What comes into your mind when you hear the word Egypt? It might be Pyramids and Pharaohs, isn’t it? But did you know the land of Egypt is far more ancient, dating back to 5000 years ago?
Even the fully advanced and modern cities of today’s Egypt are so old that you can’t believe it. Built on the bank of the River Nile, the ancient Egyptian cities have many secrets to unfold and many unheard stories to tell to history lovers. Here are some of the ancient sites of Egypt you can’t miss.
Giza
Out of all the ancient Egyptian cities, Giza is indeed top of the list. The pyramids in Giza are the most renowned and most popular. The world’s largest and oldest pyramid of Khufu is in Giza. You can’t miss the magnificent and dramatic panoramic view here. Giza is certainly the hotspot for tourists in Egypt.
Immerse yourself into the ancient land of pyramids, Great Sphinx, and distinct historic monuments. The pyramids in Giza were constructed during the era of three generations. Giza offers its travelers an unforgettable and thrilling experience. So make sure not to miss the show.
Abu Simbel
The magnificent monuments at Abu Simbel are one of the sites of tourist attractions in Egypt. The temples in Abu Simbel are proclaimed ad the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These days these are known as Nubian Monuments. You can’t miss visiting these incredible rock temples awaiting you in Abu Simbel.
The stone-carved temples of Ramesses II are the most iconic site at Abu Simbel. There are two temples, one great and the other small. Apart from these temples, you will find the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae here. If you are into archeology and architecture, this site surely has a lot to offer you and will not disappoint you.
Valley of the Kings
As the name suggests, the Valley of the Kings is the site of the burial of Pharaohs. It is in Luxor also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings. These underground tombs were prepared and stocked well for the afterlife of Pharaohs. Archaeologists and treasure hunters have been to this site for so long, however, there are still many surprises to unfold.
You will find many tombs like the Tomb of Horemheb, Tomb of Ramses III, Tomb of Ay, and Tomb of Seti I. There are a total of 63 tombs here. So it is a mass tomb site. Don’t forget to check out the Valley of the Kings and you will surely be mesmerized.
Karnak Temple
Do you know that Karnak Temple is the second most visited site in Egypt? It is second only to Giza Pyramids. Karnak Temple is also known as the Precinct of Amun. It has a lot to offer to its visitors like sanctuaries, sphinxes, temples, columns, and pylons. The ancient buildings here at Luxor have many stories to tell. Are you ready to explore these ancient ruins?
Karnak Temple is an open-air museum and what can be better is to watch it in real life. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, Luxor must be on your list. The Luxor temple, Karnak Temple, and The Valley of the Kinds are proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Pyramid of Djoser
In the heart of Saqqara Necropolis lies the Pyramid of Djoser. It is the earliest known pyramid and this specialty makes it unique among the rest. The first of its kind in stone architecture. Pharoah Djoser started the concept of the burial of royals in pyramids. It has a series of tunnels below and layers above. The pyramid is unique in its design and thought. It is not only the first pyramid in Egypt rather the first in the world. The architect Imhotep designed it. Later the Pyramid of Djoser became the Symbol of Civilization in the Millennium.
Edfu Temple
Edfu Temple is another ancient site in Egypt worth seeing for archaeological enthusiasts. The spectacular and magnificent temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The extensive wall carving tells a lot about that period, culture, religion, and language. The temple of Horus at Edfu awaits you to come and explore it. The remarkable feats of construction at Edfu are an iconic antic displaying the rich history, architecture, and culture of ancient Egypt. For photographers, it is one of the cool places to take photos.
Sum Up
The land of pyramids and Pharaohs, Egypt dates back thousands of years ago. The land has so much to offer that you can never get bored in a country like Egypt. The history is scattered across the whole country waiting for explorers and discoverers to unveil it. Do you know that Egypt has harbored many civilizations and nations, and been home to countless religions, cultures, and languages?