Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The once-beaming hub of ancient Egyptian existence, Memphis is a mythical city and the first capital of unified Egypt. Situated at the mouth of the Nile Delta, Memphis served as a political and sacred capital, as well as a cultural hub. The city was a testament to the cleverness, spirituality, and superiority of early Egyptian society.
In this article, we examine the history, heritage, and archaeological wonders of Memphis to understand why it remains one of Egypt's most important historical cities.
Founded around 3100 BCE by King Menes (Narmer), the founder of united Upper and Lower Egypt, Memphis marked the start of Egypt's dynastic period. A distinguished political and administrative center in the Old Kingdom (ca. 2686–2181 BCE), commonly referred to as the "Age of the Pyramids," the city was bustling with activity.
Memphis was in ancient times known as "Ineb Hedj" (the "White Walls"), which was the name bestowed upon the city's splendid whitewashed palace. It was known as "Men-nefer," which was subsequently changed to the Greek version "Memphis." The city was strategically located where Upper and Lower Egypt met, so it was an important crossroads of politics, trade, and war.
The religious heart of Memphis was based on the cult of Ptah, the god of creation and the god of craftsmanship. The Temple of Ptah was one of the biggest buildings in the city and a strong religious center for centuries. Ptah was so dominant that Memphis was Egypt's spiritual capital, even more important than Thebes.
The Apis Bull, being a divine representation of Ptah, was also worshiped in Memphis. There have been discoveries of mummified bulls in Serapeum of Saqqara, near Memphis. Such early religious practices confirm the role of the city in early spiritual beliefs and funerary practices.
Memphis is now an outdoor museum full of archaeological sites that continue to fascinate historians as well as tourists. Some of the monuments and ruins which you can see are:
Colossus of Ramses II: The colossal limestone statue is one of the most visited pieces in Memphis. Measuring over 10 meters in length, it shows the magnificence of the great Pharaoh Ramses II.
Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis: Otherwise known as the Sphinx of Hatshepsut, the statue is around 80 tons in weight and is carved from a single block of alabaster.
Temple Ruins: Although most of the original temples no longer remain, remains of the Temple of Ptah and others provide some information regarding the religious buildings of the Old Kingdom.
Tombs and Stelae: Tombs and inscribed stones abound with accounts of the lives of ancient officials, priests, and nobles who once dwelled in the city.
The remains of Memphis are close to Saqqara, home of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, and thus it is ideal to tour these two destinations within a day history tour.
Though dominant in its initial years, Memphis fell out of prominence following the rise of Thebes and later Alexandria in the Greco-Roman period. The city remained but lost its prominence as political and religious power shifted elsewhere. The Nile floods and centuries of dereliction then slowly covered most of the city.
While, due to continuous excavations and growing Egyptology enthusiasm, Memphis is being rediscovered as one of Egypt's "must-see" ancient sites.
Tourists today can stroll around the Open-Air Museum of Memphis, where most of the city's remaining monuments are displayed. The place has to offer:
Ancient pharaoh statues in good shape standing by themselves
Information boards with educational content
A tranquil, scenic backdrop ideal for photography and reflection
A trip to Memphis allows you to turn the clock back and find out where one of the greatest human civilizations got its roots.
Memphis may no longer be the bustling capital city that it used to be, but it still is. Since it was the cradle of ancient Egyptian power, religion, and culture, it shaped the country's identity. Visiting Memphis offers more than just sightseeing, but rather a step through Egypt's earliest pages.
Discover now our answers to the most common questions that may come to your mind about tourism and trips to Egypt
Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The Dead Sea, Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's historic temples, and many other famous sites can be expected to be explored with Deluxe Tours.
offer a hassle-free holiday, Deluxe Tours' packages generally include lodging, transport, meals, guided tours with experienced local experts, and entry fees to attractions.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the finest weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making those months the best times to visit Egypt and Jordan.
These two countries are close by, only a 1.5-hour flight apart, and when combined, offer a variety of distinctive experiences. We advise you to spend at least 12 days visiting both countries for a truly unforgettable experience
Combining the eclipse viewing with visits to historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise are highly recommended.
