Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
Egypt, a land that has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, empires, and civilizations, holds many remarkable facts within its vast history. The history of Egypt spans thousands of years, filled with mysteries, innovations, and cultural achievements that continue to captivate the world. From the dawn of the ancient Egyptian civilization to modern-day Egypt, the story of this great nation is one of resilience, grandeur, and transformation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting facts about Egypt, focusing on the Egyptian history, Ancient Egypt tours, and offering insight into its profound past.
The history of ancient Egypt dates back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest and most fascinating civilizations in human history. Known for its monumental achievements in architecture, writing, and governance, ancient Egypt played a pivotal role in shaping human culture and civilization. The development of the ancient Egyptian civilization was built around the Nile River, which provided fertile soil, transportation, and a source of life for the people.
Did you know? The first pharaoh of Egypt, Narmer (also known as Menes), unified Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE, laying the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in ancient history.
Perhaps the most iconic symbols of Egyptian history are the Great Pyramids of Giza. These awe-inspiring structures were built during the Fourth Dynasty, around 2580–2560 BCE. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest and most famous of the three pyramids, standing at 481 feet (146 meters) tall.
Interesting Fact: The Great Pyramid was originally covered in smooth, white limestone casing stones, which reflected the sun’s light and made it shine brightly. Over time, these stones were removed, but the pyramid's grandeur remains.
If you want to explore more about the ancient Egyptian civilization and ancient Egypt tours, check out the Discover Egypt in a Day Tour for an in-depth exploration of Egypt’s majestic wonders.
One of the most remarkable contributions of ancient Egypt to human history is the development of hieroglyphics. This intricate system of writing, composed of symbols and pictures, was used by ancient Egyptians for religious texts, monuments, and official documents. The deciphering of hieroglyphics by Jean-François Champollion in 1822 unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian culture and history.
Fun Fact: Hieroglyphics were not only used for writing but also had a spiritual significance. The symbols were believed to carry magical power and were often used in tombs and temples to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
The pharaohs were the kings and queens of ancient Egypt, regarded as living gods who held absolute power over their people. They were not only political leaders but also spiritual figures who maintained Ma'at, the divine order and harmony of the universe.
Famous Pharaohs:
Tutankhamun: Known for his tomb, discovered almost intact in 1922, Tutankhamun became one of the most famous pharaohs despite having ruled for a short time.
Ramses II: Often regarded as one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs, Ramses II (also known as Ramses the Great) ruled for 66 years and is known for his military conquests and monumental building projects, including the temples at Abu Simbel.
To learn more about the fascinating lives of Egypt’s rulers, take a virtual journey through Luxor, the ancient city often referred to as an open-air museum, where many temples and tombs of pharaohs are still visible today.
The ancient Egyptians are well-known for their mummification process, which they believed was essential for the preservation of the body in the afterlife. This practice involved embalming the body, removing the organs, and wrapping it in linen bandages to prevent decay. The mummification process was an elaborate ritual performed by skilled priests.
Did you know? The mummification process could take up to 70 days, depending on the method used. Pharaohs and nobles were often mummified, while commoners were typically buried in simpler ways.
The discovery of mummies continues to provide invaluable insights into Egyptian history. Visit Coptic Cairo to see the rich blend of Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic history.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous and enigmatic monuments of the ancient Egyptian civilization and the best Egypt tours. Carved from limestone, the Sphinx depicts a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, widely believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre. Its purpose remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.
Did You Know? The Sphinx is believed to have been built around 2500 BCE and originally had a nose, but it was destroyed by erosion and possibly later acts of vandalism.
The architecture of ancient Egypt is unparalleled in its grandeur. Temples and monuments were built to honor the gods and pharaohs. Some of the most famous temples include the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor, both located in Luxor, Egypt. These structures were meticulously constructed with immense attention to detail and often aligned with celestial events.
Tip: For a deeper dive into Egypt’s temples and ancient history, you can visit the ancient city of Memphis, which was once the capital of Egypt and is home to many ruins from Egypt's glorious past.
The Nile River, the longest river in the world, has been the heart of Egyptian civilization. It provided water for agriculture, transportation, and trade, enabling the growth of cities and the flourishing of Egyptian society. Without the Nile, the history of Egypt would have been drastically different.
Interesting Fact: The annual flooding of the Nile was a key event in Egyptian agriculture. The floodwaters deposited nutrient-rich silt on the land, making it fertile and perfect for growing crops.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became a prominent cultural and intellectual center in the ancient world. Home to the famous Library of Alexandria, which housed hundreds of thousands of scrolls and manuscripts, the city was a beacon of learning, attracting scholars, philosophers, and scientists.
To explore more about this stunning city, check out Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea, which continues to hold significance as a blend of Egypt’s rich history and Mediterranean culture.
Another must-visit destination to explore the rich history of Egypt is Aswan, a city located on the banks of the Nile. Known for its beautiful landscapes and ancient monuments, Aswan has been the site of many important historical events, including the construction of the High Dam, which controls the Nile's flooding and provides hydroelectric power to the region.
Pro Tip: If you're keen on discovering Aswan’s beauty and history, don’t miss a trip to the Aswan: The Most Beautiful City on the Nile tour.
Ancient Egypt, one of the world’s most fascinating and enduring civilizations, flourished for over 3,000 years. This civilization is divided into three major periods: the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. These periods represent the evolution of Egypt's political, cultural, and architectural achievements. In this article, we will explore the distinctive features of the Egypt Old Kingdom, Egypt Middle Kingdom, and Egypt New Kingdom, understanding their importance in shaping the ancient world.
The Egypt Old Kingdom, often called the "Age of the Pyramids," lasted from approximately 2686 to 2181 BCE. This period is particularly renowned for the construction of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt, the pyramids.
The Old Kingdom was a time of centralized power under the rule of Pharaohs, the divine kings of Egypt. During this time, Egypt was united into a powerful and cohesive state. The Pharaohs were considered gods on Earth, and their authority was absolute. The early pharaohs implemented a strong bureaucracy that helped maintain control over Egypt's vast territories.
The Old Kingdom is most famous for the building of the pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was built under the rule of Pharaoh Khufu. These monumental structures were not just tombs but also symbols of the Pharaohs' divine power and their journey to the afterlife. The construction of the pyramids required significant organization, labor, and advanced knowledge of engineering and mathematics.
Religion played a central role in Old Kingdom Egypt. The Pharaohs were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people, and their role in ensuring the prosperity of Egypt was considered crucial. The religion also emphasized the afterlife, with elaborate burial rituals and offerings to ensure the Pharaoh's journey to eternity. The society was highly structured, with a clear distinction between the ruling elite and the laborers who worked on monumental projects like the pyramids.
By the end of the Old Kingdom, Egypt faced internal strife, economic hardship, and a weakening of central authority, leading to a period known as the First Intermediate Period. The collapse of the Old Kingdom left Egypt divided and vulnerable to regional conflicts.
Following the turmoil of the First Intermediate Period, Egypt entered the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE), which was a time of political reunification, stability, and cultural flourishing.
The Middle Kingdom began when Pharaoh Mentuhotep II of the 11th Dynasty successfully reunified Egypt after the First Intermediate Period. This era saw the strengthening of the central government, which focused on consolidating power and ensuring the welfare of its people.
Unlike the Old Kingdom, which was primarily focused on monumental construction, the Middle Kingdom saw an emphasis on military expansion and economic stability. Pharaohs like Amenemhat II and Senusret III expanded Egypt's territory into Nubia (modern-day Sudan) to secure valuable resources, such as gold. Egypt's economic prosperity grew as a result of these military campaigns and the trade routes that connected Egypt to neighboring regions.
The Middle Kingdom was also a time of cultural and artistic flourishing. The creation of literature, such as the "Instructions of Amenemhat," emphasized wisdom and governance, offering a window into the values of the time. Architecture during the Middle Kingdom was also remarkable, with the construction of massive temples, such as the Temple of Karnak.
The religion of the Middle Kingdom continued to be focused on the afterlife, but it became more inclusive. Pharaohs were no longer considered divine beings in the same absolute sense as in the Old Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom also saw a greater involvement of local communities in religious life, with many temples dedicated to gods who were considered more approachable.
The decline of the Middle Kingdom was brought about by internal power struggles, followed by external threats from the Hyksos, a Semitic people who invaded Egypt and ruled during the Second Intermediate Period. However, the legacy of the Middle Kingdom paved the way for the resurgence of Egypt in the New Kingdom.
The Egypt New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE) marked the height of ancient Egyptian power, wealth, and cultural influence. This period is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Egypt.
The New Kingdom was characterized by a strong and ambitious military. Pharaohs like Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, and Ramses II expanded Egypt’s borders, conquering territories in the Near East and Nubia. The military campaigns not only secured Egypt’s borders but also brought immense wealth through the acquisition of tribute and resources.
The New Kingdom witnessed the reign of some of Egypt's most famous and powerful pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II. Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs, is known for her monumental building projects, including the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari. Akhenaten is remembered for his attempt to introduce monotheism with the worship of the sun god Aten, which was later abandoned by his successor, Tutankhamun. Ramses II, often called "Ramses the Great," is remembered for his military victories and grand construction projects, including the temples at Abu Simbel.
During the New Kingdom, Egypt’s religious practices were dominated by the worship of powerful gods such as Amun-Ra, the king of the gods. Temples dedicated to these deities, such as the Temple of Karnak, were built on an unprecedented scale. This period also saw the flourishing of art, literature, and monumental architecture. The famous tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter, is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Egyptology, shedding light on the opulence of the New Kingdom.
The decline of the New Kingdom can be attributed to a combination of internal strife, weakening central authority, and external invasions, particularly from the Sea Peoples. By the end of the New Kingdom, Egypt faced political fragmentation, leading to the Third Intermediate Period.
From the rise of the ancient Egyptian civilization to the modern era, Egypt's history is one of awe-inspiring achievements and untold stories. Whether you're fascinated by the grandeur of the pyramids, the mysteries of the Sphinx, or the wisdom of the pharaohs, Egypt’s history is full of captivating facts that continue to intrigue and inspire people around the world.
Want to explore Egypt’s wonders up close? Make sure to take part in guided Egypt tours, such as those offered in Cairo, to truly experience the magnificence of Egyptian history firsthand!
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.
