Egypt: An Ancient land of the great pharaohs, their graves and riches
19/2/2009 12:29:54 PM
ETCM
Egypt: An Ancient land of the great pharaohs, their tombs and riches
Sharm Al-SheikhLocation of Egypt: Northern Africa, covering an area of approximately 1,010,000 square kilometers. It borders with the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, Sudan and Libya and is cut from North to South by the Nile River where a large percentage of its 75,500,662 inhabitants live near its banks whilst the rest densely populate Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities.
Egypt of old is truly a wonder. Towering pyramids overlook busy, metropolitan Cairo as if mocking its new rulers to match the splendour of their times. And, truth be told, they cannot be matched. As you stand looking at the colossal magnificence of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the amazing length and depth of the Valley of King and Queens, the ancient temples and the finery that graced the Pharoahs, you will leave wondering what we, the modern man, can do to achieve what they have and live, like them... boggling the minds of generations to come, forever.
Top Destinations and Must-Dos:
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
Also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the first and largest pyramid (in all Egypt) that stands alongside two others and is the legacy left by three generations of Pharoahs of the Middle Kingdom. From grand-father Khufu (Cheop’s), to his son Khafre and grandson Menkaure, these 3 pyramids looks down upon all the other lesser pyramids of the Queens, temples and the dimunitive Sphinx.
Each Pharoah brought his own style of pyramid architecture, but with the building of the Sphinx, the largest single sculpted statue in the world carved from the bedrock of the plateau, Pharoah Khafre added another mark on history.
These Pyramids are open to visitors not only to view from the outside but also to explore its many chambers on the inside. Be warned, it is hot, stuffy and it’s a one-way street. So, if you are claustrophobic and can’t take the heat, it is best to enjoy the magnificence from the outside.
Temple of Karnak in Luxor
2. The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens
White, stark and desolate the Valley of the Kings lies sandwiched between giant banks of limestone and sand. Deep inside the banks, lay hidden the tombs of many of the New Kingdom Pharoahs like Ramses II the Great, Amenhotep II, Horemheb, Seti, Hatshepsut (but being a female Pharoah, Hatshetsup was not buried here, but instead, in the neighbouring Valley of the Queens) and the last Pharoah of all, Tutenkhamun were carved out. Upon excavation, many were found empty except for the greatest find of last century, the tomb of Tutenkhamun. He and all his riches now rest in the Cairo Museum.
3. Temple of Karnak in Luxor
Although badly ruined, no temple site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man (about 200 acres) dedicated to three main gods – Mut, Monthu and Amun. Spanning approximately 2000 years to be built, Queen Hatshepsut was the last Pharoah to add her touches to it. Its architecture not only differs from Pharoah to Pharoah but also reflects the different influences that each Pharoah had from his and her encounters with neighbouring African Empires, Macedonian Empire, and the Roman Empire.
The Cairo Museum4. The Cairo Museum
To truly witness Ancient Egypt, the Cairo Museum is one place that must be visited. With more than 120,000 artifacts from the pre-historic era to the Greco-Roman period you can spend up to 2 days just meandering through its various chambers. Mummies, sarcophagi, statues and statuettes of all the different dynasties grace different chambers for all to learn and see.
5. Sharm Al-Sheikh
Often visitors will think of Egypt as a desolate land of sun and sand, but they are truly mistaken. Wildlife teems not only on the banks of the Nile, but also in the desert, mountains and seas; and what’s more you can enjoy it the way the nomads did – by foot, camel or horse - or with more modern conveniences - the trusty 4 x 4. In particular is a beach resort in the Sinai known as the Sharm Al-Sheikh. Here, scuba diving or snorkling is but a short distance away at the Ras Mohamed National Park, the Red Sea and Sharks Bay, but if you are looking for some great trekking routes there’s the Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla and Siwa oases and hiking in the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula or Jebel Uweinet.
6. Cruising Down the Nile
Cruising the Nile is an unparalleled experience indeed. With hundreds of luxury liners sailing up and down this river every day of the year, it’s a wonder that visitors get to their next destination on time! The journey is mostly peaceful, meals are all on board and there’s entertainment too. As soon as you reach the lock of the Aswan Dam, you will find yourself joining the cue with numerous other boats awaiting their turn to pass. During this break in your Nile journey, peddlers in their wooden boats ply their trade. Floating atop the river they will throw up their wares to the waiting tourists, (even as high as 3 stories tall), bargain and sell. If you don’t like what you see, or need a different colour or size, just throw it down into the water and they’ll throw another up. No problem. Money? You throw that down into the Nile to, and in a flash they’ll pick it up!
Khan El-Khalili
7. Khan El-Khalili
Leaving Egypt without spending time bargaining and buying at this world famous souk is not having been to Egypt at all. A veritable hive of activity with so many, many little shops selling everything Egyptian in every little alleyway and corner– jewellery, gold, t-shirts, hookahs, musical instruments, books, knick-knacks, food and so many other items is on sale. Best to sharpen you bargaining skills here, as you could get the thing you desire for up to 70% off!
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