of the first level of the tomb. The result is impressive. There were three square pillars. One unknown before. It was on the inner faces of which one can still discern representations of the Vizier and of his son. The fourth pillar is no longer present. A splendid ceiling decorated in brilliant colors. Moreover, it also almost completely preserved. The most important discovery in the chapel was indeed the back wall, side of the burial chamber.

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Near the sarcophagus found the canopic chest of the king. It was with his viscera which wrapped in bandages of fine linen. The expedition found small Pyramids of queens and others who may have been queens. It was during examining the high sand mounds on the south side of Pepi I’s pyramid. Pepi I married two sisters. They were the daughters of the Mayor of Abydos. It the first recorded case of an Egyptian god king marrying a commoner. From the French team’s work we knew the queens for whom these Pyramids built. The first built for Queen Nwb-wnt. In 1995 they found the pyramid of Queen Meryt-it-is. We already knew this name as that of the wife of King Khufu (Cheops), builder of the Great Pyramid. She enjoyed the titles of ‘King’s Wife’ and ‘King’s Daughter’.

Her newly- found pyramid raises Egypt’s total of Pyramids with superstructures to 97. It expected that the expedition will find more 8th Dynasty Pyramids in this area. Sakkara Giza Cairo was the burial place of those kings. They have already located the pyramid of King Iby. The third discovery at Sakkara made while excavating in the vicinity of Queen Iput I pyramid. She was a wife of Teti, first king of sixth dynasty. His reign was about 68 years. He married two queens, Iput and Khuit. The historian Manetho stated that King Teti assassinated by his bodyguard. Others believe that Teti’s eventual assassination motivated by resentment. The resentment at the eclipse of priestly authority.

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Naguib Kanawati of Macquarie University, Sydney, has uncovered evidence to support the murder theory. The name of Teti’s pyramid was ‘The Pyramid Which Is Enduring Of Palaces’. Its original height was 52.5 meter. It first opened in 1881 and found to resemble other 6th Dynasty Pyramids. Inside was a sarcophagus of gray basalt. Near it found Teti’s viscera. It was in a canopic chest like that of Pepi I . Queen Iput’s and Khuit’s Pyramids located about a ninety meters north of Teti’s. In 1897-99 V. Loret excavated it. He found a large limestone sarcophagus. It contains the cedar wood inner coffin of the Queen. Inside the coffin were her remains.

On the bones of her right arm found scattered remains of her necklace and a gold bracelet. When excavated around Queen Iput’s pyramid, it found most of the rooms of its funerary temple. It decorated with beautiful scenes. Also found in the temple was a monument dating from the third dynasty reign of Djoser. This monument resembles a pillar. The shape of its top called a Serelh, which means ‘palace facade’. On it written the name of Djoser. Above it is the falcon god Horus wearing the Double Crown on Upper and Lower Egypt.

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Beneath Horus is a lion or lioness which followed by a jackal. They arranged in 12 registers. It could be a part of an entrance gate for the pyramid complex of Djoser. On its top would have been a lintel with Djoser’s titles. There is major discovery near Queen Iput’s funerary temple. It was the tomb of Teti’s son Teti-ankh-km, which means ‘Teti-ankh the Black’. The false door of the tomb bears his name, the title of ‘King’s Son’. It also does his most important title of ‘Overseer of Upper Egypt’. The tomb contains beautiful scenes of daily and religious life. It includes ladies bringing offerings and the slaughtering of animals. It also includes the deceased standing with his wife, the lotus flower, and many other scenes.

The colors in the scenes are distinctive. The style is characteristic of Sakkara tombs during the Old Kingdom. During New Kingdom, most of Sakkara tombs display the same style and colors. The painting partly defaced. The wall carved with a new and impressive representation. It is of Osiris who flanked by the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. The figures used as cult representations, like statues. The smaller western niche found empty. The Ptolemaic masonry of the eastern niche contained the mummies of cats. They are most notable one in a limestone coffin with a superb cat mummy in linen wrappings. This was the first in situ cat burial which found at Sakkara Giza Cairo. It dedicated to Bastet . It was when the site blocked up and re-used, probably in the early Ptolemaic Period.

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To protect the fragile parts of the cliff, the masonry from other tombs in the vicinity removed. Excavation work then concentrated on the tomb of Mery-Sekhmet. He lived in the 19th Dynasty. This tomb, was unknown before the Mission explore Sakkara site. It only partly preserved, but what left is quite exceptional. The stone masonry of the Ptolemaic Period removed. It was to reach and protect the original decorated walls of the tomb. In fact, the task was difficult. It also proceeded over several years. The preserved walls of the chapel are now almost cleared and cleaned. They decorated with superb relieves. Moreover, they partly inspired by the mastabas (tombs) of the Old Kingdom.

Furthermore, they depict Mery-Sekhmet and his wife Iuy attending to agricultural work. They partly blackened by fire in ancient times. The reliefs and their color excellently cleaned and reinforced. The main surprise awaited the Mission at the back of the tomb. It is where the removal of the masonry led to the discovery of a walled niche. The high humidity led to fears that nothing preserved in this remote part of the tomb. In fcat, it was not the case. The niche slowly and methodically cleared in January 1994 and the winter of 1995. It contains a pair of superb statues carved in the rock.

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These are standing figures more than 3 feet high and still colored. They were of Iuy and Mery-Sekhmet. He holds a standard with small figures of Osiris and Re-Harakhte. This is the first time that such New Kingdom statues, carved into the rock, discovered at Sakkara Giza Cairo. The faces of the man and woman are quite beautiful. Despite the fragility of the stone and the colors, the statues well preserved. The second discovery at Sakkara made under the supervision of a French Egyptologist. He was Jean Leclant. This French expedition worked around Pepi I pyramid. He was the third king of the Old Kingdom’s 6th Dynasty. In his reign, Egypt reached a peak in art and culture.

One of the king’s courtiers was Weni. He recounts that Pepi I appointed him to investigate a conspiracy on the part of Queen Imtis. Weni didn’t say what she plotted against the king, nor what kind of punishment she suffered. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the inner walls of Pepi I’s pyramid crumbled to the floor. The French team accomplished one of its most important tasks. They reconstructed the inscriptions by computer. It took them almost five years to complete this impressive achievement. In fact, there is now an museum with a special room. The room dedicated to Jean-Phillippe Lauer’s work. It located in Sakkara Giza Cairo. Moreover, it is with many other exhibits on this archaeological site. It named the Imhotep Museum.

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Pharaonic Village Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking

Pharaonic Village Cairo Egypt is a living museum of Ancient Egyptian life. It located on Nile river in Cairo, Egypt. In fact, it takes you back about three thousand years. Just a few miles from Cairo center is a time machine waiting to take you on a fantastic journey. The journey is to the days of the Pharaohs. The time brought to life by an incredible group of actors and actresses. In fact, it features faithful and exact reproductions of buildings, clothing and lifestyles. Dr. Hassan Ragab is the founder of Pharaonic Village Cairo. His son is Dr. Abdel Salam Ragab. They have worked for over twenty years on it. It was to create the most precise living recreation of the golden days of Pharaonic Egypt. In fact, the village invites you to join him on this fascinating journey to the past.

Moreover, at the Pharaonic Village Cairo, visitors sail on comfortable motorized barges down a network of canals. They view incredibly accurate tableaux of the recreation of ancient Egyptian life. Though the city of Cairo surrounds the island. It penetrates the thick wall of trees planted around the island. Sights include recreations of industries, games, arts, and moments from history and legend. Furthermore, the site features cafeterias, boat rentals and a children’s playground. Moreover, it also features a restaurant that serves both Egyptian and European dishes. In fact, the village facilities will indeed make your stay even more enjoyable.

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The exact details that have gone into making the past come to life at the village. Over a hundred actors and actresses perform all the daily activities and arts of the ancient Egyptians. They include agriculture, pottery, sculpture, weaving and much more. Everyone existed in an ancient Egyptian city is here in the modern recreation. It is from pharaohs to fishermen, from potters to priests. Because of this attention to detail, Pharaonic Village is more than education and entertainment. In fact, it is a vital resource in the preservation of our knowledge of the ancient world.

In fact, Pharaonic Village Cairo indeed is a must-see for any visitor to Egypt. It is whether scholar of Egyptian history and culture, or casual tourist. In fact, it indeed is an excellent complement to a trip before going to Aswan and Luxor. Go to the Village on a journey through time to the rich and exciting age of the pharaohs. In fact, the village is near to Giza Zoo. It is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. It is the most inhabited by the various animal and plant species. Giza Zoo area is about 80 acres. It located near the west bank of the Nile. Its northern tip overlooks Cairo University. Giza Zoo not far from Cairo Downtown and it linked to it by many buses. Giza Zoo is under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture in Egypt.

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The village is also near to Nile Pharaoh cruise. The cruise is a great way to spend a Cairo evening or enjoy a sumptuous lunch on the Nile. Nile Pharaoh cruise begins in Giza and traverses the Nile to the downtown area. An then back, taking approximately two hours. On board you will entertained by a belly dancer and an Egyptian singer, as well as a folkloric show. Western Music also played.

Pharaonic Village Cairo is also near to Cairo Tower. The Tower is 187 meter high and in the form of a latticework tube. It fans out at the top. It imitates a lotus plant. Cairo Tower ranks the fourth among the world highest towers.It is nice to be up high in Cairo. Cairo Tower gives one a prospective view of this great city. It is with it’s modern and ancient districts.

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Red Pyramid Dahshur Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking

Red Pyramid Dahshur Cairo Egypt has the largest base after Khufu pyramid. It located 40 kilometers south of Cairo. Each side of the pyramid measures 722 feet. Moreover, its sides sloping at 43 degrees 22′. The pyramid is the fourth highest pyramid which built in Egypt. It has 160 layers of stone. In fact, the pyramid was the first successful, true, cased Pyramid which built in Egypt. The pyramid in fact built by Snefru who was Khufus’s father. Moreover, it has no crowds and circus atmosphere like the Giza Plateau. Moreover, it currently entered without limitation. It is only a short drive from Sakkara and only a brief drive from Cairo.

In fact, the Red Pyramid Dahshur gets its name from the reddish limestone which used to build most of its core. Moreover, it also sometimes referred to as the Shining or Northern Pyramid. Several layers of fine white limestone used to lay the pyramid’s foundation. It was the learning from prior mistakes of earlier pyramids. Tura limestone used as casing stone to cover the pyramid. Though some casing still remains, most has removed. Every twentieth casing stone discovered had inscriptions on the back sides. Some inscribed with the cartouche of Snefru. The others had inscriptions in red paint naming the various work crews.

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In fact, they are such as the “Green Gang” or the “Western Gang”. Snefru’s cartouche was an important discovery. It was since there are no identifying inscriptions within the pyramid. Perhaps greater importance is the fact that some of the casing dated. It gives clues to how long the pyramid took to build. It is also the sequence of work that took place. According to this, the pyramid begun between 22-29 year of Snefru’s reign. Within four years, 30 percent of Red Pyramid had completed. The entire pyramid finished in about seventeen years.

East of the Red Pyramid Dahshur Cairo is what remains of a mortuary temple. Besides to the first capstone (Pyramidion) ever found belonging to an Old Kingdom Pyramid. It recovered in fragments and reconstructed. The mortuary temple itself is significant. It was because Snefru pioneered the east west alignment of Egyptian Temples to match the path of the sun. Like most Egyptian Pyramids, the only entrance is in the north side. Furthermore, it leads to a 206 foot passage descends at an angle of 27 degrees to the first chamber. The first chamber has a cor-belled (step) ceiling with a height of about 40 feet. In fact, all three of the chambers in this pyramid have cor-belled ceilings. They are with between eleven and fourteen layers.

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Even with some two million tones of stone above, this ceiling design is so strong. In fact, there are no cracks or structural problems even today. Moreover, a short passage on the south side of the first chamber leads to a second chamber. These first two chambers of Red Pyramid Dahshur Cairo located at the ground level. The third chamber is higher. Moreover, it built within the masonry of the pyramid itself. The second chamber is unusual. It lies under the apex of the pyramid, or center point of the pyramid. It is one of the only Pyramids in Egypt to have this design layout. The final chamber has an entrance passageway. It is about 25 feet above the floor of the second chamber. It can accessed by a staircase (of modern construction).

Furthermore, the passageway leads to the final chamber is 23 feet long. Egyptology men believe this final chamber intended to be the actual burial chamber. Moreover, the room is approximately 14 feet by 27 feet. Its cor-belled ceiling rising to a height of 50 feet. The floor has excavated in an unsuccessful attempt to find other passageways.

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