Egyptian civilization has intrigued generations of historians. Hollywood has even got in on the act with countless films about the curse of the Egyptian mummies. But there’s no doubt that the best place to come face to face with Egyptian wonders is in Egypt itself.
There are plenty of museums, tombs, and temples to be seen along the banks of the Nile. If it’s your first visit to Egypt, and you only have a limited amount of time to spend exploring, pop these sights on your hit list.
The Pyramids of Giza
It’s hard to think about Egypt without imagining the pyramids: the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. The pyramids are one of the oldest man-made constructions on the planet; they were built between 2550 to 2490 BC . Scientists still puzzle over how the ancient Egyptians managed to build them.
The pyramids are one of the top tourist attractions in the world, and are far more interesting than your average tomb. The art, tools, and murals contained inside have taught historians a lot about daily life 5,000 years ago. If you want to go inside the pyramids, it’s important to buy your ticket early.
Only one of the three is open at any one time, and only 300 guests are allowed in each day: 150 in the morning, 150 in the afternoon.
The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
It’s always a good idea to get out of the heat of the mid day sun when you’re in a hot country, so if you have a few hours to spare around lunch time the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities will certainly keep you busy. Although it’s not a monument in itself, the museum is filled with intriguing exhibitions and pieces: including the treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamen. The museum can be found in Tharir Square, in Cairo.
The Sphinx
The sphinx was a character in Greek mythology, and guarded a mountain pass by posing a riddle to anyone who tried to get by . Anyone who gave an incorrect answer to the question “what creature walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?” would be killed.
Perhaps this is why the Egyptians often used statues of the sphinx to guard their tombs. The most famous sphinx is the one on the Giza plain, near the pyramids. The face of the statue is said to resemble Pharoah Khafre, who built the second pyramid, so most experts agree that the statue was probably built around the same time.
Oh, and the answer to the riddle? ‘Man’. It’s not likely that the stone statue will ask you, but it’s worth knowing just in case.
The Nile
The Egyptian civilisation wouldn’t have been able to survive without the Nile; the only constant source of water in the desert landscape. For that reason, the river is a wonder in itself. Dinner cruises on the Nile are very popular, as you can relax and enjoy a meal while experiencing one of the most important rivers in the world.
Where to Stay
To be as close to the ancient sights as possible, look for hotels in Cairo . Most of Egypt’s wonders are located just outside of the city. You can book accommodation online to find luxury hotels at discount prices.
Dwayne Richtennsen is proud to be a 'Belieber'.
