Activities in Western Desert

Gebel El Dist Bahariya Oasis tours, booking, prices, reviews

Gebel El Dist or El Dist Mountain located in Bahariya Oasis in Western Desert, Egypt. In fact, Gebel El Dist is has an impressive pyramid shape. The mountain has symmetrical sides and pointed peak. That is why it called the Pyramid Mountain. The mountain is visible from most of the oasis. Moreover, the mountain is 100 meter away from Gebel Maghrafa and 17 kilometer away from the town. Furthermore, the mountain features a local landmark and famous for its fossils. In fact, dinosaur bones found here in the early 20th century. It disproved the previous theory which says that dinosaurs only lived in North America.

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Moreover, some remains of a giant specimen of paralititan stromeri found in the mountain. In fact, it was by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. The discovery of this huge herbivore stood on the edge of a tidal channel when it died. In fact, it was 94 million years ago. Moreover, it makes likely that Bahariya oasis was once a swamp like to the Florida Everglades in the US. The mountain indeed is a challenging 1-hour climb to the top. If you did it, you will have impressive views of the oasis, desert and thousands of palm trees.

Gebel Al Mawta Siwa Oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

Gebel Al Mawta Siwa Oasis is an Arabic translation of “Mountain of the Dead”. In fact, it known, for fairly obvious reasons. with this name. Here in this conical mountain, a little over a kilometer to the north of Shali a number of tombs are situated. In fact, they are along the main road from the escarpment. Local residents also call it Gebel Al Musabbarin, meaning Mountain of the Embalmed. In fact, the tombs cover every inch of its base and situated on its terraces. Moreover, they are on all sides of the conical part. The tombs in fact date back to the 26th Dynasty, the Greek (Ptolemaic) and the Roman periods. Though there appear to be no Christian burials.

In fact, this necropolis was one of the focuses of the early visitors to the Siwa. Browne permitted to visit it in 1792. At that time stated that the tombs contained neither inscriptions nor paintings. Hornemann, who visited the Siwa in 1798 mentions that the Siwans found gold inside the tombs. Furthermore, they were ravaging the ancient burials in search of more. The first traveler to mention drawings and paintings in the tombs Cailliaud. In fact, he visited Gebel Al Mawta on December 12th, 1819. He records that one of the most remarkable tombs contained three rooms. They are in fact one after the other, whose total length is 11 meters. Moreover, at right and left sides there are five chambers.

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On the walls of subterranean grottoes one finds the remains of hieroglyphs and Egyptian figures painted on the stucco. At the end there are two mutilated statues of a man and a woman cut in the rock, as it is generally seen in the Nile Valley. Interestingly, this tomb seems to be unidentified at this time. In fact, Muhammad Ali, the Ottoman ruler of Egypt, conquered Siwa oasis in 1820. The French consul from Cairo and other distinguished friends allowed to accompany the troops. Moreover, they also allowed to go wherever they wished, which was not always the case. They visited the mountain, but the notes of Drovetti add little to the writings of earlier visitors. However, later that same year, the German Consul from Egypt, Von Minutoli, visited the Siwa.

He refers to the tombs, stating that some of them painted with green. In fact, the other painted in red, yellow and blue colors. Moreover, they contained hieroglyphs. He also mentioned that the Siwans lived in some of the tombs of Gebel Al Mawta. During his stay a few hundred Bedouin of the Mjabir tribe from Tripoli were living in the tombs. A. Silva White was perhaps the first one who published photographs of the tombs. In fact, it was after he visited Siwa in 1897. Among other items, he acquired “a fairly large piece of painted wrapping”. In fact, it later described by Professor Sayce as “A mummy shroud, not incased in a coffin, but buried in the sand with bitumen” At the upper end is a picture of the deceased on his bier. In fact, it with Anubis standing beside him and pouring the waters of life over the body.

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Moreover, it is while a worshipper stands on either side in an attitude of prayer. Below, on either side of the shroud, are figures of the four genii of the dead. In fact, this shroud presented to the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford and dated as Roman. Gebel Al Mawta is also where the emerald mines of the Siwa are thought to exist. According to G. E. Simpson in “The Heart of Libya”, Cailliaud found emeralds on Mount Zabarah. In fact, he presented ten pounds of them to Mohammad Ali, the ruler of Egypt at the time. Though there are some notable ones, most of the tombs on Gebel Al Mawta barren, and bones once littered the mountain. Tradition maintains that Radwan, the king of Siwa at the time of the Arab invasion of Egypt, took the bodies from Gebel Al Mawta.

Moreover, he threw them into many of the springs in an attempt to poison the enemy. The people of the Siwa believe the mountain to be haunted and will not venture there at night. In times of great rains and invasions by modern armies, the inhabitants go for protection. Moreover, they lived in the caves with the dead. Unfortunately, they also destroyed many of the caves. Moreover, they also chipped away the inscriptions and even violated the mummies in search of amulets. In fact, the locals of Siwa, as in other desert oases, have a certain mania for buried treasure. The diggers often come to the mountain in search of riches. No doubt, the mountain is the focus of such searches because of a passage in the written history of the Siwa known as the Siwan Manuscript.

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It states that in one of the tombs which is at its northern site there is a passage. It leads downwards and then turns eastwards until it reaches the treasury of King Khuraybish at Aghurmi”. According to the same document, the treasury of King Khuraybish, the last king of Siwa, buried in the Oracle Temple at Aghurmi. Finally, there were the reburials. In fact, most of the tombs robbed, probably in Roman times. Moreover, they also reused for burying the dead over many centuries afterwards. Side recesses (loculli) were cut in the walls for family burial places. It was in fact without regard for the previous tomb decorations. Most of the tombs are small and consist of only one or two chambers. Nevertheless, there are four tombs worth seeing, and possibly others.

Most of what we know about these tombs seems little updated since the work of Ahmed Fakhry. The four include the tomb of Niperpathot, one named the tomb of the Crocodile. Another known as the tomb of Mesu-Isis, who was really the wife of the tomb owner. For his name was unreadable, and the tomb of Si-Amun, which is probably the best of them. The tomb of Niperpathot is a large one, and one of the oldest in the oasis. In fact, it dates back probably to the 26th Dynasty. Moreover, it has a court with three rooms on either side. Furthermore, it is one of the few tombs on the mountain with inscriptions, here drawn in red. Niperpathot was the Prophet of Osiris and Scribe of the Divine Documents. His tomb contains his effigy and images of Osiris and Hathor.

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In fact, the grave known as the Tomb of the Crocodile. It is a three room structure which excavated in 1941. In fact, the decorations are poor, but depict the goddess Hathor, the god Osiris, the tomb owner. Moreover, they also depict several animals, including a fox and of course a crocodile. The tomb in fact at Gebel Al Mawta dates back from fourth to the second centuries BC. The Unfinished Tomb of Mesu-Isis decorated on only one wall. Moreover, it has an excellent depiction of Uraiae (rows of cobras). In fact, it painted in red and blue on the cornice of the entrance. This tomb discovered in 1940 and there is evidence that it was robbed in antiquity. The owner’s name cannot deciphered, but his wife’s name is legible. In fact, the tomb known by her name. Finally, there is the tomb of Si-Amun. Ahmed Fakhry excavated all over the Western Desert.

In fact, he called this one the most beautiful in the Western Desert. Si-Amun appears to b a wealthy man, perhaps even a Greek, but a follower of the ancient Egyptian religion. His tomb contains images from the Egyptian pantheon. In fact, it includes a fine painting of the Goddess Nut standing beside a sycamore tree. Moreover, this tomb discovered in 1940, and has unfortunately deteriorated since then. Though there is still much to see. There are many other un-inscribed tombs at Gebel Al Mawta Siwa Oasis. Ahmed Fakhry excavated here in 1938 and 1939. In fact, he was optimistic that more inscribed tombs discovered once additional excavations carried out. He points out that most of the bodies he found poorly mummified. Moreover, they prepared in more or less the same way as in the Nile Valley.

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The coffins and amulets were also the same as in the Nile Valley. That is why Fakhry believed that the people of the Siwa, at least during Ptolemaic and Roman times, completely “Egyptianized”. Fakhry further notes that many of the skulls and other bones found in the ravaged tombs of the Siwa brought to Cairo in the 1920’s and carefully studied by Professor D. Derry. Though we now have little information on how closely Dr. Derry’s methods would compare to modern analysis. In fact, he concluded that the Siwans of Ptolemaic and Roman times were not exactly the same as contemporary Nile Valley Egyptians. They are more similar to Europeans racially in fact. Note that on a spur of the mountain below the tombs are an ethnographic exhibit. They fill the interior of a traditional mud-brick house. They mostly contain displays of tools and pottery used by the locals.

Ethnographic Museum Dakhla Oasis Egypt tours, booking, prices

Ethnographic Museum Dakhla Oasis located in Mut in Dakhla Oasis, Egypt. In fact, the museum built in 1875 AC. Moreover, the museum is a small museum which displays on oasis life. Furthermore, the museum attached to Dar Al Wafdeen Government Hotel. In fact, the museum only opened on request. Furthermore, the museum laid out as a traditional home with different areas for men. Moreover, the museum also features areas for women and visitors. In fact, the museum houses displays of clothing, baskets and jewelry. Moreover, the museum comprises other domestic items. In fact, these items give an insight into the oasis life and geography. Do not expect to see much of Ancient Egypt, it is all about the ancient handmade domestic stuff. In fact, the stuff made out of palm reeds, clay, wood, and stone.

Ethnographic Museum Dakhla Oasis indeed is a great a chance to have a great experience. In fact, you will learn about the life and culture of the people who live in the oasis. The museum resembles an Egyptian home which exactly what it once was. In fact, the museum includes specific exhibits in different rooms. Some rooms dedicated to the history of the women and men who lived in the oasis. Moreover, some rooms include unique handmade artifacts. In fact, they both are old and modern. Furthermore, the museum houses items which made from stone, mud, clay and reeds. If you want to visit the Museum, you should contact the Tourist Information Office in Dakhla. They will make the required arrangements for you to visit the museum. Yet, you can also contact us.

Getting to Ethnographic Museum Dakhla Oasis:

You can reach the Ethnogaphic Museum through the regular buses from Cairo to Mut in Dakhla. In fact, the whole journey takes about 10 hours. It is since the bus will make a few stops along the way. A bus from the Kharga oasis will take about two hours. Moreover, there is a night bus which travels straight from Cairo without stops. A taxi can take you to the town if you are willing to pay the fares. Finally, there is a micro-bus service from Cairo to the oasis and the town. Buses from Cairo run between seven O’clock in the morning and eight O’clock in the evening.

Gilf El Kebir National Park Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Gilf El Kebir National Park is about 7770 square kilometer. The park located in the southeast corner of Western Desert, Egypt. In fact, the park is a sandstone plateau in New Valley Governor-ate. The park features rocky surface slopes which covered by sand. It is because the Great San Sea to the north encroaches on the plateau. Moreover, the area is arid and supports wild sheep which known as the Weedan. Furthermore, the National Park also comprises small birds such as the ubiquitous White-crowned Black Wheat-ear.

The area also features ancient rock art attests to a radically different environment in prehistoric times. In fact, it depicts many pictures of several types of big cattle. The park lies in the heart of the eastern part of the vast Sahara Desert. That is why it gets some of the most extreme climates on Earth. Moreover, it is the driest places on the planet. Furthermore, the area is totally rain-less. In fact, the annual average rainfall amount hardly reaches 0.1 mm. Additionally, the geological aridity index/dryness ratio is over 200.

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The solar energy received at the ground evaporate 200 times the amount of precipitation received. In fact, rainfall may fall every twenty years in the National Park. The Name of the area given to the plateau by Prince Kamal El Dine Hussein in 1925. Actually, it hand no local name. Moreover, The park is famous for its rugged beauty, remoteness and geological interest. It also famous for its dramatic cliff paintings-pictographs and rock carvings-petroglyphs. In fact, they an earlier era of abundant animal life and human habitation.

Gabal El Uweinat and Karkur Talh tours, prices, booking

Gabal El Uweinat (El Uweinat mountain) is the most formidable mountain in Western Desert. In fact, Karkur Talh is the largest valley of the mountain. It’s mouth, marked by two acacias visible for many kilometers. Gabal El Uweinat situated in the flat and featureless Libyan Desert. Moreover, it situated roughly at the center of the arid-est area. In fact, the mountain stands out like an island from the surrounding plain. The mountain’s height is enough to capture a little precipitation. The precipitation is from the summer monsoon clouds of the Sahel belt. In fact, the belt reaches this far north. In fact, the rains here are infrequent.

Furthermore, the last one recorded in September 1998. Probably as much as 10-15 years may pass without rain. However, even this little rain is enough for some vegetation and wildlife. In fact, Gabal El Uweinat composed of two different parts. The western part lies entirely in Libya. It composed on a large granite ring complex which about 25 km in diameter. Furthermore it also composed of the eroded remnants of a large archaic granite dome. The interior is less resistant to erosion, so large basin occupies the center of the ring. In fact, it is with three large valleys, Karkur Hamid, Karkur Idriss and Karkur Ibrahim. They drain the interior towards the west and all support scarce vegetation.

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As granite erodes, it forms huge boulders, that stacked upon each other. In fact, it is like an emptied bag of potatoes. Moreover, the southern half is less eroded and it has a large crescent shaped plateau. It fills the interior of the ring and much dissected by shallow water courses. This plateau acts as a large reservoir after rains. In fact, two permanent springs, Ain Ghazal and Ain Doua found at the southern foot of the mountain. Since the base of the mountain is well above the permanent aquifer. So, the source of the water can only be rain. However they never went dry in living memory.

The eastern part consists of a large block of Paleozoic sandstone. The sandstone slab forms a large elevated plateau. In fact, it dissected into several large units. Karkur Talh is the largest valley of Gabal El Uweinat. It’s mouth opens onto the broad sand plain flanking the mountain on the north east side. In fact, the narrow mouth choked with sand dunes. Karkur Talh winds for some 25 km towards the base of the sandstone plateau. In fact, it forms the highest part of Gabal El Uweinat. Except for a few kilometers in the beginning, most of karkur Talh lies within Sudan.

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If you proceed inwards, the spaced vegetation become more frequent. It is with a dense acacia forest and continuous tufts of panic-um grass. Moreover, it features colocynths which covers the valley floor in the broad middle section. In fact, climbing Gabal El Uweinat is not an easy option. It takes about 16 hours for both ascent and descent. Moreover, you’ll need plenty of fuel and water to reach and enjoy this part of the desert. If your guide doesn’t summit, then you might want to take more time.

In fact, Karkur Talh valley, named after the acacia trees which still grow here. Moreover, the valley is the home to vast quantities of rock art- both drawings and engravings. Furthermore, the valley is definitely worth a visit. Though not as amazing as those of El Mestikawy Cave they extend over a much wider area. Guides will know the locations of the best rock art examples. Actually, you may, in the side Wadis (Valleys), even find some new examples of your own.

El Mestikawy Cave Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

El Mestikawy Cave Egypt is a famous site because of its prehistoric rock art. In fact, it also called Cave of Beasts or Beasts Cave. The cave located near Gilf El Kebir in Western Desert, Egypt. The cave features similar art to the Swimmers Cave and Shaw’s Cave. In fact, the last two cave also located in Gilf El Kebir. The cave discovered in 1922. Moreover, it is larger than Swimmers cave and Shaw’s cave. Furthermore, it has a lot more rock artwork and engravings. In fact, the cave has variations in color as well as subjects. Moreover, it also has some arts which painted over. the arts show a sustained and prolonged habitation of the area.

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The cave indeed is remarkable site. The cave features hand print drawings which done over a half buried. Furthermore, the wall also has paintings of human figures and animals. Moreover, the wall also features representations of hunting activities. There’s also an impressive drawing of a headless bull which drawn in several parts of the cave. Please do not touch the paintings or use flash when you take pictures. It is because the ancient paint will peel off.

Mut Talata Hot Springs Dakhla Oasis Egypt tours, booking, prices

Mut Talata hot springs located in the northern part of Dakhla town, Egypt. In fact, you’ll find Mut Talata hot springs on the left. Moreover, the springs feature 43°C of water temperatures. For E£ 10, you can use the large (orange) pool in the Sol Y Mar Inn for the day. In fact, Sol Y Mar is about two hours from Kharga oasis and four hours from Bahariya oasis. Dakhla oasis is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Moreover, the oasis consists of a collection of several different settlements. In fact, they framed to the north by a wall of rose colored rocks. The hotel compliments its setting in a perfect way. The architecture, style and layout will give you a feeling of being at one with nature.

Moreover the hotel features chalets and lodges. The accommodations unites will allow you to enjoy a true desert experience. Furthermore, the resort has its own natural thermal hot spring. So you can soak in the iron-rich waters which known for their healing properties. Moreover, you also can use the resort as a base to explore the dunes and beyond. Instead, you can have a free dip in the smaller one outside the hotel. The water is rust colored from the high mineral content which is a bit off-putting. Women using the pool outside the hotel should swim in shorts and a loose fitting opaque T-shirt. Mut Talata hot springs located just 1 kilometer from the lake which known as the Fish Pond.

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In fact, the lake is a haven for water fowl and oasis bird life. Three kilometers further north, lies the village of Rashda. In fact, it is where there are Roman ruins at the east end of the village. The villagers don’t call them Roman, or indeed anything in particular. In fact, asking directions will lead to a great deal of amusing confusion. Go for a dip in the rust colored hot sulfur springs. The water indeed is hot and relaxing. No need to dress up. The rusty water might stain anything you will wear. In the evening, sit under the stars at the open air barbecue restaurant of Sol Y Mar Resort.

Lake Marun Bahariya Oasis Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Lake Marun located in Bahariya oasis in the Western Desert, Egypt. In fact,  Lake Marun is one of many salt lakes which scattered all over the Western Desert of Egypt. Moreover, the lake used as a hot spring which can recover many diseases such as Rheumatoid. In fact, the oasis located about 375 kilometer southwest Cairo. It is about four to five hours driving from the capital of Egypt. Nearby to the lake is Gebel Al Dist or the mountain of Al Dist. Going to this mountain will let you get the most fascinating photos of the lake as it overlooks on it.

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Moreover, the lake known as an important stopover for migratory birds. Furthermore, the lake is also a perfect spot for stunning sunset photos. So many hotels nearby in the major cites of Western Desert can arrange over day tour to the lake. We as Egypt travel Link also can organize the tour for you to this wonderful lake. In fact, the area of the lake not inhabited. That is why a guide to accompany you highly recommended. Moreover, the lake is near to the Black Desert and The White Desert as well. So, it indeed is a good starting point for many adventures tour programs. Moreover, a relaxation on the lake considered a good idea.

Oracle temple Siwa oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

Oracle temple Siwa Oasis located in the mostly abandoned village of Aghurmi. It known as Amun temple in fact. The new name is in fact because of Alexander’s visit when he conquered Egypt. It is actually one of two temples dedicated to Amun at Siwa, the other being Umm Ubayda. It sits atop a flat rock, and is a spectacular sight. Built during the 26th Dynasty (though the Oracle’s origin is reputed to be much, much older), this temple and its Oracle flourished well into the Greek and Roman periods. There are a number of myths about the founding of this temple. One of them tells of two black priestesses from the Temple of Amun at Thebes (modern Luxor) who banished to the desert.

In this tell, one of them founded the temple of Dodona in Greece, where she became the voice of the Oracle. The second, after a time in Libya, came to Siwa where she became the Oracle’s sibyl. Another tell maintains that the temple existed as early as 1385 BC. Moreover, it built in honor of Ham, the son of Noah, by Danaus the Egyptian. Another legend relates the founding of the temple to the Greek god Dionysus. While lost in the Western Desert, Dionysus was perishing of thirst when a man appeared and guided him to the spring at Aghurmi. In gratitude, Dionysus erected the temple. Oracles, manifestations of the gods, were very revered in the ancient world. Their existence in Egypt dates back for beyond the Temple of the Oracle at Siwa.

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Able to see into the future, they were consulted regularly prior to important decisions. Other important Oracles of the ancient world were located at Persia, Libya, Delphi, Cumae, Samos, Cimmeria, Erythrae, Tibur, Marpessa (on the Hellespont) and at Phrygia. Their abodes were typically close to a natural phenomenon. At Siwa, the temple located at the spectacular Spring of the Sun. Sibyls, priestesses who spoke the Oracle’s message, believed to be endowed with prophetic powers often called upon to intercede with the gods. Various ancient sources, including Quintus Curtius and Diodorus, report that the original form of the Oracle at Siwa was the bezel of a ring. Moreover, it embellished with gems including the elusive Siwan emeralds.

Later, the form became the head of a ram, a symbol of Amun. We are told that, unlike the great Karnak Complex, wealth was not important. In fact, the Oracle at Siwa strove to maintain its primitive simplicity. The Oracle at Siwa held in such high favor in Greece that an Athenian galley commissioned solely. It was to convey envoys to Marsa Matrouh, then called Ammonia. It is where they would begin their desert trek to the oasis. The Greeks probably learned of the Oracle after they invaded the northern coast and established Cyrene (now Libya) in 637 BC. Afterwards, the Oracle absorbed into Greek religion and associated with Zeus, who became associated with the Egyptian Amun. The Oracle reputed to have cursed Andromeda and she was tied to a rock to be devoured by a sea-serpent.

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Perseus is said to have stopped off to visit the Oracle prior to beheading Medusa. Moreover, Hercules is though to visited it before he fought Bursiris. Cambyses, who ruled Egypt between 525 and 522 BC, wanted to destroy the Oracle. But in fact he lost his army somewhere in the vast outreaches of the Western Desert. Pliny tells us that this was because the sacred stone at the temple touched by sacrilegious hand. So, it caused a dreaded sand storm to rage. There is a legend that Pindar wrote a poem about the Oracle that was kept under the alter for six centuries. In fact, Pindar is the famous Greek poet who lived between 522 and 443 BC. Prior to Alexander The Great, Cimon, the Athenian general, stood at Cyprus in 449 BC. In fact, he awaited word from the Oracle before attacking Egypt.

It said that when his emissaries reached the Temple, the Oracle spoke, “Cimon is already with me!”. When they returned to Cyprus, the discovered that Cimon died as they spoke to the Oracle. Eubotas, the famous Cyrene athlete also stopped by, perhaps sometime around the year 409 BC. Around the same time, Lysander, the Spartan general, came to Siwa twice to consult with the Oracle. We told that Alexander The Great, in 331 BC consulted the Oracle in order to seek confirmation that he was the son of Zeus (Amun). And therefore a legitimate ruler of both Egypt and other lands that he conquered. When he and his entourage arrived after capturing Egypt, a manifestation of the Oracle paraded. It was through the city accompanied by eighty priests.

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After his visit to the Oracle, whenever his image appeared on coins, Alexander shown with the horns of the ram, symbolic of the god Amun. Moreover, he consulted the Oracle at least once, and probably more than one time. After Alexander, Hannibal visited the Oracle and the Elians were so deeply influenced by the Oracle. They kept a list of all their questions and answers provided by the Oracle. Moreover, they engraved in stone upon a temple wall. Yet, by the time of the Romans, the Oracle began a decline. Cato asked about the freedom of Rome and according to one source the Oracle refused to answer. A second source maintains that Cato had come to challenge the Oracle and break its power. So it was Cato who refused to speak, thus lowering the esteem of the Oracle.

By the time that Strabo visited Siwa after the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, he noted that the Oracle was no longer as powerful and was in decline. The ruins of the Oracle temple Siwa Oasis still exits, but for how long is questionable. The rock upon which it sits is cracking, and from time to time parts of it, sometimes large pieces, slide down. Fissures are seen on all side and we know that in ancient times, the rock was much larger. In fact, there is considerable evidence of treasure hunters at work in the temple area. Nevertheless, the temple remains fairly well-preserved, all considered. Furthermore, the temple reached by climbing a well-marked path up the side of the rock it surmounts.

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In fact, Oracle temple Siwa Oasis does not occupy the entire area. It sites within the village that was abandoned for the most part in 1926 after a heavy rainstorm. Until very recently, at least some families actually lived in the temple. Moreover, the entrance is through the village gate. The ruins of an old mosque stand over the gate, its minaret still dominating the skyline. In front of the mosque is the ancient well with several niches that may lead to storage areas or subterranean passages. The temple is in the northwest corner of this area. Its walls abut the cliff at the edge of the rock and are in danger of falling into the precipice below. The area in front of the temple cleared of its mud-brick houses by Ahmed Fakhry in 1970.

The court in which the processions of the god took place stretches in front of the temple proper. But only the foundations of its northern and eastern walls still exist. In fact, the court is only a small distance from the edge of the rock. Therefore, either this area of the rock at its edge filled in during ancient times, or the visitors had to climb a staircase if, as we might expect, the entrance of the court was in the axis of the temple. However, it is possible that the entrance to the court was on the east side. Moreover, it reached as it is today by climbing the slope. In fact, the façade of the temple easily distinguished. Moreover, it stands about eight meters high. Furthermore, the entrance has a cornice which measures 2.22 meters wide, with no inscriptions.

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Later builders, apparently during the Ptolemaic period, attempted to make it look like a Greek temple. They added a wall in front on which they build a half-column of the fluted Doric type to each side of the entrance. The façade leads to an interior of two large halls and a sanctuary. In fact, it is with an entrance on the main axis. The first hall measures 7.74 by 4.95 meters. Moreover, its entrance is not precisely in the middle of the wall. Furthermore, the western side is slightly longer. In fact, there are two niches in the southern wall, one in each of the two corners. At floor level in the west wall there is an entrance to a crypt. Moreover, the second court is almost the same size as the first, but built a little higher.

There are three entrances in the north wall of the second court, of which the middle and larger one leads to the sanctuary. In fact, the small entrance to the right of it, only 80 centimeters wide. Moreover, it leads to a narrow corridor which might used as an annex for storing the temple equipment. Maybe it used to assist in delivering the oracles. In the left wall of the corridor are three niches about 66 centimeters higher than the floor. Moreover, near the ceiling are two apertures for light. Fakhry wondered whether it was a secret area from which the priests could speak the words of the Oracle. In fact, only the sanctuary has walls that are inscribed. Moreover, the sanctuary measure 3.3 meters wide by 6.1 meters deep.

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Like the other rooms, it once roofed over. We even find near the top of the east and west walls tone projections on which the rafters rested. Unfortunately, the walls badly damaged by treasure hunters. The inscriptions are at the two sides of the entrance to this chamber. They continue on the side walls. Though it seems that the back wall never inscribed. To the right of the entrance is the figure of King Amasis. In fact, his reign the temple built and decorated, though his head and body chiseled out. The crown of the North upon his head in fact left intact. In fact, the king’s name written inside a cartouche in front of him. He offers rounded vases of wine to eight deities who stand facing him in a row.

In fact, they preceded by Amun, who represented on the east wall. Other gods on the wall include Amun’s consort, Amenre, Mut, Khonsu and Mahesa. The last deity is a female who wears the double crown, but her inscription completely destroyed. The accompanying text reads, “I give life to the Chief of the desert-dwellers, Sutekh-irdes”. To the left of the entrance of the sanctuary depicted a governor of Siwa. It completely destroyed except for the feather which stuck in his hair and denotes his Libyan origin. While under Egyptian control, Herodotus tells us that its governors called kings. It is perhaps because of its isolation. Hence, He represented on the opposite side of the chamber, in the same position as the king of Egypt.

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Moreover, he makes offerings to eight gods. The inscription tells us that this was Sutekh-irdes, who was “Chief of the Desert-dwellers”. Among the eight deities on this wall are Amenre, Mut, Dedun-Amun and the goddess Tefnut,. There are also Harsaphis, with a human body and ram’s head and Nut. Moreover, there are also Thoth depicted with the head of an ibis and Hebenu of the Two Lands. Furthermore, there is also Nehem’awa, the consort of Thoth. Behind the last deity, the wall is blank, because at one point a door here lead to the adjacent chamber. In fact, It walled up at a later date. Moreover, there was at least one chamber on the roof the temple. The staircase that led to the terrace roof was at the west side of the corner.

In fact, it fell down when this part of the rock slid off. Furthermore, there is a narrow corridor at the right (east side of the sanctuary) that leads around behind the back wall. Another large chamber is on the west side of the temple. The temple has apparently never excavated. Without such work, we cannot determine whether other parts of the temple still hidden under the surrounding debris. In fact, the remains of walls southwest of the court are visible. Moreover, we can distinguish the outlines of some chambers built of stone. Furthermore, there are also stone walls among the remains of the falling houses at the east side of the temple. But in fact, it is without proper study, we do not know if any of these constructs are a part of the temple proper.

Qila Al Dabba Mastabas Dakhla oasis Egypt tours, booking, prices

Qila Al Dabba Mastabas are necropolis which located in Dakhla oasis, Egypt. In fact, Qila Al Dabba Mastabas associated with the Old Kingdom settlement at Ain Asil. Moreover, the site located about 1.5 kilometer to the west of the ancient town of Al Qasr. The site investigated in 1970s by Egyptian archaeologist Ahmad Fakhry. In fact, he uncovered four large mud-brick mastabas. They belong to the governors of Dakhla oasis. Since 1986 the site excavated and six or seven mastabas found. One of them contained the mummy of a Dynasty VI ruler. The site field surrounded by many smaller graves. In fact, the graves are from the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period.

These graves are simple oval pits with a descending staircase. Moreover, other tombs dug into the rock and covered by mud-brick vaulted roofs. Qila Al Dabba Mastabas constructed in steps from mud-bricks and dressed with slabs of limestone. When found, the tombs were in various stages of ruin. Furthermore, they followed the plan of a large brick enclosure. The enclosure surrounds a courtyard in which the mastaba stood. Moreover, the tombs had facades like others of the Old Kingdom. Furthermore, they also had a funerary stela at the entrance which identified the occupant. Stela and jambs from the tomb of governor Ima Pepi can seen in the Kharga Heritage Museum.

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Qila Al Dabba tombs show important differences in their construction. The first type had a substructure which contains several burial chambers. In fact, the chambers were for family members. Moreover, the superstructures built over vast excavations in the open air. Examples of this type are the mastabas of Ima-Pepi I (reign of Pepi I) and Khentika (reign of Pepi II). The second construction type contained only one burial chamber. It also contained an antechamber and store rooms which built from stone and mud-brick. This was the type favored Ima-Pepi II (reign of Pepi II) and Medunefer (reign of Pepi II). In fact, they are generally smaller structures. Inside the tombs there are sometimes some rooms, antechambers and burial chambers.

The burial chambers have barrel-vaulted roofs. The first which identified, was the tomb of the governor Medunefer. In fact, Medunefer served during the reign of Pepi II. This tomb contained funerary goods including gold jewelry. In the mastaba of Khentikau-Pepi, over 100 pottery vessels found. In fact, they found in fragments beneath the fallen masonry in the underground chambers. Khentika governor also built mastabas at Qila Al Dabba. In fact, he was also from the reign of Pepi II. His painted subterranean chambers restored. Ima-Pepi’s later tomb shows an improvement in construction techniques. The most recent reconstruction is the burial chamber of an individual called Bitsu. In fact, this burial chamber contains vivid painted scenes. The scenes depict his family and part of a star-painted ceiling which suspended above.

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The mastabas of the wealthy governors contained rich burial equipment. In fact, the equipment feature wooden or ceramic coffins. Yet, further cemeteries which contain more modest burials also found. In fact, they located to the south and east of the site. These poorer members of the community often buried in simple pits. Moreover, they wrapped only in layers of matting. Many skeletons found in the Qila Al Dabba Mastabas necropolis. In fact, some of the pottery and other artifacts from the site are on display also in the Kharga Museum. Moreover, some of them also displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.