Discover Egypt
Welcome to this blog on Discover Egypt, embark on a mesmerizing journey through ancient Egypt. Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country located primarily in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge to Southwest Asia.
Discover Egypt: plenty of things to do
Take a captivating trip through ancient Egypt to discover the rich history and culture of this intriguing society while seeing famous sites like the Valley of the Kings, the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Discover the great pharaohs, the enigmatic Egyptian rituals, and the scientific, mathematical, and architectural innovations that contributed to the wonders of this ancient society. Explore the depths of the hieroglyphic language, interpreting its cryptic meanings and learning the mysteries of the old tombs.
Egypt’s borders are as follows: the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, Libya to the west, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
10 most popular tourist attractions in Egypt
The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through Egypt, providing fertile land along its banks. Alexandria is a Mediterranean port city in Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, Alexandria was an Egyptian capital for over 1000 years and is to this day an important economic centre.
Egypt, with a population of 111 million and a GDP of 476.7 billion, is the largest Arab nation and the 29th largest country in the world.
Egyptian people are very friendly.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the largest city in Egypt and serves as its capital. A significant center of the Middle East and Africa’s economies, cultures, and histories is Cairo. With more than 5,000 years of recorded history, Egypt has one of the longest and richest histories of any nation in the world. One of the oldest civilizations in history, ancient Egypt is renowned for its colossal buildings, including the pyramids and temples, as well as its contributions to writing, science, and mathematics. Cairo is the most popular destination and has many great things to do in Cairo, Egypt for the tourists.
The Sphinx
The Sphinx is a famous monumental sculpture located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt.
The Sphinx is a limestone statue depicting a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre (also known as Chephren).
Its length, from paw to tail, is roughly 73 meters (240 feet), while its height is roughly 20 meters (66 feet). It faces eastward toward the rising sun and is located on the western bank of the Nile River. It is a piece of the greater Giza Necropolis, which is made up of numerous historic buildings and the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is thought that the Sphinx was created in the Old Kingdom era of ancient Egypt, circa 2500 BCE, under the reign of Pharaoh Khafre.
The Pyramid
One of the most recognizable and enduring images of ancient civilization is the Pyramids of Egypt. The Giza Plateau, which is close to Cairo, the country’s capital, is home to the majority of Egypt’s pyramids. The Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre (also called Chephren), the Pyramid of Menkaure (also called Mykerinos), and the Great Pyramid of Giza are all part of the Giza complex.
Between around 2600 and 2500 BCE, during the Old Kingdom era of ancient Egypt, the pyramids were constructed as tombs for pharaohs and other nobles. Large chunks of limestone were mined nearby and transported for use in their construction. Over several years, thousands of talented artisans and laborers worked on the construction project.
The biggest and most well-known pyramid in Egypt is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Built by Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), it was once the world’s tallest man-made edifice, rising to a height of 146.6 meters (481 feet). This was the case for more than 3,800 years. It is estimated that between twenty and thirty years were spent building the pyramid.
Karnak Temple
One of the biggest and most striking temple complexes in the world is the Temple of Karnak, which is situated in Egypt close to Luxor. It is devoted to Amun-Ra, the chief deity of the Theban Triad, along with his spouse Mut and their offspring Khonsu. The temple complex was built over several decades, with contributions from numerous pharaohs, including Senusret I, Amenhotep III, and Ramesses II. Work on it started during the Middle Kingdom period (around 2000 BCE).
Spanning more than 200 acres, the Temple of Karnak is a massive structure made up of numerous temples, chapels, pylons, and halls. The Great Hypostyle Hall, a vast hall with 134 columns that are each over 23 meters (75 feet) tall, is the complex’s most notable feature. The Precinct of Amun-Re, the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, and the Temple of Khonsu are also located inside the complex.
During the New Kingdom era in ancient Egypt (c. 1550–1070 BCE), Karnak served as the primary religious hub. It was thought to be the gods’ home and the location of their yearly celebration, the Opet Festival, which featured a parade of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu sculptures through the temple complex.
National Park of Ras Mohammed
At the point where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba converge in southern Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula sits Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected region. It was created in 1983 with the intention of safeguarding the region’s distinctive terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Because of its remarkable biological richness and ecological value, it was designated as a protected area.
With an approximate land area of 480 square kilometers (185 square miles), the park contains a wide range of ecosystems, including as salt marshes, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and desert landscapes. The park’s coastal area is characterized by dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, while its marine environment is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Ras Mohammed National Park is home to a diverse array of marine species, including over 1,000 species of fish, hundreds of species of coral, and a variety of marine mammals, sea turtles, and invertebrates.
Enthusiasts of scuba diving and snorkeling flock to the park because its coral reefs are among the most vibrant and biodiverse in the Red Sea.
Ras Mohammed National Park is home to a wide range of terrestrial wildlife, including desert foxes, ibex, gazelles, and other bird species, in addition to its marine life. The park’s mangrove forests provide important habitat for migratory birds and serve as a breeding ground for fish and other marine organisms.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly known as the Egyptian Museum or the Museum of Cairo, is one of the most renowned and important museums in the world, located in Cairo, Egypt.
Under the support of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Egyptian ruler at the time, the renowned French archaeologist Auguste Mariette created the Egyptian Museum in 1835. Before being relocated to Tahrir Square in 1902, the museum was kept in a structure next to the Ezbekeyah Garden.
From the prehistoric age to the Greco-Roman era, the museum houses an enormous collection of antiquities covering over 5,000 years of Egyptian history. Among its assortment are
over 120,000 items, including statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, jewelry, and papyri, many of which are of immense historical and artistic significance.
Some of the most famous artifacts housed in the Egyptian Museum include the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask, sarcophagus, and funerary objects. Other notable exhibits include the Narmer Palette, the Rosetta Stone, the statue of Khufu (Cheops), and the mummy of Ramses II.
The museum’s neoclassical building was designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon and features a grand facade adorned with columns and sculptures.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a renowned archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile River near the city of Luxor in Egypt. It served as the burial site for many of the pharaohs and other elite members of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom (approximately 1539–1075 BCE). It was chosen as a burial site due to its secluded location and natural rock formations, which provided an ideal setting for the construction of elaborate tombs.
The Valley of the Kings is home to over 60 rock-cut tombs, many of which are elaborately decorated with hieroglyphs, paintings, and reliefs depicting scenes from the afterlife and the journey of the deceased. The tombs vary in size and complexity, ranging from simple pits to multi-chambered structures with intricate decorations.
Some of the most famous tombs in the Valley of the Kings include the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter in 1922, and the tomb of Ramesses VI (KV9), known for its well-preserved decorations and long descending corridor.
The Valley of the Kings was known to the ancient Egyptians as “The Great and Majestic Necropolis of the Millions of Years of the Pharaoh, Life, Strength, Health in The West of Thebes.” Despite its prominence, the valley was looted in antiquity, and many of its tombs were subsequently forgotten. The modern exploration and excavation of the valley began in the 19th century, leading to the discovery of numerous tombs and artifacts.
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. This Complex was built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE (around 1264–1244 BCE). The complex consists of two temples: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.
The temples were built to commemorate Ramesses II’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh and to honor the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and the deified Ramesses II himself. The temples served as centers of worship and pilgrimage during ancient times.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II is the larger and more famous of the two temples. It features four colossal statues of Ramesses II seated on thrones, each standing at approximately 20 meters (66 feet) tall. The facade of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Ramesses II’s military victories and religious rituals.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. It was constructed during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, approximately between 1400 BCE and 1200 BCE. It was built primarily during the reigns of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE) and Ramesses II (1279–1213 BCE), although later pharaohs also contributed to its construction and expansion.
Luxor Temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods: the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. It served as a religious center and cult site for the worship of these deities, as well as a site for important religious festivals and ceremonies.
The temple complex features a variety of architectural styles and structures dating from different periods of ancient Egyptian history. Its main entrance is marked by an imposing pylon (gateway), which leads into a large courtyard surrounded by colonnades, halls, and sanctuaries. The complex also includes an avenue of sphinxes that once connected Luxor Temple with the nearby Karnak Temple.
Tiran Island
Tiran Island is a small island located in the northern part of the Red Sea, at the entrance to the Straits of Tiran. It is situated in the eastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, off the coast of Egypt. It is part of the Ras Mohammed National Park and lies approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) offshore from the Sinai Peninsula.
Tiran Island is relatively small, covering an area of approximately 80 square kilometers (31 square miles). It is characterized by rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and pristine coral reefs surrounding its shores. The island is uninhabited, except for a small Egyptian military base.
The waters surrounding Tiran Island are known for their rich biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The reefs are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
SOHO Square
SOHO Square in Egypt is a popular entertainment and shopping complex located in Sharm El Sheikh, a resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It is situated in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh, near the Naama Bay area. It is easily accessible from many of the area’s hotels and resorts, making it a convenient destination for tourists and locals alike.
SOHO Square offers a wide range of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The complex features restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, cafes, bars, and lounges where visitors can enjoy drinks and live music performances. There are also nightly shows and entertainment events, including traditional Egyptian music and dance performances.
In addition to dining and nightlife, SOHO Square offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. These include an ice-skating rink, bowling alley, and a selection of shops and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. There’s also a spa and wellness center where visitors can relax and unwind with massages and treatments.
To conclude, Egypt is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions to world civilization. Its ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to attract visitors from around the globe and many travelers dream of Egypt travel as part of their itinerary.
Overall, Egypt is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions to world civilization. Its ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to attract visitors from around the globe.
