Activities in Nile Valley

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.

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.

Maadi Petrified Forest Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Maadi Petrified forest Cairo is 30 kilometer away from Cairo. It situated outside Maadi district in Cairo, Egypt. In fact, it declared as a protectorate in 1989. Moreover, El Maadi Petrified forest Cairo is about 35 million years old at least. It is indeed an ideal example of the physical history of the planet. Furthermore, El Maadi Petrified forest area is about six square kilometers. It covered with the remains of trees from the early era. They brought here due to the floods on the red Sea hills. This period called Oligocene. It is where the temperature of earth saw a large amount of drop and floods occurred. The drop in temperature led to the creation of an atmosphere.

This atmosphere supported the coming of many new species like elephants and horses. In fact, the forest located 18 kilometer from Maadi city in Cairo. It is on the North Katameya Ain Sukhna road. Moreover, it features a large variety of stones, sands, petrified trees and trunks. In fact, the forest can help in knowing about the geological period of earth. Furthermore, it is a small geological protectorate in comparison to others in Egypt. It also classified as a natural heritage site. The forest covered by acacia trees, pastoral plants and bushes. They help in fixing the dunes. It assists in conserving the environmental setting of the Mediterranean coast.

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The high density of acacia helps in increasing the level of soil water. It also preserves the natural qualities of the subterranean water. That is why the forest became a favored tourist attraction. It is due to the natural resources present here . It also features wildlife flora and fauna. El Maadi Petrified forest Cairo also known as Gabal el Khashab, or Wood Hill. If your are non geologist or a nature lover, there is nothing much to see in it. The biggest threat to the protectorate is the constant construction work around the area.

Construction programs nearby led most of the animals and wildlife disappearing from this area. It happened within the past ten to 15 years. The Petrified forest in Maadi, Cairo indeed is an important pearl in the natural heritage of the country. It is although of its small area. Among the wildlife is Cape Hare, Lepus capensis and small rodents. They are like Cairo Spiny Mouse and Acomys cahirinus. Birds are generally those of the Eastern Desert. They include Mourning Wheat-ear and Oenanthe lugens. Among reptiles there is the Pale Agama and Trapelus pallidus.

Medinet Habu Luxor Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Medinet Habu Luxor Egypt (City of Habu) located in the west bank in Luxor. The ancient Egyptian name of Medinet Habu was Djamet. It means meaning males and mothers. Its holy ground believed to be where the Ogdoad, the four pairs of first primeval gods buried. In fact, the site was both a temple and a complex of temples. It dates back to the New Kingdom. It adjoins the cultivation at the southern end of the Theban necropolis. The area was one of the earliest places within the Theban region to associated with the worship of Amun. The Hatshepsut and Thutmose III built a small temple to Amun on the site of an earlier structure. Next to their temple, Ramses III built his mortuary temple. It is Medinet Habu Luxor’s most conspicuous standing monument.

Ramses III then enclosed both structures within a massive mud-brick enclosure. It included storehouses, workshops and administrative offices. It also included residences of priests and officials. On the grounds of the entire temple complex are many other structures. It is besides the small temple. There are the memorial chapels of the Divine Adoratrices of Amun. Less well preserved is the memorial temple of King Horemheb. He usurped it from his predecessor Ay. The temple stands on the north side of the Ramses III enclosure. To its east are many of tomb chapels made for high officials of the later new Kingdom.

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The main temple at Medinet Habu Luxor is the great memorial temple of Ramses III. In fact, it indeed the best preserved of all mortuary temples of Thebes. Moreover, it called the Mansion of Millions of Years of User-Maat-Re Meriamun. It is the throne name of Ramses III. In fact, it contains more than 75,350 sq ft of decorated surfaces across its walls. The temple precinct measures about 700 feet by 1000 feet. It entered by two stone gates in the mud brick enclosure wall. It is on both the eastern and western sides. The western gate destroyed when the temple besieged during conflict in the reign of Ramses XI. The eastern entrance fronted by a quay, at which the boats that came in via the canals could moor.

The processional way led first between two porters lodges. They set into a low stone rampart. Moreover, they built in front of the main enclosure wall and then into the precinct. The rampart itself was a large gateway of distinctive design. It modeled after a western Asiatic migdol or fortress. The gateway side fronted by guard houses. They decorated with images of the king trampling enemies of Egypt and sculpted figures of the monarch. Moreover, they stand atop the heads of captives project from the walls. A large relief representation of the god Ptah was here. It had the power to send the prayers of those unable to enter the temple. They enter to the great god Amun. The upper rooms of the gate-house functioned as a kind of royal retreat or harem. Their walls graced with representations of the king relaxing with young women.

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Perhaps it was here that the attempted assassination of Ramses III took place. The temple itself is a smaller copy of the Ramesseum which built by Ramses II. Its massive outer pylons are the most imposing of any temple in Egypt. They decorated with colossal images of the king destroying captured enemies before the gods. The temples outer walls also depict important battle and victory scenes. They are over the Libyans and Sea Peoples. These scenes continued into the first court. On the northern side of Medinet Habu court were large statues of king Osiris. On the south, there is a columned portico with the window of appearances. It is in which the king stood or sat during formal ceremonies and festivities. The large statues of the second court of the site destroyed. It was in the early Christian era when the area converted into a church.

Relief scenes in Medinet Habu Luxor still in good condition. They depict rituals connected with the god Min. On the rear wall of the portico, a procession of the kings many sons and daughters. The second court of the site, devoted to scenes of religious processions. They belong to Min and Sokar. The Hypo-style hall suffered too much. The columns reduced to a small fraction of their original height. In the southwest corner of the site is a treasury building. It is with scenes depicting some of the temple equipment. The weighing of gold, depictions of sacks of gold, and precious stones also appear on the walls. Other temple valuables kept in a better concealed building. It is immediately in front of the north wall of the sanctuary.

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Off to the left of the second Hypo-style hall is the funerary chamber of Ramses III. It is with the god Thoth who shown inscribing the kings name on the sacred tree of Heliopolis. The focus of the main axis of the temple is the sanctuary of Amun. It was once finished in elect-rum with a doorway of gold. The doors themselves of copper inlaid with precious stones. Behind the sanctuary lies a false door for Amun-Ra united with eternity. It is the divine form of Ramses III. On the southeastern side of the temple are the remains of a royal palace. It was much smaller than the kings main house. In fact, it served as a spiritual palace as well as the occasional royal visits. Moreover, it decorated with glazed tiles. Its bathrooms lined with limestone to protect the mud-brick.

From the palace, the king could enter the first court. He also could peruse it from a window of appearances on its southern side. To the right of the complex entrance of Medinet Habu Luxor stands the earliest section of the complex. It called The Small Temple. Moreover, it founded in the 18th Dynasty and expanded and usurped under later dynasties. It stood on one of the most sacred spots in all Egypt. It is the primeval hill which first rose out of the receding waters of Chaos. An inscription describes it as the burial place of the four primal pairs of gods. The core of this temple begun by Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. But her name later replaced by those of Thutmose I and II. The structure incorporated into Ramses temple complex. It eclipsed by the construction of the mortuary temple.

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Its entrance later replaced by a pylon of the Nubian King Shabaka. And then, it usurped by his nephew Taharqa. A small fronting gateway built during the 26th Dynasty at Medinet Habu. To the north of this Small Temple are the sacred lake. It called Nilometer. It is actually a well with a passage leading down to groundwater level. Inside and to the left of the eastern gateway of the site are a group of chapel-tombs. They belonging to the 25th and 26th Dynasties Gods Wives of Amun. They ruled Upper Egypt at that time.

On the lintels above the entrances to these chapels may still seen the “Appeal to the Living”. It encouraged passers-by to repeat the Offering Formula. It was for the Kas of these powerful women. Because of its strong fortifications, Medinet Habu Luxor became a refuge in chaotic times. The workmen of Deir El Medina moved there during the late 20th Dynasty. The remains of the house of one Butehamun, a village scribe, can still seen there at the western end. During the Christian era, the entire area covered by the Coptic town of Djeme. Even the great temple itself filled with dwellings and one court used as a church.

Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor tours, prices, booking, reviews

Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor is one of the most popular tours all over Egypt. In fact, the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor has fixed sailing schedule. Most of Nile cruises which sail from Aswan start the program on Friday and Wednesday. Few of them start on Monday. The Nile cruises from Aswan to Luxor takes the trip in 3 nights. The accommodation on the Nile cruise based on full board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered in open buffet style. On the day one of the tour, you will embark on the cruise before the lunch. And then, you will take the lunch on board. On the afternoon, you will sail by traditional felucca to visit Elephantine Island.

You will also visit Philae temple and Kitchener Island. On the second day of Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, you will take the breakfast on board. And then, you will visit Aswan High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk. You will be back to the cruise for getting the lunch on board. The cruise will sail to Kom Ombo. In Kom Ombo you will visit Kom Ombo temple. The temple located in the town of Kom Ombo. In fact, the town is an industrial town 45 km north of Aswan. Its classical name was Ombos and its ancient name is Nebet. It placed between Edfu and Aswan as a garrison town on an important trading route.

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The Ptolemaic temple and ancient town site is a few kilometers from the modern town. It is on a promontory on the east bank of the Nile. In fact, Kom Ombo temple Aswan indeed is unusual. It dedicated to two triads of deities. You will be back to the cruise for dinner and overnight while sailing to Edfu. On the third day of Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, you will take the breakfast on board. And then, you will visit Edfu temple. The temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon headed god. That is why it known as Horus temple. The temple located 60 kilometer north to Aswan in Egypt. Edfu was the 2nd Nome of Upper Egypt and also the center of the cult of a triad of Gods.

And then, you will be back to the cruise for getting lunch. Dinner and overnight will be on the cruise board while sailing to Luxor. On the fourth day of Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, you will disembark after the breakfast. And then you will visit Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens including Hatshepsut temple. You will also visit the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. And then you will visit Luxor temple and Karnak temple. On the evening there will be a chance to attend the Sound and Light show at Karnak temple.

How to book Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor:

It is very simple. You just kindly requested either to fill in the booking form or to contact us. The booking form is at the right side panel.

Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt indeed is one of the most important archaeological sites in Fayoum. In fact, Medinet Madi Fayoum located 30 km south-west of El Fayoum city. Its modern name means “city of the past”. In fact, in Graeco-Roman times it known as ‘”Narmouthis”. Excavators discovered two separate towns at the site. Today, the main monument at the site is only a small temple. In fact, the temples dedicated to Sobek, Horus and the serpent-goddess Renenutet. Moreover, the temple founded during the reigns of Amenemhet III and IV. It was during Dynasty XII. The temple remains are in a well-preserved condition.

In fact, it was due to its isolated location but threatened by the encroaching sands of the desert. The inner chambers are the oldest part of the structure . In fact, the structure is one of the few surviving monuments of the Middle Kingdom. It indeed is a rare example of architecture from this period. Furthermore, there is a small columned hall which leads to three shrines. In fact, the shrines which contained statues of deities and the two kings. The temple restored during Dynasty XIX and expanded during the Graeco-Roman Period. Moreover, the temple contains an altar and some Greek inscriptions. In this part, there is also a large worn relief of the crocodile-god Sobek. In fact, it is with a wonderful toothy grin!.

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The Ptolemaic areas also comprise a paved processional way to the south. It is with an avenue of sphinxes and lion statues guarding the route. Furthermore, a kiosk with eight columns built on the processional route. In fact, it led to the twin-columned portico and transverse vestibule in front of the shrines. The temple walls today are only a few meters high. The walls still show some of the inscribed hieroglyphic texts and scenes. There is an important Greek inscription from the temple in the museum at Alexandria. To the east of the temple there are remains of mudbrick store-rooms. In fact, Italian teams of archaeologists worked at Medinet Madi Fayoum. It is since the 1960s.

They uncovered a large Roman town and several early Christian churches. In 1995 a Ptolemaic gate found to the east of the temple. On further investigation another temple discovered beneath the rubble. In fact, the temple dedicated to Sobek. This second temple built of mud-brick with stone doorways and lintels. In fact, its axis at right-angles to the older temple. Tablets and papyri also found in the debris. In fact, it included an important oracular document written in demotic script. The Italian Mission constructed a three-dimensional model and a reconstruction of the monuments. In fact, they which highlighted the important chronological development of the site.

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Another team recently excavated a vaulted structure. It was on the north side of the new temple, but the remains preserved. In fact, the team was from Pisa and Messina Universities. On the north side of the temple court, a crocodile nursery discovered. It was with dozens of eggs in different stages of maturation. In fact, the temple at Medinet Madi is one of the most isolated and romantic sites. In fact, it sets in a long hollow in the desert. The walls constructed from a pale golden limestone. The statues and sphinxes appear and disappear with the windblown soft desert sands. Actually, the ruins are interesting and well worth the effort of getting there.

How to get to Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt:

Medinet Madi Fayoum located 30 km away of the city of Fyoum. The city is about 100 km south of Cairo, Egypt. A road leads to the village of Abu Gandir. The village is the closest approach to the site which is about 2 km away. In fact, the site located on a small hill. It reached on foot or in a suitable vehicle across the intervening desert. A guide recommended as there are no marked tracks across the sands.

Mummification Museum Luxor Egypt tours, prices, booking

Mummification Museum Luxor located on Luxor city in Egypt. The mummification museum in Luxor indeed is amazing place. It is the best palace to learn about the most powerful secrets of the pharaohs. In fact, Mummification word comes from the Persian word “Mummya” which means bitumen or pitch. It sets in an underground hall on the Nile, next to the national ferry on the east bank. The ancient Egyptians imagined the underground world of the dead. It is where Osiris dwelt, though this actually changed over time. From early times, they protected the afterlife of the dead by mummification. They offered, wrote the name of the deceased and utterances in their calls. The collection of ancient funerary spells known as the Pyramids Texts tell us:

“Secure your head to the bones” (spell 13).

“Collect your bones. Gather together your limbs and throw the sand from your flesh” (spell 373).

“The spirit is for the heavens, the corpse is for the Earth”.

The survival of body is necessary for survival of the seven different elements of their being. In fact, that was the Ancient Egyptians belief. They include the physical body which mummified and wrapped in linen. It should protected with various amulets in a coffin and deposited within it’s tomb. Ka represented the vital life force. It created at the same time as a man’s body, which it resembled in every respect. Moreover, it was free to move between the burial chamber and the funerary statue. Ba often represented by a human headed. Ba bird with features of the deceased could take any shape. It revisited the world of the living and traveled across the sky in the sun-god’s boat. It always returns to reunite with it’s corpse in the tomb.

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The Akh was the most of spirits that severed all ties with mortal remains. It was to join the cold and imperishable stars. This beneficent spirit gained through piety and good deeds. The Ib represented the aware heart. The heart could determine the worth of its owner during judgment. Moreover, the Rn carved on the walls of the tombs and hymns chanted to keep the deceased’s name forever. The Inseparable Shadow, called the “shwt”. The shadow remained with the body. They also believed that the preservation of the physical body form is essential. It is essential for survival in the afterlife. This is because they believed that the destruction of the body would mean the decay of the soul.

In fact, all these elements displayed in the Mummification Museum in Luxor. Two other symbols that were vital for the Egyptians in the mummification process. They are Ankh, (key of life), which was the symbol of life itself and Djed Pillar. It is the symbol of stability, thought to perhaps linked with the backbone of Osiris. Of course, the mummification process changed somewhat over time. After death, the body of the deceased brought to the pre-nefr” or the place of mummification. Pre-nefr means “the beautiful house”. The body stripped of its clothes, and the embalmers wash the body with sacred water. Sacred water taken from a sacred local lake.

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A chisel passed through the ethmoid bone into the cranial cavity. With a spatula they cut the brain into small pieces. Then a hooked rod inserted, and turned to make the brain liquefy. It is to extract the brain through the nostrils. After that, they cleaned the skull cavity with palm wine and stuff it with linen. And then, They pour resinous liquid into the skull. After treating the head, the embalmers moved to the trunk of the body. The viscera extracted through an incision which usually made in the left side of the abdomen. Through it, they extracted all the entrails except the heart. The thoracic and abdominal cavities cleaned and rinsed with palm-wine. And then, treated with powder and ointment.

The Mummification Museum in Luxor shows a mummified vertical section of a body. It is to show the result of this process. The Mummification Museum in Luxor also shows the instruments used in the process. They are like the scissors, scalpel, and cutters. Ancient Egyptian placed each organ in one of four so-called Canopic jars. These jars take the form of the four sons of Horus, who protected the mummified viscera. After they finish the extraction of the viscera they wash the body cavity with palm-wine. Then they insert into the thoracic and abdominal cavities temporary stuffing materials. They enclosed in linen packets containing dry Natron. It was to speed dehydration of the body tissues and fats. Other packets were full of sawdust to absorb liquids.

Further details about the Museum of Mummification in Luxor:

The next and final stage in the embalming process was the treatment of the whole body with Natron. A type of salt, it extracts the water in the body tissues, drying it out to dehydrate the body. They placed the body in a heap of solid Natron on a slanting bed. Moreover, they piled the Natron around the body for forty days. The temporary stuffing packages and the Natron dries the body. They changed by the embalmers. After forty days, the body taken out of the Natron. The temporary stuffing packages removed from the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They wash the chest and abdominal cavity with palm wine and stuffed it with fresh dry materials. Moreover, they include perfumed cloth packing, Nile mud, myrrh and cassia. They also include linen, resin, saw dust, and one or two onions.

Furthermore, they then close the two lips of the incision with linen string. After that the body anointed with cedar oil. The mouth, ears, and the nose sealed with bee’s wax or linen in molten resin. The body wrapped with linen. The aim of the wrapping was to preserve the mummy. Binding used to keep the wrapping tight and in place. Many of the substances used in mummification displayed at the The Mummification Museum in Luxor. It including Natron. It still mined from the area of Wadi El Natrun west of the delta near the north coast of Egypt. Other substances can even purchased today from many spices dealers spread all around Luxor. The Mummification Museum in Luxor even shows a bottle that contains the mummification liquid.

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The embalmers who mummified Amun Tef Nakht left much of mummification materials with him. It was when the tomb of Amun Tef Nakht. This liquid came from results of the interaction between these materials and the body. The Mummification Museum in Luxor demonstrates this process clearly. There are drawings, copied from many tombs all over Egypt which mummification process. There is, for instance, the scene of the deceased and his wife sitting down before the offering table. Their son wears the leopard skin and makes various offerings to his parents. This scene displayed in The Mummification Museum in Luxor. It copied from the burial chamber of the tomb of Sennefer. Another scene from a papyrus of a royal scribe. It depicts the mummy on a funeral bier between Isis and Nephthys in the form of two birds.

The most important displays in the The Mummification Museum in is the mummy of Masaharta. He is the son of King Panedjem, from the 21st Dynasty. He was a high priest of Amun and an army general during that dynasty. This mummy found in the Dier El Bahari cache. Deir El Bahari contained the mummies of some forty kings, queens and other royalty. The funerary boat is another important cultural display in the Mummification Museum in Luxor. These used to carry the mummy to the west bank. It was in the presence of the goddess Isis, mother of Horus, wife of Osiris and Nephthys, mother of Anubis. Another important display is an Osiris statue. He is the father of Horus and the brother of Isis. He thought to have been the first to mummified by Anubis and the first one who raised in the afterlife.

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He is the lord of the Judgment hall, the god of the dead. He also was one of the most famous Egyptian gods, particularly in later times. There is also Anubis, the jackal god. The myth tells that Anubis mummified the body of Osiris with the help of the four sons of Horus. Egyptian religion gave Anubis many titles. They are such as the god of mummification and the one who protected the dead. In Mummification museum in Luxor there is a interesting collection of mummified animals. There is a mummy of a fish, which is the symbol of rebirth. The fish cult center was Esna. The Nile is famous for this kind of fish, called the Nile lattes fish. There is also a mummified baboon.

Baboons considered the manifestation of the god Thoth, who considered the god of scribes. He also was the measure of time and the god of the moon. In the judgment hall of Osiris, Thoth stands by the side of the balance. He holds a palette and records the results of the weighing of the heart as announced by the dog-headed ape. He sits on the middle of the beam of the scales. There is also a cat mummy, the sacred animal of the god Bastet. The most wonderful animal mummy is that of a ram because it held inside a gold coffin. It represents the sacred animal of the god Khnum. Khnum was a creator god whose cult center was Elephantine. The last section of the museum is the coffins section. The pharaohs gave great attention to their afterlife. A big element of this attention was the coffins.

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There is the beautiful coffin cover of Padi-Amun, the high priest of Amun. It has lotus flowers on its forehead and a wig. There is also the coffin cover of Masaharti, without the face and hands. It is because the thieves found it and took these golden pieces. The lights in the museum muted with only special spotlights on the displays. The Mummification Museum in Luxor isn’t large but each display is a story in itself. Each display reflects a important section of the old Egyptian history and culture. The museum provides an overview of the processes surrounding the death of ancient Egyptians. And thus insight into the tombs that frequented by tourists. The bookshop at the Mummification Museum in Luxor indeed is an excellent place. It is to pick up material on this fascinating topic.

Nakht tomb Luxor TT 52 Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Nakht tomb Luxor Egypt TT 52 located in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, part of the Theban Necropolis. The tomb of Nakht is on the west bank of the Nile, opposite to Luxor. It is the burial place of the Ancient Egyptian official, Nakht. Nakht was a scribe, holding the title, “Astronomer of Amun” at the Karnak temple. It was during the 18th dynasty. In fact, his job was to study the location of stars, the sun and moon. It was schedule festivals and cult rituals for the temple. Moreover, his wife, Tawy, was a musician of Amun. In fact, we know nothing about Nakht and Tawy beyond their tomb. It is even unclear what king they served under, though some evidence points to Thutmose IV. Norman Davies is an English Egyptology man. He and his wife, Nina published information about Nakht tomb Luxor in 1917.

These information received worldwide attention. In fact, the tomb experimental restoration and protective measures employed to preserve the tombs decoration. It was in 1980. This process included sophisticated technology. It required complete insulation with sheets of glass over all the vestibule walls. It was the only part of the tomb that decorated. In fact, Nakht tomb Luxor is not large. Moreover, it consists of a small corridor, a vestibule, another short corridor and the chapel. The chapel includes a niche for a statue and a shaft. The decorative plan for the tomb does include religious depictions. It also shows scenes of offerings and funeral rites. Moreover, the tomb has paintings of rural life. The paintings include the cultivation of grain and digging of small canals for irrigation. They also include harvesting, fishing and and hunting in the Nile Delta.

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Actually, some of the art work in this tomb is well known. Entering the vestibule and turning left, we first encounter various scenes of country life. At first we see peasants sowing seeds from a container. They then planted in the ground by a second peasant, using wooden utensils. In the second scene, we find two farmers plowing fields with a wooden plow pulled by two oxen. Finally, we find two groups of peasants tossing grain in the air to winnow it. Turning the corner, we find a false door. It is with paintings of the goddess Nut gathering offerings. The dead could pass through the false door and inhabit statues. It was to receive funerary offerings. It was the ancient Egyptians belief. This idea reinforced on the door by six offering bearers. While kneeling, they offer water, beer, wine, clothing, unguent, fruit and vegetables.

On the left back wall of Nakht tomb Luxor, we find paintings of the funerary banquet. The first scene shows a servant helping three ladies with their jewelry. Furthermore, the next scene is famous, and shows three lady musicians. On the right rear wall of the vestibule are hunting, fishing and grape harvesting scenes. The first painting is of Nakht’s wife, Tawi, holding a small bird. Next there is a double scene, with flocks of rising birds. Nakhjt portrayed with his wife and two small sons in a papyrus boat, grasping a hunting stick. The next scene is also a double register. The top register shows peasants gathering grapes, while others press them to make wine. In the lower register the days catch of birds dragged in a net. It is while others sown plucking and cleaning the birds.

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Turning the corner once again, we find bearers of offerings and priests before Nakht and his wife. Finally, on the right hand wall back next to the entrance are scenes. They depict purification of the offerings before the deceased. In fact, Nakht tomb has the typical T-shaped architectural design. This design was common for non royal Theban tombs of the New Kingdom. There was a broad hall, which followed from the entrance and court. This led into an inner chamber, the long hall, and the shrine. The shrine situated in a niche, containing the statue of the deceased. These chambers designed to contain scenes for the service of the dead in their afterlife

Entrance to Nakht tomb luxor:

The tomb opens from 8 am to 4 pm. Tickets for Nakht tomb Luxor and Menna tomb cost 120 Egyptian pound. They bought from the ticket office.

Menna tomb Luxor Egypt TT 69 tours, prices, booking, reviews

Menna tomb Luxor Egypt found in the upper enclosure at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, to the west of Nakht tomb (TT 52). In fact, the tomb is well-known for its superb wall paintings of scenes of daily life. The scenes depicted in bright colors. The classical private tombs on the West Bank at Luxor referred to as T-shaped. It particularly those located on the slopes of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. The tomb is in the area which known as the Tombs of the Nobles. In fact, the tomb Luxor has an entrance corridor or a courtyard. Moreover, it leads into a wide vestibule, with another short corridor that leads into a long chapel. It is also with a small niche at its rear. Furthermore, Menna tomb Luxor (TT 69) is completely classic in this regard.

Menna held the title, “Scribe of the Fields of the Lord of the Two Lands of Upper and Lower Egypt”. It was besides to field overseer of Amun. These were not two separate positions. Moreover, he supervised temple owned agricultural lands which were dependencies of state granaries. Moreover, he thought to have worked for the Temple of Amun at Karnak. He also supervised the measuring of fields and inspected the work on the land. Moreover, he also prosecuted defaulters and recorded the crop yield. In fact, he lived during the 18th Dynasty. He worked under both Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III.

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Menna tomb Luxor indeed has details that Egyptologists can gleam from subtle differences in the artwork. In fact, Private tombs often reflect the style imprinted by the current pharaoh. For example, Thutmose IV favored lean female figures in artwork. Amenhotep III was more prone to voluptuous curves. Thutmose IV preferred almond shaped eyes with round pupils that touch the lower lid. Amenhotep III’s females had closed, slanted and almond shaped eyes. It is with pupils that touch almost half of the upper eyelid. Egyptologists are actually able to date tombs to various pharaohs from these differences. Menna’s wife, Henuttawy (Henut-taui), maybe also was literate. In fact, we find a scribal palette depicted under her chair in several tomb scenes.

Moreover, Menna and Henuttawy had several sons, one of which followed in his profession. They also had three daughters, including one, Amenemwaskhet. She was a lady-in-waiting in the court of the pharaoh. In fact, Menna tomb Luxor is often a favorite of tourists. It is because of the sophisticated paintings and the decorative program. Moreover, the tomb is one of the most complete in the Theban necropolis. Menna’s family is prominent in these decorations. Many of the scenes are touching. As might expected, agriculture also documented. When you enter the tomb and make a left turn in the vestibule, you will find four registers. They are with different stages of reaping and of the wheat harvest. These activities carried out under the supervision of scribes who record the yield.

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On the next shorter wall, we find a scene of Menna and Henuttawy before a table of offerings. They are worshiping the god, Osiris, who seated on a throne inside a chapel. Furthermore, on the rear left wall of the vestibule are also fragmentary scenes. They represent the deceased and his wife at the funeral banquet. On the right rear wall are scenes of the couple receiving offerings. It is along with a list of the ritual offerings. On the next wall (the western wall) of the vestibule is a painting of a stele divided into three registers. In the upper register, we find Re-Harakhty, along with the main gods of the funeral cult. The middle register is a double representation of Menna and Henuttawy. They seated, and in the lower register the couple shown in an act of worship.

The right front wall of the vestibule has various offering scenes. Entering the Chapel, on the long right wall we first find scenes of bearers of offerings. We will also find the funeral procession. It followed by the deceased judged by Osiris. At the back on the short wall is the niche for statues which of the deceased and his wife. Note the lack of a false door often found in other tombs. The right wall of the chapel is the most interesting within Menna tomb Luxor. The opening scenes of this wall depict a young daughter of Menna. She picks lotus flowers while. Another one carries lotus flowers and the birds that they have caught. The next scene is well known. It shows the natural bounty to found in the marshes among the papyrus and lotus plants. Swarming with life, we find flocks of birds intermingled with butterflies.

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It is besides the nests with eggs. There is also a cat and rodent who appear to be after the bird’s eggs. The next scene much like one found in Nakht tomb (TT 52). This leads us to believe that the same artist worked in both tombs early in the reign of Amenhotep III. It is a double scene, showing Menna standing on a papyrus fishing boat. His wife and sons are also present. On the right, Menna shown harpooning two fish. On the left, he shown with a throwing stick used for hunting birds. The final scene is in several registers. The top register depicts a pilgrimage to Abydos with a fleet of boats returning to Thebes. In the lower registers we find scenes. They dedicated to the rites carried out before the mummy. It is with the “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony being prominent.

Entrance to the tomb:

Opening times are 8 am to 4 pm. Tickets for Menna tomb Luxor and Nakht tomb cost 60 Egyptian pound. They bought from the ticket office.

Meir Asyut Egypt information, tours, prices, booking, reviews

Meir Asyut Egypt located 50 kilometer north west of Asyut at the edge of the cultivation. In fact, the modern town of El Quseya located about 8 km to the east of Meir. El Quseya derives its name from the ancient Qis during Graeco-Roman times. In fact, Qis was the capital of the 14th Upper Egyptian Nome. Yet, there are few remaining traces of the ancient town. The provincial rulers buried in tombs high in the hillside in the necropolis at the site. In fact, it was with the more humble population further down the slope. The site had little archaeological attention since the tombs first published by Aylward Blackman.

In fact, it was for the Egypt Exploration Fund in 1914. And then, Meir excavated by Sayed Pasha Kabasha in 1919. In fact, model boats and coffins found at the site. Since then, the area was inaccessible to tourists. Recently several of the tombs cleared and opened to the visitors. The cemetery has many important rock-cut tombs which date back to Dynasty VI and Dynasty XII. In fact, the tombs contain amazing painted scenes and characterized by their naturalistic qualities. Moreover, many of the tombs contain detailed scenes of daily life. In fact, the scenes include industries, sports and have a distinct local style.

Tomb of Niankh-hpepy (Meir Asyut A-1):

In fact, Niankh-hpepy also known by the name of “Hepi the Black”. His large tomb reflects his important status of Chancellor of Pepi I during Dynasty VI. Moreover, the tomb contains four chambers. In the first and largest of them, Niankh-hpepy and his wife depicted while they receive offerings. The offerings are of cattle, birds, animals, food and observing fishing and fowling. Furthermore, it is with the preparation of the catch. On the western wall of the tomb there is a stela with an offering slab in the front. Moreover, there are many shafts in Niankh-hpepy’s tomb, for the burials of his Family.

Tomb of Pepyankh (Meir Asyut A-2):

In fact, Pepyankh was the son of Niankh-hpepy and called “Heni the Black”. His tomb adjoins the tomb of his father and larger than it. In fact, the tomb contains many scenes with details. The details are of industries and the harvesting of various crops. Moreover, the details also include grapes, grain and flax. On the left-hand wall of the western chamber, there are offering scenes. In fact, the scenes follow the owner into a long corridor and a room with a large burial shaft. On the right-hand wall Pepyankh seen in a palanquin. Moreover, he shaded by a fan-bearer. Furthermore, he also accompanied by his pet dog and monkey in registers above.

In fact, the tomb also has another small offering chamber to the rear. The chamber also contains a false door. The central chamber is the first one when you enter the tomb. In fact, it depicts the tomb-owner while he carries out his duties. It is with scribes, secretary and attendants who inspect the workshops. The eastern chamber contains funeral scenes . Moreover, it also contains a serdab with portrayals of the deceased on the walls.

Tomb of Senbi (Meir B-1):

This is perhaps one of the best known tombs at Meir Asyut Egypt. Senbi held the hereditary position of Nomarch and “Overseer of Priests”. In fact, it was during the reign of Amenemhet I of Dynasty XII, and his father called Ukhhotep. His tomb contains many scenes of offerings. In fact, some of them damaged now. The tomb also has agricultural and manufacturing scenes. The best preserved of the manufacturing scenes include vase-making. He also shown in a spectacular desert hunting scene, accompanied by his dogs. At either side against the front walls of the chapel are two basins. In fact, the basins used during the offering rituals. A raised central aisle leads through the tomb to a statue niche at the rear.

Tomb of Ukhhotep (Meir Asyut B-2):

Ukhhotep was the son of Senbi (B-1) and held the hereditary title of “Great Chief of the Nome”. Moreover, he also held the title of “Overseer of Priests of Hathor of Cusae”. Furthermore, he also held the title of “Overseer of Priests of the Lady of All”. In fact, it was during the reign of Senusret I of Dynasty XII . Reliefs in the tomb include scenes like to those of his father. The scenes also include offerings and marsh activities. A great variety of wildlife depicted in hunting scenes. in fact, they are in a lifelike and colorful manner. The tomb unfinished at the owner’s death. Moreover, there are some figures which are roughly sketched in red paint. On the southern wall, there are scenes of cattle whose herdsmen look emaciated. In fact, they show a famine during this period. The paintings in this tomb indeed are vivid.

Tomb of Ukhhotep (Meir B-4):

Another tomb at Meir Asyut belongs to a man named Ukhhotep. In fact, he was a son of Ukhhotep and Mersi. Moreover, he also held similar titles of Nomarch to the previous Ukhhotep. In fact, it was during mid-Dynasty XII. His tomb has a much more complex structure with a raised central aisle. The aisle leads to a statue niche with an elaborate “palace facade” decoration. The wall-scenes in the tomb are of similar themes to other Middle Kingdom tombs at Meir.

In fact, the scenes include fishing and agricultural scenes and industries. The extended Family of Ukhhotep represented in seven registers. In fact, it is on the end wall on the left-hand side of the chapel. At the rear of the chapel to the right there is an offering chamber. In fact, the chamber contains texts of offering list rituals. Moreover, it also has a false door flanked by images of the tomb-owner.

Further details about Meir Asyut tombs Egypt:

Restoration of the tombs at Meir Asyut began in 1997 and several tombs now had the walls consolidated. Moreover, the reliefs restored to their original bright colors. At least nine of the tombs are open to visitors from a total of seventeen which planned. New stairways constructed and made the access easier. Moreover, there are a small coffee-shop and toilets. In the past the tombs at Meir prone to illicit digging and illegal excavations. In fact, this allowed the thieves to steal the artifacts and take them out of the country. Yet, some of them returned and with many others else displayed now in a small museum. In fact, the museum locate at Mallawi in El Minya, Egypt. The museum comprises a limestone seated statue of Pepyankh and his wife from tomb A-2.

How to get to Meir Asyut Egypt:

The town of El Quseya is 50 km north of Asyut, and around 25 km south of Mallawi on the west bank of the Nile. From El Quseya a road leads west to the edge of the cultivation for about 8 km to the necropolis of Meir. Visitors may buy tickets from the new ticket office at the site. Photography not usually allowed inside the tombs.