TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
EGYPT
The Pyramids of Giza aren’t the only wonders to set your eyes on in Egypt. Discover ancient monuments, deserts, history, culture, and mouth watering food. There is no shortage of sites to explore that will transport you back in time, to the ancient Egyptian days.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
The Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The pyramids are the only ancient wonders still standing today. These magnificent structures were built 4,500 years ago and were constructed to preserve tombs in ancient Egypt. Tombs were only built for pharaohs and were meant to preserve their bodies and souls. Egyptians believed that by preserving a dead person’s body (through the process of mummification), their soul would live on in the after-life forever. The drawings and carvings found on the tomb walls from the ancient Egyptian days, provide insight into how the ancient Egyptians lived (many of these illustrations are still seen today!). The Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature. Facing directly from West to East, the face of the Sphinx is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafra.
Abu Simbel
Located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel was built during Pharaoh Ramesses II’s reign. These temples were carved out of the mountainside and even more interestingly, during the 1960s, the temple was threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It was decided that the monument should be saved and the temple was then dismantled and reassembled at a new (higher) location with each block being meticulously numbered and placed back like a giant jigsaw puzzle. The size and grandeur of this structure is incredible.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is one of Egypt’s largest ancient temples, built with sandstone in 1400 BCE. The complex is surrounded by mud-brick walls, symbolizing the separation between the world and the sacred realm of the gods. The temple was dedicated to the god Amun, his wife, and their son. For centuries, Luxor’s population continued to grow and settlements were built around the complex. Rubble as high as 15m accumulated over time covering almost 3/4 of Luxor Temple. Along with the Temple at Karnak, Luxor Temple is on the list of World Heritage Sites.
Karnak Temple
As one of the most well-known temples in Luxor, this temple complex is believed to be the largest ancient religious site ever built in the world (although some say Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest). Covering about 200 acres, it was a place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years. Be sure to stop by The Great Hypostyle Hall. This hall is 54,000 square feet and features 134 columns. There is also a large sacred lake which was surrounded by storerooms and living quarters for the priests.
Valley of the Kings
Located on the west bank of the Nile, this valley is known as the main burial place of Pharaohs from the 16th century to the 11th century BC. It is home to approximately 63 Egyptian tombs and chambers. Most historians believe that the Valley of the Kings was used as a royal burial ground from approximately 1539 to 1075 B.C. (almost 500 years).
Cruise the Nile
Observe desert villages and crumbling ancient temples as you let the river carry you down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan. The Nile River is the lifeline of Egypt and the best way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history is to follow the direction of the river. Did you know that the Nile flows from south to north?! Be sure to spend some time on a felucca and sail from island to island to truly experience why this river remains an important part of life today.
Explore Dahab
This small town, former fishing village located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula is considered to be one of the best diving destinations in the world. Most diving sights are accessible from the shore with coral reefs a few strokes away. For those that wish to soak up some sun, this laid back town provides a relaxed atmosphere.
