Activities in Nile Valley

Seila Pyramid Fayoum Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Seila Pyramid Fayoum is a small step pyramid which situated in Fayoum, Egypt. In fact, the pyramid is a little distances to the south of Kom El Hammam. Moreover, it is on the top of the escarpment on the eastern side of the Fayoum. Seila Pyramid is the most of seven small step pyramids in the Nile Valley. The most southerly one is on Elephantine Island. In fact, the function of these pyramids still unknown. It is because they do not follow the usual mortuary style. Furthermore, the have no subsidiary buildings. So far, no burial chambers found, but they all appear to date back to Dynasties III or IV. It Maybe, the pyramids may mark royal boundaries, or homelands of royal consorts.

In fact, Seila Pyramid Fayoum now is just remains. The remains of the pyramid today are only 7 meter high. Moreover, the only lower levels of the pyramid can seen. It is with parts of these buried in rubble. Furthermore, the pyramid first investigated by Borchardt at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, the owner’s name not discovered. In the 1980  the pyramid re-investigated by Brigham Young University with. In fact, it was with Mr. Nabil Swelim, an Egyptian archaeologist.

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The remains of builder’s marks and inscriptions found on some of the blocks. Furthermore, fragments of two limestone stelae and an offering table also discovered. As a result, it possible that the structure belongs to Snefru of Dynasty IV. In fact, Seila Pyramid Fayoum aligned north to south. Moreover, it is with a four-stepped core of small blocks of limestone and mortar. No internal chambers found. There are some rock-cut tombs at the base of the escarpment below pyramid which not inscribed. In fact, some thousands of papyri found there. Finally, the tombs date back to the Roman and Coptic Periods.

Sannur cave Beni Suef Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Sannur Cave Beni Suef situated 70 km southeast of Beni Suef city and 200 km of Cairo, Egypt. In fact, Sannur Cave site has many geographical formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Moreover, the cave site features natural formations which are rare. In fact, the natural formation indeed is hard to find elsewhere. The cave site filled with a large number of quarries which date back to different eras.

Sannur cave Beni Suef discovery:

In fact, the alabaster digging operations still continued. They led to the discovery of 54 big cavities which opened way to the caves. Furthermore, they were present at the bottom of the earth. Sannur cave Beni Suef protectorate has just one chamber or cave in it. In fact, the cave extends to an area of 700 meters and has a depth of 15 meters. Moreover, the cave has also a width of 15 meters. The cave contain geographical formations which referred as ups and downs. The most important features of the natural formations are the quality and the rarity.

Sannur cave protectorate is important to the researchers and geologists. It gives them the chance to learn, study and do conductive research. In fact, the cave discovered in the 1989s after a blasting in the quarry. The blasting led to opening of an entrance way to the chamber. Moreover, the cave overlaid with alabaster which brought by the thermal springs. Furthermore, the chamber made of limestone. In deed, the cave has unique geography and natural formations. They make this place popular.

Sannur cave Formation:

Sannur Cave in Beni Suef is a classic karst cave which created by groundwater percolating. In fact, it was through the Eocene limestone of the Galala Plateau. The cave indeed is the best example of this type of caves in Egypt. In fact, the water percolates downwards. Moreover, the excess calcium carbonates deposited on the roof and floor of the cave. They form spectacular stalactites and stalagmites of various forms. When a light shines on them, they glitter like a wonderland.

Above ground, there are deposits of the red soil (terra rossa). In fact, they associated with such formations, as well as several swallow-holes (dolines). Sannur Cave Beni Suef characterized by the presence of geological formations. In fact, they known as Stalactites and Stalagmites. They formed over 60 million years ago. In fact, they date back to the Era of Middle Eocene. Leakage of aqueous solutions of calcium carbonate saturated through the roof of the cave. And then, evaporated, leaving the mineral salts. In fact, they accumulated in the form of deposits of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave has special importance to the scarcity of such natural formations. Moreover, it also does great for researchers, Geologists and Caving fans.

Sehel Island Aswan Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Sehel Island Aswan located about 4 kilometers south of Aswan. In fact, Sehel Island Aswan located in the Nile to the north of Aswan Old Dam. In ancient times travelers made a pilgrimage to the sacred Island of Sehel. It was on their way to Nubia or their return from an expedition to the south. They left inscriptions which record their appeals or prayers of gratitude for help. Several of them recorded events and journeys into Nubia. It was by officials on the king’s business. The inscriptions carved or bruised onto the jumbled mounds of granite boulders. They strewn over several areas of the island. In fact, Flinders Petrie visited the island of Sehel in 1887 and took photographs.

He also made sketches of the thousands of inscriptions which he found on the boulders and cliffs. It was by climbing rope ladders. There are two hills which dominate the south-eastern end Sehel Island Aswan. They boast over 250 inscriptions of which dedicated to the goddess Anukis and Khnum. In fact, they date back to the Middle Kingdom to Ptolemaic periods. The island had a chapel which dedicated to Anukis. In fact, the chapel built at the time of Amenemhet II during Dynasty XII. Little remains of this structure found. The remaining blocks from Khnum temple found scattered around the Nubian Village. Anukis was a goddess who worshiped in the area of the Egyptian border. In fact, she sometimes known as “Mistress of Nubia”. She associated with the cataracts at Aswan, island of Sehel and Elephantine Island.

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In fact, Anukis was a protective and fertility deity. She also was a personification of the Nile who embraced the waters of the inundation. Her husband was Khnum. He was a ram-headed creator god. In fact, he shown fashioning the ka of the king on his potters wheel. He also seen as a potent fertility god under whose protection the cataract region came. The boulders in the monument areas now enclosed by a metal fence. The path up from the river takes you past a section to the west. It is with some nice inscriptions and a larger hill to the east for which. A ticket required at the entrance. Here you will see a great number of well-preserved carvings. It is with hieroglyphic inscriptions which dedicated to Khnum. They also dedicated to Anukis and other deities and several royal cartouches.

As you climb the hill to the top there is a spectacular view over the cataract area to the south. In fact, in Sehel Island Aswan, the cataracts are rocky areas of boulders. They are in the narrow channels of the Nile River. In fact, they formed treacherous rapids of foaming water. It was before the construction of the Aswan Old Dam in 1902. The most famous of the rock-inscriptions known as the “Famine Stela”. It stands on the summit of the eastern hill at the island of Sehel. The inscription bruised lightly onto a large granite boulder. In fact, it tells a story which set in Dynasty III. It was during the reign of the Horus, Netjerikhet and king Djoser (Zoser). The text carved during the Ptolemaic Period, shown by the style of the vocabulary and grammar.

More details about the Island of Sehel Aswan:

It is possible that the text re-worded from an earlier document. In fact, it is the earliest connection between the names of Netjerikhet and King Djoser. The stela depicts King Djoser offering to the deities Khnum-Re, Satis and Anukis. The vertical rows of text below refer to the catastrophic effects of seven years of famine. The trip by boat to Sehel Island Aswan makes a pleasant morning or afternoon excursion. The island people are friendly and hospitable. They offer cups of tea galore in their Nubian homes. Moreover, the local ladies will follow you everywhere. They will do with their baskets of hand-made crafts, carved dolls and beaded jeweler.

How you can get to Sehel Island Aswan:

You can reach the island either by sailing boat or motor boat. They located on the Corniche at Aswan. If the time is short, a motorboat is faster and not dependent on the wind as a Felucca. The boat will wait while you are on Sehel island. It will and take you back to the Corniche. You also can combined the island with another site. The sites are such as Elephantine Island or Kitchener’s Island.

Satis temple Aswan Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Satis temple Aswan located at Elephantine Island and also known as Satet temple. In fact, Satis was the consort of Khnum. Satis temple Aswan consists of several rooms and a surrounding gallery. The entrance located to the right of the front facade of the temple. It communicates with a large hall with two pillars that decorated with Hathor heads. Within this hall, there is a doorway on the northern rear wall. It leads to a chapel dedicated to Amun. Moreover, the temple has a door on the left of the rear wall. In fact, this door leads to other rooms. The newest, reconstructed temple has carved and painted stone blocks. They show Thutmose III in front of various members of the Elephantine triad. In some areas the original blocks missed. In fact, only 500 blocks recovered. The German team drew in missing scenes, though in a sensitive manner.

The ancient island of Elephantine located opposite modern Aswan in southern Egypt. In fact, the island served by several temples which date back to the Ptolemaic Period. They also date back to the Early Dynasty Period. The most famous of the temples on the island is the temple which dedicated to the god Khnum. Satis temple Aswan located in the north of this. It is behind the museum building. In fact, the temple recently restored by the German Archaeological Institute. It was under Dr. Gunter Dryer. This earliest shrine set in a niche which formed by the granite rocks of the cataract. It was just below the temple which reconstructed. In fact, the temple is one of the oldest remaining temples in Egypt. No no texts discovered in the temple.

Further details about Satis temple Aswan:

Many votive offerings found within the shrine. They are figures of children and also a squatting ape holds it’s young. The temple frequented by mothers who hope to get birth. It also frequented by mothers who bring thanksgiving offerings for a newly born child. Satis temple Aswan supposed to have an image which stood here and protected by two small mud brick rooms. But unfortunately, it is no longer extant. In front of these rooms was either a courtyard which enclosed by more walls, or even a roofed hall. By the Old Kingdom, the small shrine replaced by a larger court or hall. In fact, there are votive offerings which found at the shrine. There were some objects which inscribed with the names of a few kings from the 6th Dynasty.

Most were plaques who bear the names of Pepi I and Pepi II. Rock inscriptions of the kings Merenre and Pepi II also found on the walls of the niche. In the early part of the Middle Kingdom (11th Dynasty), a completely new shrine built of mud brick. It also carved and painted stonework. In turn, this structure replaced late in the Middle Kingdom. It was during the 12th Dynasty, by a temple built completely of stone. Both of these structures were extensions of the Old Kingdom temple. However, in the New Kingdom, a dramatic change took place. It was when the 12th Dynasty stone temple dismantled.

More details about Satis temple Aswan:

Moreover, the ancient shrine filled in with blocks of stone to the level of the top of the boulders. The area then paved over. The 18th Dynasty kings, Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, built a new stone temple. It was on top of the old one. However, a shaft in the floor of the new temple built into it’s floor. It connected it with the original shrine below. Hence, to travel down these steps is to descend back into time. In fact, Satis temple Aswan also modified and extended through the Greek period.

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.

More details about Pharaonic Village Cairo Egypt:

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.

Peking Restaurant Cairo Egypt prices, booking, reviews

Peking Restaurant Cairo Egypt is one of the most famous restaurants chains in Egypt. In fact, it is indeed popular for classy Egyptian and resident foreigners as well. From the entrance of the Peking Restaurant you will know you are about to enter a new and mysterious place. Moreover, the green corridor of the Peking Restaurant Zamalek is like a teleport. It transports you to a romantic den in the middle of the busy Cairo City. Furthermore, the dimly lit atmosphere puts you in a trance and you are simply let yourself guided to your table. You welcomed with a warm damp towel to wipe your hands with. Peking restaurant Cairo indeed is a hospitable place since the 1960.

In fact, the first branch of the chain restaurant opened downtown of Cairo. The ten branches of the Peking restaurant are all fabulous. In fact, Zamalek branch is the most romantic of them all. It has a unique atmosphere that will bring all the passion out of you. Moreover, the menu is endless. All the dishes made from mouth watering Chinese recipes. This little China restaurant is not only romantic but also a fun place to hang out in. Pino, a great guitarist, entertains you and sing in different languages as you eat your meal. Not only talented, Pino, is a humorous character that will make you laugh. The menu of Peking Restaurant Cairo indeed is huge. You will leave but to try and resist not ordering all the dishes. It is as if you had the space in you.

Further details about Peking Restaurant Cairo Egypt:

In fact, there are a wide variety of appetizers, salads, fish and prawns. Moreover, Peking Restaurant Cairo also offers calamari, duck, chicken, beef, rice and noodles. Furthermore, the list goes on forever. In fact, it takes you a couple of months to try all the dishes in the menu. Every dish you will try will be a work of art with no faults. The food is always hot and the drinks are cold. Moreover, the service indeed is hospitable and professional. There are two addictive appetizers that you should not miss if you eat at the restaurant. In fact, they fried Spring Rolls and fried Won Ton. These two succulent appetizers when dipped in sweet and sour sauce will give you a trip of ecstasy. Furthermore, Prawn crackers also have the same wonderful effect.

For the main dish, they stand speechless. They assure you that any dish you choose is delicious. In fact, all we could say that the main dishes contain a filling quantity of food. Moreover, you may try “sliced fried chicken yen style” and “fried fish yen style”. You can also try “fried calamari with mushrooms”. There is a range of alcoholic drinks that you can order. If you are looking for romantic atmosphere, then Zamalek branch is the right choice. If you are looking for more entertainment than romance, Mohandessin or Maadi Peking are.

More details about Peking Restaurant Cairo Egypt:

In fact, there you can find live entertainment. Moreover, Zamalek Peking has always been a reputable nightspot of Cairo. In fact, it indeed is a major destination to serious “clubbers”. Furthermore, the Maadi Peking Boat is another legend. It needs a separate article to test. The conclusion is marvelous. Do not miss going to one of the Peking restaurants as each one tells a different legend. If you could not make it to a Peking then, order from their home delivery. It is the least you can do.

Peking Restaurant Cairo Downtown:

14, Saray El Azbakia St.,Downtown, Cairo. Tel: (+202) 25912381 & (+202) 25920682. Opening Hours: 07.00 AM to 12:00 AM

Peking Restaurant Cairo Heliopolis:

115, Osman Ibn-Affan St., Cairo. Tel: (+202) 24185612 & (+202) 24192247. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Heliopolis (City Stars):

Phase 2, 3rd Floor, City Stars, Cairo. Tel: (+20) 10003412241. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Peking Restaurant Cairo Maadi:

29, Road 257, El Nasr St. Tel: (+202) 25164218& (+202) 25164145. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Mohandessin:

26, El Atebba St.,(Off Mohy El Din Abu El Ezz St.), Cairo. Tel:(+202) 37496713 & (+202)33366734. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Peking Restaurant Cairo Nasr City:

9, Ezzat Salama St.,(Off Abbass El Akkad), Cairo. Tel:(+202) 22705678 & (+202) 22705679. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to1 2:00 AM

Oasis Hot Pot:

1, Airport Road, Heliopolis, Cairo. Mob: (+20) 01003412234. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Peking Restaurant Cairo Tagamoe Al Khamis:

Seven Stars Mall, Tagamoe Al Khamis, Cairo. Tel: (+202) 26190613 & (+202) 26190614. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Zamalek:

2(B)Ismail Mohamed St., Cairo. Tel: (+202) 27363894 & (+202) 27366167. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12.00 AM

Ramesseum Luxor Egypt information, tours, prices, booking

Ramesseum Luxor Egypt is a funerary temple of Ramses II 1279–13 BC. It erected on the west bank of the Nile River at Thebes in Upper Egypt. In fact, The temple is famous for its 17 meter seated statue of Ramses II. Moreover, it dedicated to the god Amon and the deceased king. The walls of the Ramesseum Luxor Egypt, only about half preserved. Furthermore, they decorated with reliefs including scenes depicting Kadesh Battle and the Festival of Min. Kadesh is the Syrian wars. In fact, the temple identified with the “Tomb of Ozymandias”.

Location of Ramesseum Luxor Egypt:

In fact, the site located in the Theban Necropolis. It is indeed a popular area for mortuary temples for Pharaohs in the New Kingdom. In fact, the Theban Necropolis located in Upper Egypt. Moreover, it stands across the Nile from the modern day city of Luxor. It dedicated to the memory of Ramses II and to the God Amon Ra.

Tomb of Ozymandias:

Over the years, Ramesseum Luxor Egypt referred to many names. They are “Tomb of Ozymandias” and “The Temple of Millions of Years United with Thebes”. They also include the name of “Memnonium”. Jean François Champollion was a French scholar. He was the first to identify the ruins as belonging to Ramses II. He coined the name, “The Ramesseum” back in 1829.

Ramesseum Luxor Egypt Design:

The site measures 600 feet (183 m) by 220 feet (67 m), which is unusually large. Today, the temple is in ruins. The visitors are still able to enjoy the hands of Ramses II Stature. In fact, the stature is 57 foot (17 m) high. It once stood in front of the very first pylon to the temple. It probably weighed at least 1,000 tons. At the base you read: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair”. The main entrance stood at the eastern situated pylon. It decorated with reliefs of scenes from the Battle of Kadesh, the Festival of Min and the Syrian Wars. On the right wing of the pylon are depictions of the cities that Ramses II conquered. It was during his popular reign.

It is besides to depictions of prisoners taken to the King. The left wing of the pylon reflects the famous battle between Ramses II and the Hittites. In the first courtyard, only one colonnade remains. Ramesseum Luxor Egypt houses a Hypo-style hall. It is a grand interior space where pillars and columns hold up the roof. Presently, 29 columns still stand in the Ramesseum Luxor’s Hypo-style hall. To allow in light, the middle columns are shorter than the outer edge columns. It also featured traceries windows. Depicted on the columns are extra scenes of the Battle of Kadesh. Two rows of Osiris columns represent Ramses II in the second courtyard. It is where the best preserved statues can found. This courtyard is in far better condition than the first.

Further details about Ramesseum Luxor Egypt:

Situated to the south of this second courtyard is a second but smaller Hypo-style hall. It at one time boasted eight papyrus bud columns. Also called the Astronomy Hall, the very first 12 month calendar illustrated here. On the western wall is a scene. It depicts Ramses II getting his name which recorded on the tree of life. It is by the God Thoth and the Goddess Seshat, to ensure a long, everlasting life. To the west lay two vestibules that are today in ruin. These vestibules lead to a library and a linen room and what was once a sanctuary dedicated to Amon Ra. It was here that Ramses II built a mud break palace where he stayed during visits to his mortuary temple.

Display of Great Wealth:

Ramesseum Luxor Egypt also contained the earliest arches in history. These arches were barrel shaped. They used for storing funerary materials and worker possessions. They were enormous storerooms of grain and corn. In ancient Egypt, grain considered like gold. A plenty of it stored in these granaries with arches. This grain shipped around the country. It also speculated that the larger temples like the Ramesseum Luxor Egypt had their own merchant ships outfitted with traders. These granaries served as lavish representations of the Pharaoh’s great wealth.

Philae Island Aswan Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Philae Island Aswan Egypt located southeast of Aswan, Egypt. In fact, it was formerly an island in the First Cataract of the Nile River. Philae Island Aswan also was The previous site of an Ancient temple complex in southern Egypt. The complex dismantled and relocated to nearby Agilkia Island. It was during a UNESCO project which started because Aswan High Dam construction. In fact, the site partly flooded by the earlier Aswan Low Dam for half a century. The island mentioned by many ancient writers like Strabo, Ptolemy and Seneca. It was, as the plural name indicates, the appellation of two small islands. They situated in latitude 24° north, just above the First Cataract near Aswan. The distance between these Islands and Aswan is about 61.5 miles (99 km).

Although it is the smaller island, Philae Island Aswan is the most interesting of the two. Before the inundation, it was not more than 1,250 feet (380 m) long and about 400 feet (120 m) broad. In fact, the island composed of Syenite stone. Its sides are steep and on their summits a lofty wall which built encompassing the island. The island accounted one of the burying places of Osiris. It held in high reverence both by the Egyptians to the north and the Nubian to the south. It deemed profane for any but priests to dwell there. The Island sequestered and denominated “the Unapproachable”. It also reported that neither birds flew over it nor fish approached its shores.

Further details about Philae Island Aswan Egypt:

William John brought the Philae obelisk on which this petition engraved to England. It was in the 19th century AC. In fact, its Egyptian hieroglyphs compared with those of the Rosetta stone. It gave great light upon the Egyptian consonant alphabet. Philae Island Aswan, however, sacerdotal abodes. It was the center of commerce also between Meroë and Memphis. The rapids of the cataracts were at most seasons impracticable. The commodities exchanged between Egypt and Nubia landed and re-embarked at Syene and Philae. The neighboring granite quarries also attracted a many population of miners and stonemasons.

For convenience of this traffic, a gallery or road formed in the rocks. It was along the east bank of the Nile, portions of which are still extant. Philae Island Aswan also was remarkable for the singular effects of light and shade. They resulted from its position near the Tropic of Cancer. In fact, the island flooded and became submerged. It was after the creation of the Aswan High Dam and Nasser’s Lake. The flooding prompted the UNESCO initiative to preserve the magnificent Temple of Philae. The temple dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, which renamed PhilaeIsland Aswan. Take a Felucca cruise. Sail to sail to the island and see the magnificent Ancient Egyptian ruins.

Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt located near the West Bank of Aswan. In fact, they are in front of the Northern section of the Elephantine Island. The rombs indeed have a significant importance. The tombs chance to know about the history of Egypt during the Old and the Middle Kingdoms. Lord Greenville was a British archaeologist. In fact, he was the one who discovered the tombs. It was in the period between 1885 AC and 1886 AC. In fact, the Nobles tombs Aswan located in area which called the tombs of Kubbet El Hawa. This area has some wonderful ancient art. It also has a noteworthy chronological importance of the Middle and the Old Kingdoms.

The wall paintings inside are alive. They display the daily life activities of the ancient Egyptians. In fact, it indeed is in a magnificent masterpiece of art. The most important and beautiful tombs in the Nobles tombs are the tombs of Harkhuf and Sarenput II. The tombs of Sabni and Mekho are also importnat and beautiful as well. In fact, there is a small old passageway leads to a staircase. The staircase takes the guests to the upper open courtyard where the tombs dug. There are a large number of tombs which date back to the Middle and Old Kingdoms periods. However, some of them only are worth a visit.

The tombs of Sabni and Mekhu at Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt:

The owners of these tombs were father and son. In fact, both overseers of Upper Egypt in Dynasty VI during the reign of Pepy II. Reliefs on the walls of Mekhu’s tomb record his murder while he was on an expedition in Nubia. In fact, the revenge taken by Sabni, his son. He buried with much ceremony. The tombs roughly constructed in Old Kingdom style. They have small obelisks at the entrance doorway and an offering table of Mekhu still in situ.

The tomb of Sarenput II at Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt:

The next major tomb in the sequence is that of Sarenput II. In fact, he was the overseer of the Priests of Khnum. He also was Commander of the Garrison at Elephantine. In fact, the tomb date back to the reign of Dynasty XII king, Amenemhet II. Moreover, it indeed is one of the best preserved tombs in the tombs of the Nobles Aswan. It consists of a large chamber with six symmetrical undecorated pillars. Furthermore, it has a gallery which flanked by six niches. Each once contains mummiform statues of the deceased prince. The four pillars of a second chamber decorated with images of Sarenput.

Beyond this, a chapel cut deep into the rock. It also plastered and painted in vivid colors. In fact, it depicts his wife, a Priestess of Hathor and other family members. In the niche at the back of the chapel Sarenput named as ‘Hereditary Lord’. This biographical text is colorful with well-depicted hieroglyphs. Moreover, it shows the cartouche of ‘Nebkaure’ – Amenemhet II as well as an unusual glyph of an elephant. The style of painting and the hieroglyphs are like to the Old Kingdom tombs. In fact, they led some Egyptology men to suggest that the same artists decorated them.

The tomb of Khunes at Nobles tombs Aswan:

This is a Dynasty VI tomb, its owner Khunes was a Lector Priest and Chancellor. A side chamber to the left of the entrance re-used as a Coptic cell. Another chamber on an upper level was a serdab. The tomb contains scenes of the deceased and his Family in daily life.

The tomb of Harkhuf at Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt:

Harkhuf was an overseer of Foreign Troops during the reigns of Pepy I, Merenre and Pepy II in Dynasty VI. This tomb is famous for Harkhuf’s biographical text. It also has a copy of a letter from Pepy II. He requests that Harkhuf to bring the young king a dancing pigmy from an expedition into Africa.

The tomb of Pepynakht at Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt:

The owner of this tomb was another Overseer of Foreign Troops during the reign of Pepy II of Dynasty VI. The tomb has a columned facade, biographical texts and good reliefs. The reliefs show hunting and bull-fighting scenes. Heqa-ib was the deified official whose cult chapel stood on Elephantine Island.

The tomb of Sarenput I at Nobles tombs Aswan Egypt:

The last major tomb on the upper level dates back to Dynasty XII. It also dates back to the reign of Senusret I. In fact, Senusret I was a Governor of Elephantine. He also was Overseer of the Priests of Satis. There is a columned court has scenes on the rear walls. The scenes include the deceased hunting and fishing with his dogs and his sandal-bearer. In a hall with four columns there are scenes of daily life. Moreover, there are a boating scene and a biographical text with painted hieroglyphs. A chamber at the rear of the tomb has a “false door”.

Note the causeways which run down the hillside from the different cemetery levels. These were the original ‘paths’ to the tombs and coffins. The burial goods dragged up these steep inclines from the river. At night the whole cemetery area floodlit and can seen from all over Aswan.

How to get to the Nobles tombs Aswan:

To get to the tombs, there is a ferry boat. It leaves from the northern end of the Corniche. You also can hire a Felucca which will wait and bring you back. You could also combine a visit to the Nobles tombs Aswan with a longer Felucca trip. The tombs are quite deep in the hillside. As a result, they are very dark. Photography not allowed.

Qarun Lake Fayoum Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Qarun Lake Fayoum Egypt also called Birket Qarun, Qaroun Lake and Moeris Lake. In fact, Qarun Lake is an ancient lake in the northwest of the Fayoum Oasis. It is 80 km (50 mile) southwest of Cairo, Egypt. The lake persists in modern times as a smaller lake called Birket Qarun. The lake’s surface is 43 m (140 feet ) below sea level. Moreover, it covers about 202 square kilometers (78 sq mile). The lake was freshwater in prehistory, but is today a saltwater lake. It is a source for tilapia and other fish from the local area. In fact, its area is between 1,270 km² (490 mi²) and 1,700 km² (656 mi²).

In fact, Mediterranean Sea was a hot dry hollow near the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. It was in the late Miocene. In that time, Fayoum was a dry hollow. Furthermore, the Nile flowed past it at the bottom of a canyon. After the Mediterranean re flooded, the Nile canyon became an arm of the sea. It reached inland further than Aswan. In fact, it was at the end of the Miocene. Over geological time that sea arm gradually filled with silt and became the Nile Valley.

Further details about Qarun Lake Fayoum Egypt:

Eventually, the Nile Valley bed silted up high enough. It was to let the Nile in flood overflow into the Fayoum hollow and make a lake in it. Qarun lake Fayoum is first which recorded from about 3000 BC. In fact, it was around the time of Menes (Narmer). However, for the most part it only filled with high flood waters. In fact, the lake bordered by neolithic settlements. The town of Crocodilopolis grew up on the south where the higher ground created a ridge. In 2300 BC, the waterway from the Nile to the natural lake widened and. Furthermore, it deepened to make a canal which now known as the Bahr Yussef. This project started by Amenemhat III, or perhaps by his father Senusret III.

In fact, this canal fed into the lake. It was to serve three purposes. The first one was to control the flooding of the Nile. The second purpose was to regulate the water level of the Nile during dry seasons. The last one was to serve the surrounding area with irrigation. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs of the twelfth dynasty used the natural lake of as a reservoir. It was to store surpluses of water for use during the dry periods. The immense waterworks undertaken by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs of the twelfth dynasty. It was to transform the lake into a huge water reservoir. In fact, it gave the impression that the lake was an artificial excavation. This reported by classic geographers and travelers. The lake eventually abandoned due to the nearest branch of the Nile shrinking from 230 BC.