Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations the world has ever known and for many; these long years of existence means that visits to the country will always be for historic knowledge and a look into the lives of the Ancient people (A curiosity all humans share). The Pyramids in Egypt are perhaps the most famous sites in Egypt as they attract visitors from all over the world. Even though the Pyramids are so popular, these sites in Egypt will convince travelers and make them realize that the Pyramids in Egypt only make up a tiny part of the history of this Great Ancient Civilization.
10 The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo contains the largest collection of Egyptian historic materials in the world and it is also the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. The historical collections of the Egyptian museum have dates that span from the Predynastic period (6000-3150 BCE) to the Greco-Roman Era (6th Century AD). The museum itself was founded in the 19th century and the impressive items in its collection include - statues of past Egyptian kings, historic documents (Narmer Palette), and grave masks of dead Egyptian Kings such as the golden mask of King Tutankhamun.
9 The Nile
With a length of 6,650 km (4,132 miles), the Nile is the longest river in the world with its length spanning Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, and Burundi. The Nile is considered to be an important source of life for the Egyptians and it is believed that the river received this power of fruitfulness after the Penis of Osiris - the god of fertility was thrown into the water of the Nile by his brother, betrayer, and killer - Seth who was also mutilator of Osiris’s corpse. For a more extensive exploration of this river, travelers can get on a Nile river cruise
8 Abu Simbel
Located in the village of Abu Simbel, Southern Egypt are two large rock temples called – Abu Simbel. The temples were created by King Ramses II and dedicated to the sun gods – Amon-Re and Re Horakhte. Abu Simbel temples display an example of Ancient Egyptian architecture and the four statues of the sitting-Ramses II constructed in front of the first temple also display an example of the amazing architecture of the Ancient Egyptians.
7 The Red Sea
The Red Sea, located in Northern, Eastern, and Western Africa is 2,250 km (1,400 miles) long and 355 km (221 miles) wide. The Sea is particularly history as a result of its role in the Biblical story of the Israelites and their freedom from Egyptian slavery. According to The Exodus, the Red Sea was parted in a moment of divine intervention creating a path for the Israelites to walk through to the other side and escape from the Armies of the Egyptians who were eventually drowned after the Israelites all successfully made it across the Sea. Travelers who visit this site will enjoy the feeling of standing at the historic site escape where the miraculous escape occurred thousands of years ago and of course you can dive in the Red Sea.
6 The White Desert National Park
Located in the Fafara depression is a unique rock formation location known as the White Desert National Park. The park features massive white chalk rocks and the white sand and some desert animals such as – Jackal, red fox, and sand cats. Travelers in this park will enjoy an exploration of the Crystal rock and the Great sand sea with its constantly moving sand.
5 Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is a small Egyptian oasis located near the border of Libya and 350 miles from Cairo. The secluded settlement consists of palm trees, olive trees, and more than a hundred springs. Travelers who visit Siwa Oasis will enjoy fresh, salty, cold, and of course hot springs. The Oasis also features some historical sites which include – the Ancient Shali fortress, Temple of the Oracle, and the Gebel Al Dakrur. The slow-paced lifestyle and the well-preserved culture of this isolated Oasis also combine to make it a great place for travelers who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy some peace.
4 Mount Sinai
Egypt is home to some of the most important religious locations in the world and Bible believers particularly hold Mount Sinai in high esteem as it is the location where according to the book of Exodus, Moses was handed the Ten Commandments by God. Mount Sinai is located in the South Central part of the Sinai Peninsula close to the town of Saint Catherine and the best way to explore the 2,285 meters mountain is by climbing it; therefore, travelers can buckle their shoes and begin the hike up the moderately difficult mountain.
3 Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is considered to be one of the oldest still operating monasteries in the world. The popularity of this Monastery can be attributed to its display of historical and religious collections and the fact that it was named after a young virgin and Martyr named Catherine of Alexandra who was executed by the Roman Emperor Maxentius for becoming a Christian, rebuking him (Maxentius) for cruelty against Christians and even winning a religious debate set by the cruel Emperor. Fortunately, the Monastery lies at the very foot of Mount Sinai (Yes the same Mount Sinai), and with the closeness of the two historic sites, travelers can easily kill these two big birds with one little stone.
2 The Valley Of Kings
The valley of kings is a location in Luxor, Egypt which was once used as a special burial place for some Egyptian Kings. The valley reveals how the Ancient Egyptians prepared and filled up the burial tombs of their dead kings with possessions such as - gold, clothes, furniture, weapons, pieces of jewelry, artworks, and other necessities which are meant to accompany the dead kings in their afterlives. Several tombs are open for viewing at the Valley of Kings and some of them include – The Tomb of Ramses IV, the Tomb of Ramses III, and the Tomb of Tausert & Setnakht.
Even though the valley had been an archaeological site since the 18th century, Howard Carter’s discovery of the Tomb of King Tutankhamun was the driving factor behind the increased popularity of this archaeological site which now presents one of the most detailed looks at the burial traditions of the Ancient Egyptians.
1 Also, Check Out The Pyramids
It is really difficult to talk about Egypt and not mention those large pointy-shaped structures. For the love of history and archeology, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and only surviving wonder of the Ancient World which means that this might be the only opportunity to check out the great and historic pyramid because the majority of the façade has already been washed away by rain, sunshine and the wind throughout the 4,000 years of the Pyramid’s existence.