For additional comprehensive information see Monuments in Egypt

Abu Simbel by Marie Parsons

Perhaps after the Giza pyramids, or coincident with them, the great temple of Abu Simbel presents the most familiar image of ancient Egypt to the modern traveler and reader. When the conservation efforts to preserve the temple from the soon-to be built High Aswan Dam and its rising waters were begun in the 1960s, images of the colossal statues filled newspapers and books. The temples were dismantled and relocated in 1968 on the desert plateau, 200 feet above and 600 feet west of their original location.

Abydos by Marie Parsons

Abydos, or Abjdu, lies in the eight nome of Upper Egypt, about 300 miles south of Cairo, on the western side of the Nile and about 9.5 miles from the river. It spreads over 5 square miles and contains archaeological remains from all periods of ancient Egyptian history. It was significant in historical times as the main cult center of Osiris, the lord of the netherworld. At the mouth of the canyon at Abydos, which the Egyptians believed to be the entrance to the underworld, one of the tombs of the 1st dynasty kings was mistaken for the tomb of Osiris, a thousand years later, and pilgrims would leave offerings to the god for another thousand years. The area is thus now called Umm el Qa’ab, "Mother of Pots." 

Ahmose Pyramid at Abydos by Alan Winston 

The ruins of Ahmose at Abydos are extensive, not only consisting of a pyramid and mortuary complex, but also the town of the workers who built and later managed the facilities. The mortuary temple that is recognizable as such lies somewhat north of the pyramid. This structure appears for the most part to be the outer section of the temple, with a plan consisting of a massive wall on the east and a central doorway that lead to a forecourt. From the forecourt, a doorway leads to a square court. Foundation blocks at the back might have supported the pillars of a colonade. However, between this section of the temple and the pyramid itself are  what probably remains of an inner court where little was found except patches of pavement and four circular granaries along the back wall. Mace also discovered a semi-circular mudbrick deposit that may have either been the remains of a ramp, or the inner sanctuary of the temple.

The Temple of Ain el-Muftella in the Bahariya Oasis by Brian Rosewood 

The Temple of Ain el-Muftella may have once served as the city center of El Qasr which is today the modern town of Bawiti in the Bahariya Oasis. It was most likely built around the time of the 26th Dynasty, though some sections of the temple may date from earlier in the New Kingdom. The temple was probably added to by both the Greeks, and later the Romans. We know that parts of the temple were built by a high priest named Zed-Khonsu-efankh who's brother, Sheben-Khonsu was governor of the district during the reign of Ahmose II. After the death of Sheben-Khonsu, Zed-Khonsu-efankh also took on his brother's role as governor. Fakhry investigated the site in 1939 leading to his mistaken opinion that the structures were four separate chapels.

Akhmim (Ipu) by Alan Winston 

Akhmim, is an area on the east bank of the Nile opposite modern Sohag. The ancient Egyptians called it Ipu or Khent-min. To the Coptics it was Khmin or Shmin, and so the Greeks called it Khemmis. It was once a great center in Egypt, and the capital of the 9th Upper Egyptian nome.  Regrettably, very little of its monuments remain today, as most building material was dismantled and used in nearby villages during the Middle Ages. Its ancient necropolis has never been systematically excavated. Northeast of Akmin there is a rock chapel at el-Salamuni that was dedicated to the local god Min. The Greek god Pan was associated with Min, so the town was also called Panopolis.

The Temple of Alexander the Great in the Bahariya Oasis by Brian Rosewood 

The temple of Alexander the Great located in the Bahariya Oasis has the distinction of being the Macedonian ruler's only known temple in Egypt. The temple was built during Alexander's lifetime and dedicated to Amun and Horus. Ahmed Fakhry never found the stela of Tuthmose II that he was searching for when he stumbled across the temple in 1938, but this discovery, very near the (then unknown) Valley of the Golden Mummies, most certainly made up for that failure. It was to be Fakhry's last day in the Bahariya Oasis and he was exploring a spring called Ain el-Tabinieh, about three miles west of El Qasr (Bawiti), that had been mentioned by Sir Gardner Wilkinson in 1837. Here, he discovered a mound surrounded by stones that he thought might be a New Kingdom temple.

Alexandria, Egypt's Submerged Monuments by the Egyptian Government

Within the last few years, more and more relics are being discovered in Egypt's Alexandria's harbor.  Take a look at some of the discoveries.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet I at Lisht by Alan Winston 

Amenemhet I, who founded Egypt's 12th Dynasty, was most likely the first ruler of the Middle Kingdom, after the First Intermediate Period, to build any sort of substantial pyramid.  He did this at Lisht, near the Fayoum Oasis, which was growing in importance during this time. In fact, his pyramid named "Cult Places of Amenemhet's Appearance" most likely was built very near his new capital of Itj-towy. In addition, the old, important canal called Bahr el-Libeini may have run very close to the escarpment at the foot of Amenemhet I's pyramid, thus providing it with a harbor. Amenemhet I also established a new tradition. In the Old Kingdom, the name of the pyramid usually was inclusive of the associated structures, including the pyramid town that so often grew up around the pyramids.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet II at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

For some reason, Amenemhet II, the third King of Egypt's 12th Dynasty and Senusret I's successor, choose to build his pyramid at Dahshur, a lonely pyramid field that dates from the 4th Dynasty, rather then at Lisht where his two predecessors built theirs. Dahshur is an interesting field to explore, because it has only recently been open to the public and so far is not so very crowded with tourists. It has some interesting and otherwise fine (and large) examples of pyramids. This pyramid was most likely called "Amenemhet is well cared for", and is located east of the better known Red Pyramid, but is not nearly as well preserved as some others in the area. We call Amenemhet II's structure the White Pyramid, though it is certainly no longer white. It derived this name many years before when stone thieves stole the casing, leaving behind many limestone chips that made the pyramid at that time to appear white.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet III at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

Amenemhet III attempted to build his first pyramid at Dahshur, but it turned out to be a disaster. Even with the nearby Bent Pyramid as a reminder, Amenemhet III's architects built the his pyramid on unstable subsoil. The Bent Pyramid is built upon compacted gravel, while Amenemhet III's is built on hard clay. The builder's compounded this mistake by building the pyramid in one of the lowest locations of any pyramid in Egypt. It lies only 33 feet above sea level. Further problems arose from the shear number of corridors and chambers within the substructure, and the reliance that the builders placed on their ceilings which had no real stress relieving devices above the king's burial chamber. Early on ground water from the nearby Nile Valley seeped into the pyramid's substructure causing structural damage, causing menacing cracks to appear in the corridor and chamber walls soon after the pyramid was completed.

Amenemhet III's Pyramid at Hawara by Alan Winston 

Amenemhet III built his second pyramid closer to the area that he seemed to love, the Fayoum. It was not the only building he did there. He also built a temple in Kiman Faris (Faras) to the Fayoum's chief divintity, the crocodile god Sobek. Kiman Faris was known to the Greeks as Krokodilopolis, or more commonly, Crocodilopolis. Nearby close to the modern village of Biahmu, he also constructed two colossal 12 meter high quartzite statues with enormous bases. After the failure of his Dahshur Pyramid after almost 15 years worth of work, he more or less completely abandoned that pyramid and started completely over with a new pyramid located near the modern village of Hawara el-Makta, not far from Senusret II's pyramid at el-Lahun (Kahun). The pyramid lies on a long spit of low desert, and was built vary differently then his pyramid at Dahshur. The name of this pyramid has never been discovered for certain, but it might have been called "Amenemhet Lives"

The Tomb of Amenherkhepshef in the Valley of the Queens by Mark Andrews

The Tombs of the sons of Ramesses III are considered some of the finest monuments in the Valley of the Queens on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). One of these, QV55, belongs to Amenherkhepshef (Amun-her-Khepshef), his son by the Great Royal Wife, Tyti, who is listed in the tomb (QV52) as God's Wife and God's Mother. Her tomb lies nearby and includes some of the same titles on its walls.

King Amenmesses and His Tomb in the Valley of the Kings by Jimmy Dunn and Mark Andrews 

Amenmesses is generally considered to be the 5th ruler of Egypt's 19th Dynasty, though most Egyptologists believe he was probably not the legitimate heir to the throne. He succeeded Merneptah as pharaoh, but it was probably Merneptah's son, prince Seti-Merneptah who should have ascended the throne on his father's death. Various theories exist about why he did not. It is very possible that Merenptah may have died suddenly while the crown prince was away, and Amenmesses simply took advantage of the situation. Interesting, but not unpredictable, is that this disorder came only a generation after the strong, but long rule of Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great).

The Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Amenhotep III built not only the largest temple at Thebes (on the West Bank at Luxor), but in Egypt, measuring 700 by 550 meters. It covered 385,000 square meters (4,200,000 square feet). It was even larger than the temple of Amun-Re at Karnak. The temple's architect was also named Amenhotep, but was the son of Hapu. Unfortunately, it seem that the temple began to decay rapidly, and during the reign of Merenptah, it was actively used as a source of limestone blocks for the temple of that ruler. The reason for this was perhaps a brilliant, but regrettable religious concept. The temple was apparently uniquely built on the flood plain. The temple was purposely built so low that the inundation of the Nile would flood its outer courts and halls, probably leaving only the inner sanctuary, built on a knoll above water level, dry. Thus, when the water receded, the whole temple symbolized the emergence of the world from the primeval waters of creation. 

The Tomb of Amenophis II, Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews 

Amenophis II's tomb is an architectural delight. Designated KV 35, it was located by Victor Loret on the slope opposite of the Valley of the King's main wadi in March of 1998. Like most all of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, it had been extensively looted, though there were a few surprises. This is a large tomb with complex architecture, though very similar in many respects to the tomb of Tuthmosis III. Like other tombs in the valley, there are two sets of stairways and two corridors prior to the ritual shaft. New for this tomb are decorations depicting the king performing ritual acts before Osiris, Anubis and Hathor.

The Tomb of Amenhotep III (and possibly Queen Tiy) on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews

The tomb that we believe was the final resting place of Amenhotep III (Greek Amenophis III), one of the greatest kings of Egypt during one of its most prosperous eras, is actually located in the West Valley on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) and numbered WV22. There are only four registered tombs in this area, including WV23, belonging to King Ay. Though it may have been known to the 18th century traveler, W. G. Browne, we official ascribe its discovery to two engineers who were members of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt, Prosper Jollois and Edouard de Villiers du Terrage.

The Pyramid of Ameny Kemau at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

The American expedition in Dahshure, in 1957, discovered a small and heavily damaged pyramid located close to the southeast rim of ancient Lake Dahshure. Broken canopic jars from the site identified the owner as Ameny Kemau  (Ameny-Qemau), a little known ruler form the 13th Dynasty during Egypt's Second Intermediate Period. In fact, we know so little about Ameny Kemau that we cannot really even place his order of rule, a not altogether uncommon situation in the intermediate periods. In 1968, Maragioglio and Rinaldi further investigated the structure and refined the pyramids ground plan. This pyramid that most visitors to Dahshure will never notice was originally about 50 meters tall (164 ft). While the superstructure is almost completely destroyed, the substructure is better known.

Ancient Christian Churches by Jimmy Dunn 

Before Egypt became an Islamic state, it was a mostly Christian country with an ancient Christian heritage. It was a land where Jesus and his family were known to have traveled, and where early Apostles came to spread his word, particularly at first in Alexandria. Most of the ancient Christian churches of Egypt, contrary to what many travelers may believe, are not located in Old, or Coptic Cairo. What makes Old Cairo special is the fact that a number of ancient churches are located in the area, making visits by tourists convenient, since most of them arrive for tours in that city

Ancient Rock Quarries: The Ravine of Inscriptions by Amargi Hillier

Wadi Hammamat is a natural route which links the Red Sea to the Nile and is one of the most unexpected gorges in Egypt, located on the ancient trade route. This is the road used in antiquity by the merchants of Arabia to penetrate into the lands to the Pharaohs to trade with the inhabitants of Coptos, the present day Quft.

Ankhtifi & His Valiant Band by Alan M. Fildes

Being sufficiently intrigued by John Romer’s television programme “ Romers Egypt “ in the Mid 1980’s I set off to investigate Ankhtifi’s mock Pyramid like burial place. In Mid August 1989 my diary states it was exceedingly warm 42 C at Noon. On arrival at the Ancient site of Hefat present day Mo’alla about 50 miles South of Luxor we crossed the canal and then negotiated the railway line with some difficulty, on our way to the local Mayors house he was custodian of the all important key. When he was finally located and sufficiently rewarded he agreed to accompany us (that’s me and my great friend Awad my trusty driver).

St. Antony's Monastery by Jimmy Dunn

St. Antony's Monastery, which lies at the foot of Al-Qalzam Mountain near Al Zaafarana, was founded in 356 AD just after the saints death and is the oldest active monastery in the world.. We do know that St. Antony founded several monasteries during his life (though they would not have been recognizable in the modern use of the term), but alas they are no more. During the sixth and seventh centuries many monks from Wadi Natroun who were under frequent attacks by Bedouins migrated to St. Antony's.

The Aqsunqur Mosque (The Blue Mosque) by Lara Iskander

During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the heart of Islamic Cairo shifted south to an area called Darb al–Ahmar (the red road), to the south and east of Bab Zuweila (Zuweila Gate). Many great Mamluk Monuments are found in the zone especially in Bab al-Wazir Street (Gate of the Minister) which is the main street leading to the northern side of the Citadel. Two of the earliest buildings on the Darb al-Ahmar road are the Mosques of al-Maridani and the so-called Blue Mosque. 

The Tomb of Ay in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Ay is located in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) near the new rest house. This area is known as the West Valley, but is sometimes also called Wadi el-Gurud (Valley of the Monkeys or Baboons), because of a scene in this tomb depicting the twelve Baboon, very similar to a scene in the Tomb of Tutankhamun. In fact, this tomb may have originally been intended for Tutankhamun, but he died unexpectedly early so another, private tomb was quickly enlarged for his burial. It is very possible that both the tomb of Tutankhamun and this one were decorated by the same artists.

The Bahariya Oasis, Part II: El Haiz by Brian Rosewood 

The area of El Haiz, about 30 miles southwest of El Bawiti in the Bahariya Oasis, is an interesting area and promises to reveal much about the Romans in Egypt, as well as Egypt's conversion to Christianity. The area was apparently investigated by Fakhry during the 1940s, and more recently surveyed by Dr. Zahi Hawass, who is now the director of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). In part II of our series on the Bahariya Oasis, we will explore the ruins at El Haiz around Ain el-Rees, the largest of four local springs in the area. El Haiz marks the limit of the Giza governorate and the beginning of the New Valley. It is the last of the major oasis between Bahariya and the Farafra Oasis. In this area are located a Roman fortress and palace, a wine factory, a Coptic basilica as well as several cemeteries.

The History of the Bahariya Oasis by Jimmy Dunn

Over time, the Bahariya Oasis has had a number of different names. It has been called the Northern Oasis, the Little Oasis, Zeszes, Oassis Parva and the especially during the Christian era, the Oasis of al-Bahnasa, along with various other names. At one time, the Bahariya Oasis, as well as most of the rest of what is today referred to as the Western (or Libyan) Desert, was the floor of an immense ocean. Yet from about 3000 BC until the present, almost no rainfall graces this part of the world, so groundwater is its life blood.

Bani Hasan al Shurruq by Dr. Susan Wilson

A really neat, off the beaten track, site to visit is Bani Hasan (also spelled Beni Hasan). Located in Middle Egypt near to Al-Minya, Bani Hasan is one of the few Middle Kingdom sites (ca. 2040 – 1782 BCE, Dynasties XI and XII) that survived the massive reconstruction of the New Kingdom. It is a full day’s excursion from Cairo (about 4 hours by train then a short drive to the site). Another great option, is to stop for a night in Al-Minya when traveling by train between Cairo and Luxor. Spend the night and enjoy the beauty of Al-Minya, the closest city to Bani Hasan.

The Tomb of Bannantiu in the Bahariya Oasis by Brian Rosewood 

On the eastern ridge of El Bawiti in the Bahariya Oasis we find the Tomb of Bannantiu located next to his somewhat smaller father's tomb. Bannantiu, who's name literally means, "the soul of those who have not", was in fact not a "have not". In the great days when Bahariya's wine was well known throughout ancient Egypt, particularly during and around the 26th Dynasty prior to the Persian occupation, many businessmen in the Oasis gained considerable wealth. Bannantiu was probably either a trader or wealthy land owner, judging by his elaborate and large tomb.

Church of Saint Barbara (Sitt Barbara) by Jimmy Dunn

We are told that Saint Barbara was a beautiful young lady possibly of Asia Minor decent (though some stories say she lived in Heliopolis). She apparently lived during the early part of the 4th century (though again some references place her in the early part of the 3rd century). She was the daughter of a wealthy nobleman and merchant, Djoscorus, who was a pagan. Tradition provides that Djoscorus built a magnificent tower to safeguard his daughter, perhaps from the growing influence of Christianity. However, during his frequent business trips abroad, she was converted to Christianity.

Tell Basta (Bubastis, or Per-Bastet) by John Warren 

Tell Basta (Bubastis or Per-Bastet, meaning "The Domain of Bastet) is the site of an ancient city about 80 km to the northeast of Cairo in the eastern Nile Delta. The ancient mound sets just to the southeastern side of modern Zagazig. It was an important city from about the 4th Dynasty until the end of the Roman Period (2613 BC through 395 AD), and was the capital of the 18th Lower Egyptian nome during the Late Period. However, we also know that even as early as the 2nd Dynasty, a number of kings built up close ties with the city and the Temple of Bastet. Besides the important Temple of Bastet, the city also occupied key ground along the routs from Memphis to the Sinai (Wadi Tumilat) and to Asia.

The Temple of Bes at Bawiti in the Bahariya Oasis by Brain Rosewood 

This temple was discovered by a resident of El Bawiti in 1988, so as discoveries go in Egypt, it is fairly recent. This individual discovered an inscribed piece of basalt within the old section of El Bawiti, which prompted the local antiquity authorities to investigate the site. Interestingly, this artifact was carved with the cartouche of Akhenaten, and is the only evidence of this heretic pharaoh that has been found in the oasis. This temple dates from the Greek period, but there is evidence that the cult and temple operated into the 4th century AD

Buto (Modern Tell el-Farein) by John Warren

Nekhen was the capital of southern Egypt during the predynastic period. In the North, Nekhen's counterpart was Buto, which we believe is the area known as Tell el-Farain today (though there is some uncertainty regarding this). Buto probably came about as the merger of two different centers. The Pyramid Text refers to the "kings of Lower Egypt who were in Pe. In some of the references, Pe is associated with Horus, the Falcon god, so early on Horus was probably worshipped in both Lower and Upper Egypt. The text also references a place called Dep where the god Wadjet was worshipped. Pe and Dep were apparently neighboring cities. Eventually, these two cities together were called Per-Wadjet reflecting their two gods and from this came the Greek name of Buto.

The Construction of the Egyptian Pyramids by Tour Egypt Staff

Ever wonder how the Egypt pyramids were built? We have put together some general information on their construction.

Deir el-Bahri by Marie Parsons

Lying directly across the Nile from the Great Temple of Amun at Karnak, the rock amphitheater of Deir el-Bahri provides a natural focal point of the west bank terrain and an inviting site for the temples of many rulers. The natural rock amphitheater, a deep bay in the cliffs, was an important religious and funerary site in the Theban area. The remains of the temples of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II, Hatshepsut, and Tutmosis III, as well as private tombs dating to those reigns and through to the Ptolemaic period can be found here.

The Private Tomb of Benia (Pahekmen) by Mark Andrews 

The private tomb of Benia, a man perhaps better known as Pahekmen, is located on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) in the Tombs of the Nobles. Benia had the title, "Overseer of Works, Child of the Nursery" and lived during Egypt's 18th Dynasty. This is a fairly simple tomb, with a fairly classical T shape. However, it is fairly complete and unlike some of the private tombs, is completely open. In a number of the other private tombs, the burial chamber is often closed, but here, visitors may enter this back section of the tomb, which is also decorated. One enters this tomb through a courtyard and then through a very brief corridor leading into a transverse vestibule. Though there is a decoration in the corridor, it is a highly fragmented scene of a title being conferred and of the deceased at worship.

Christian Churches and Monasteries of Luxor and the West Bank by Jimmy Dunn

Many western tourists who have an interest in archaic Christian monuments, even though they may be taking a classical pharaonic tour, will visit the famous old churches in Coptic (Old) Cairo. There was a fairly large community of Christians during that era of Egypt's history both at Thebes (modern Luxor) and on the West Bank across the river. Some of the ruins are among the oldest to be found in Egypt, dating from the 4th century, and indeed, a see was established at Thebes probably before 325 and the Council of Nicaea.

Christian Ruins in the Kharga Oasis by Jimmy Dunn

While Egypt's Eastern Desert is very famous for its several well known Monasteries, including that of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul, Egypt's Western Oasis served both as a remote haven for early Christians and Kharga specifically, as a place where Christian church leaders were sometimes banished when their views were considered to be unacceptable. Today we may find some of Egypt's earliest Christian monuments in the remote regions, and because of the dry climate, often in a decent state of preservation.

The History of the Dakhla Oasis by Jimmy Dunn

If Kharga is the administrative center of Egypt's New Valley, than the Dakhla Oasis would be its breadbasket. It is a very lush region brimming with orchards and produce, and this is nothing new, for 10,000 years ago, when the climate here was similar to that of the African Savanna, it was teaming with buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, zebras, ostriches and hartebeests. There was a vast lake here, and on its southern shores were also human communities. However, as with most of the rest of the Western Desert, this wet era passed, and with it many of the people mostly migrated south and to the east, where they helped populate the early Nile Valley, as the sands slowly covered their ancient way of life.

The Pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Rawash by Alan Winston 

Djedefre, the 3rd ruler of Egypt's 4th Dynasty and the son of Khufu, for unknown reasons, abandoned the necropolis at Giza and built his pyramid at Abu Rawash. It was called "Djedefre's Starry Sky". This move is interesting, and it is often suggested that Djedefre had some sort of falling out with his family, or at least his brothers, for this location is an odd choice. His successor immediately returned to Giza. However, this conflict with his family is far from certain, and more recent evidence suggests that there were in fact no problems at all. Other than the ruins of Lepsius pyramid number one, Djedefre's pyramid is the northernmost of any pyramid in Egypt. Before Lepsius, Perring briefly investigated the ruins, concentrating on the substructure, and Petrie later examined the pyramid in the 1880s.

The Pyramid of Djedkare at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

The pyramid of Djedkare in South Saqqara was originally called, "Beautiful is Djedkare". Never let it be said that pharaohs had no ego. Today it is called Haram el-Shawaf, meaning the "Sentinel Pyramid", and was probably built under the supervision of Snedjemib, an overseer of works. It was investigated by Perring, and shortly afterwards by the Lepsius expedition. In 1880, Maspero entered the substructure to look for pyramid texts. No systematic investigation of the pyramid was begun until the 20th century, when Abdel Salam Hussain and Alexandre Varille examined it, but unfortunately their work was interrupted an  their work research lost. It seems just about the same thing happened when Fakhry investigated it during the 1950s. It was further investigated by Mahmud Abdel Razek in the 1980s but at this point damage has made it difficult to excavate. The valley temple has never been researched at all.

Edfu by Marie Parsons

The town of Edfu is located on the west back of the Nile River, some sixty miles south of Luxor, with Aswan further south. Its ancient name was Wetjeset-Hrw, or "The Place Where Horus is Extolled."

Egypt's Ancient, Small, Southern, Step Pyramids by Alan Winston 

While everyone knows of Egypt's great pyramids, many less significant examples dot the Egyptian landscape. Scattered along the Nile from Seila, which is on the edge of the Fayoum Oasis, down south to Elephantine Island at Aswan are seven of Egypt's smallest step pyramids. They date from the second half of the 3rd Dynasty to as late as the early 4th Dynasty. There are likely others that remain undiscovered, or now completely ruined. Though today largely discounted, some researchers have even attributed all of these small pyramids to a single ruler, Huni, the last ruler of the 3rd Dynasty, who probably at least built the one located on Elephantine Island. They are very different then the later, larger pyramids, having no internal chambers, nor any underground structures. Among them, only the pyramid in Zawiyet el-Meiyitin was not built on the west bank of the Nile.

Deir el-Medina by Marie Parsons

Deir el-Medina, like Kahun and the town being uncovered at Giza, is a community of workmen and their families, supervisors and foremen and their families, all dedicated to building the great tombs of the Egyptian Kings. The image of hundreds, perhaps thousands of toiling slaves, whipped by overseers, seems seared into the modern consciousness, and "everyone" is convinced that the despots who ruled Egypt with iron greedy fists must have built their wealth and glory on the bleeding backs of this tortured labor.

The First King's Burial Found Intact by Norman Hayes

Many people think that the first modern (relatively) find of an intact burial of an Egyptian pharaoh was that of Tutankhamun. Granted, this find was glorious and stunning, and certainly out-shined earlier finds, but it was not the first king's burial to be found intact.

The History of the Farafra Oasis by Jimmy Dunn

Of those with an interest in Egypt, and particularly the Western Oasis, the Farafra is probably one of the least known Oasis. It is actually one of the most difficult Oasis to reach and offered the pharaohs, caliphs and kings very little, though it seem to be on the way to everywhere. In ancient times, we believe that the Farafra experienced three specific wet phases, in about 9000 BC, 6000 BC and 4500 BC.

The Gates of Ancient Cairo, Egypt by the Egyptian Governemt

A few of the beautiful ancient gates in Cairo, Egypt receive considerable attention, but there are many more that deserve some attention.

The Geography and Geology of the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Thebes by Jimmy Dunn

Thebes was never a perfect position from which to rule Egypt. Perhaps that is why Memphis, even when it was not Egypt's capital, was nevertheless an important administrative center. Thebes really gained its importance as a religious center, along with the fact that it was an ideal location for an ancient Egyptian necropolis.

Geziret Faraum by Jimmy Dunn

There are a number of forts in Egypt.  The most famous of these is the Citadel in Cairo, but also notable is Fort Qaitbey in Alexandria, built on the location of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse.  Probably the least known of the major forts is located on Pharaoh's Island in the Gulf of Aqba. This fortress would undoubtedly draw much larger crowds of tourists were it located in a more mainstream tourist destination, but tourists who make an effort to visit the fort will usually have the island mostly to themselves. Pharaoh's Island, sometimes called Coral Island, or Geziret Faraum, is the location of a Crusader fortress originally built by Baldwin I, the King of Jerusalem.  From the top of the fortress, one can see four countries, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Giza Worker's Village by Marie Parsons

The pyramids and their temples were part of the royal cult, and required the dedication and devotion of craftsmen and laborers who believed in their King and their gods. Slaves there may have been. But the pyramids were built by Egyptians, by stonemasons, artisans, artists and craftsmen.

The Mosque of El-Hakim by Ismail Abaza

Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, literally, "Ruler by God's Command", was known to many by his eccentric dictatorial and eccentric decrees; at one point he declared himself a divine entity, unique among ruler peers over Cairo's medieval ages. Al-Hakim subsequently went off on a mysterious one way ride to al-Muqattam hills and never returned. The mosque which he completed, the El-Hakim is the second largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo.

The Hanging Church: El Muallaqa, Dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Jimmy Dunn

The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) derives its name from its location on top of the southern tower gate of the old Babylon fortress (in Old, or Coptic Cairo) with its nave suspended above the passage (Muallaqa translates to 'suspended'). It is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo, as well as the first built in Basilcan style (possibly).

El-Harrawi House by Lara Iskander 

El-Harrawi’s main entrance is through “ Zuqaq al-Qasr” ally but it’s no longer used. In spite of its importance, the house has a relatively small street façade. The southern façade is especially remarkable because of its height and a quite impressive large wooden Masshrabeyya indicating the presence of a Qa’a (i.e. Large Hall) on the first floor. The secondary entrance used nowadays was a later addition that dates back to the 19th century, it is located right next to Sitt Wasila House.

Heliopolis, Egypt's Iunu by Marie Parsons

Heliopolis, or On in Coptic, was the capital of the 13th Lower Egyptian nome. By the time of the Old Kingdom, the city was a center of astronomy as reflected in the title of its high priest, wr-m3w, "Chief of Observers" or "Greatest of Seers. This title was held by Imhotep during the 3rd Dynasty reign of King Djoser Netjerikhet, and dates earlier to the reign of Khasekhemwy in the second dynasty.

Heracleum: The Legendary Submerged City by The Egyptian Government

Following years of archeological and sonar surveys in the Gulf of Abu-Qeer, an Egyptian-French expedition recently discovered important antiquities in two sites; the first is Minotis, the eastern suburb of Canup lying 2km off-shore and the second is the city of Heracleum, 6.5km off- shore. Thousands of artifacts, including bronze coins mostly belonging to the Ptolemic era, two gold coins, three colossal statues, two paintings with Greek inscriptions, some jewelry, several day-to-day utensils, earthenware and some amulets were found. Experts have described this find, in economic and tourist terms, as next in importance to the discoveries of Tutankhamun's tomb and the solar boats. The finds were sent to the Roman Museum in Alexandria for restoration and treatment for salty contents.

The Temple of Hercules in the Bahariya Oasis by Brain Rosewood 

The Temple of Hercules was discovered only recently in October 1996 by Faraq Allah Abdeen, and Antiquities Inspector at Bahariya. Initially, it was investigated by that local office, and was later excavated by a team led by Dr. Zahi Hawass. We know believe that it was probably constructed in about the year 21 BC, during the reign of Octavian Augustus. However, there may be some question regarding this date, given the many Greek inscriptions found about the various ruins. The temple cult probably functioned until the second century AD. 

Historical Islamic Mosques in Egypt by Ismail Abaza 

Cairo is known as the City of 1,000 Minarets because of its many mosques. Many of these mosques are open to visitors, and in fact, Cairo has an ongoing program for the restoration of ancient mosques, a few of which ranks as some of the oldest to be found in the world. Certainly some are the grandest to be found anywhere. Many visitors to Egypt, who arrive with even a meager interest in this architecture and a slightly open mind, and particularly those with a creativity streak, will be awestruck by their beauty and design. Yet, and unfortunately, many western visitors may completely bypass these wonders of a very different civilization.

The Church of the Holy Virgin in Babylon Al-Darag by Jimmy Dunn

The Church of the Holy Virgin in Babylon Al-Darag (Babylon of the Steps, or the Steps of Babylon), a Christian church, is located just south of the ancient Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo. It is situated south of the village of Qasr al-Sham' and also beyond the bridge across the Old Cairo-Muqattam highway. It is conveniently reached by traveling along Sharia Athar Al-Nabi turning left and crossing the Cairo-Helwan railway tracks. The church dates from the 11th Century.

The Tomb of Horemheb, Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews

Financed by Theodore Davis, a wealthy American, it was a young British Egyptologist named Edward Ayrton who, in 1908, discovered the tomb of Horemheb in the Valley of the Kings. Today, the tomb is designated KV57. Horemheb was the successor of Ay, who in turn had succeeded Tutankhamun as pharaoh of Egypt. He was actually not related to the earlier kings of the 18th dynasty, though he served in the courts of first Amenophis IV, and then Tutankhamun and finally Ay

The Horus Military Route in Egypt by the Egyptian Government

Find out more about the Great Horus Military Route in Egypt depicted in the battle relief of King Seti I, with new discoveries.

The Tomb of Foreman Inherkhau by Mark Andrews 

Inherkhau had the title "Foreman of the Lord of the Two Lands in the Place of Truth". He lived and worked during the time reigns of Ramesses III and Ramesses IV in the 20th Dynasty. He had an important position in life, and so in death his tomb, TT 359 located in the necropolis of Deir el-Medina on the West Bank at Luxor, has extremely rich and refined decorations. It represents some of the best artistic work of the 20th Dynasty, and is the only tomb in this necropolis that we know of dating from that dynasty. There are decorations in an upper chamber and the burial chamber, all painted on a yellow background.

The Private Deir el-Medina Tomb of Irunefer on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews

The Tomb of Irunefer (TT290) is located in the Deir el-Medina Necropolis west of the Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). As with most of those buried in the tombs in this area, Irunefer was probably a worker in the royal tombs, though the reference we have for him simply provides that he was a "Servant in the Place of Truth on the West".

Karnak by Marie Parsons

Karnak describes a vast conglomerate of ruined temples, chapels and other buildings of various dates. The name Karnak comes from the nearby village of el-Karnak. Whereas Luxor to the south was Ipet-rsyt, Karnak was ancient Ipet-isut, perhaps the most select of Places. Theban kings and the god Amun came to prominence at the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. From that time, the temples of Karnak were built, enlarged, torn down, added to, and restored for more than 2000 years. 

Kahun, Middle Kingdom Workers' Village by Marie Parsons

The pyramid now called el-Lahun stands north of the modern town of that name and was built by Senwosret II, c. 1895 BCE, during the period known as the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt. Flinders Petrie, who discovered and excavated the pyramid and its ancient temples and town, gave the name Kahun, since they stood in the vicinity of the modern town of el-Lahun, close to the Faiyum.

The Private Tomb of Khaemhat on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Khaemhat (also known as Mahu) was the "Overseer of the Granaries of Upper and Lower Egypt", as well as a Royal Scribe. He was married to his wife named Tiyi, but strangely the tomb gives a lot of attention to another scribe by the name of Imhotep. We really do not no much about the rest of his family. For example, children do not appear to be pictured on the walls of his private tomb, (TT 57), located on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). It has been known since George Lloyd, an amateur archaeologist, botanist and traveler discovered it in 1842. It is a beautiful tomb, though somewhat ghostly these days due to the removal of most of its paint from the tomb's decorations. The tomb has seen its hardships, as did its discoverer. Lloyd, who worked with the French Egyptologist Prisse d'Avennes at Thebes, was killed shortly after

The Tomb of Khaemwaset in the Valley of the Queens by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Khaemwaset, one of the sons of Ramesses III, is number QV 44 in the Valley of the Queens on the West Bank of Luxor (ancient Thebes). It was discovered in February 1903, with a numerous sarcophagi pilled up in the entrance corridor.  This was a clear sign that it had been used for common burial. Khaemwaset had among his most important roles, that of Priest of Ptah in Memphis. His major titles included "Fan-bearer to the Right of the King" and "Sem-priest" as indicated by reliefs in the temple of Medinet Habu. We believe he was probably Ramesses III's oldest sons, and the latest information indicates that his mother was probably Queen Tyti. Why his father's brother rather then he ascended the throne after Ramesses III's death is unknown.

The Pyramid of Khendjer at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Located between the pyramid of Pepi II and and the pyramid of Senusret III in far South Saqqara only a short distance from Cairo are the slim remains of the only 13th Dynasty Pyramid to be completed. This is the mortuary complex of Khendjer, who's name is vaguely Syrian or Palestinian. His odd name mean's "boar", and he may have been a leader of foreign troops serving in Egypt. The pyramid was discovered by Jequier in 1929.

Pyramid of Khentkaues at Abusir by Alan Winston 

On the south side of the pyramid of Neferirkare at Abusir is a small structure that may have first been investigated by Ludwig Borchardt. Even though its location and east-west orientation would suggest that this was a small pyramid, Borchardt dismissed it as a double mastaba of little significance and so did not explore it fully. Only after a much later investigation in the 1970s by a Czech team of archaeologists was its true nature revealed and its owner clearly established as none other then the consort of Neferirkare, Khentkaues II. Inscriptions within the pyramid help us decode the history of this period. They tell us that there were probably two stages of this pyramids construction. The pyramid was probably begun during the reign of Neferirkare, but around the tenth year of his rule, construction was halted. We presume this was due to the king's death. On this part of the construction, Khentkaues II was referred to as "King's Wife".

The Private Tomb of Kheruef on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

The private tomb of Kheruef  (Kheruf), TT 192 in the Asasif district, is the largest such tomb on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). Even though there is no evidence that Kheruef was ever buried here and it was unfinished, the tomb is one of the most important, both religiously and historically, in the Theban necropolis. It has helped us understand the history of rituals celebrating kingship. The owner was most likely an significant individual who organized the first and third jubilees for Amenhotep III, though he probably died in during the reign of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). He was a Royal Scribe and First Herald to the King, he was later appointed Steward to Queen Tiy.

The Private Tomb of Khonsu on the West Bank at Luxor by Jimmy Dunn

Khonsu, who was also called To, lived during the reign of Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty when he was a priest of Tuthmosis III's cult. He held the title, "First Prophet of Menkheperre Tuthmosis III". Khonsu's private tomb is located in the area of the Tomb of the Nobles on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna district. Along with depictions of scenes with Tuthmosis III, there are also some good paintings relative to the god, Montu within his tomb, numbered TT31

Kom Ombo by the Egyptian Government

While the stone differs from that of all the other temples perhaps because it was covered with sand for so long, the outstanding feature of the Kom Ombo Temple is the unusual, even unique, ground plan, the result of the unification of two adjacent temples, each dedicated to a distinct divinity: the crocodile-headed Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world, and Haroeris or the ancient falcon-headed Horus, the solar war god. This was why the temple was called both "House of the Crocodile" and "Castle of the Falcon". An imaginary line divides the temple longitudinally into two parts, each with its entrance, hypostyle halls, chapels, etc. 

KV 39, Tomb of Amenhotep I? by Mark Andrews 

Tomb KV39 has been described as one of the most mystifying tombs in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes), and may be the oldest in the Valley as well.. It sits literally on the edge of the Valley of the Kings, and was discovered by Macarios and Andraos, two local Luxor residents in 1900. Wigall visited the tomb in 1908, but described it as being ruined. In 1966, Elizabeth Thomas drew up a ground plan of the tomb, but apparently it was based largely on conjecture. Today, Dr. John Rose is the latest scholar to have investigate the tomb, beginning in 1889.

KV55 in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews

Tomb KV55 (possibly belonging to Akhenaten, Tiy or Smenkhkare) is not open to the public, yet it has been said that more has been written about KV55, a tomb in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes), than any of the others located in that area. Whether this remains so today is questionable, but it is still a mystery tomb with many important secrets, that if given up, could answer important questions about the 18th Dynasty.

The Layer and Unfinished Pyramids Near Zawiyet el-Aryan Village by Alan Winston 

Near Cairo about halfway between Giza and Abusir is the village of Zawiyet el-Aryan on the banks of the Nile. Just west of the village is a necropolis on a slightly elevated area just on the edge of the desert. This location is about 7 km (4 miles) north of Saqqara. It is a small, relatively unknown pyramid field containing only two unfinished pyramids and nothing at all else. The most advanced, older of these two pyramids is called the Layer Pyramid by Egyptologists and Haram el-Meduwara, or the "Round Pyramid", by locals. The other pyramid is simply referred to as the "Unfinished Pyramid of Zawiyet el-Aryan".

Lepsius Pyramid Number One by Alan Winston 

Abu Rawash is only a few kilometers north of Giza, but it is rarely visited because there is really very little to see. Most of the monuments built there are in complete ruin. The best known of these is a pyramid built by the 4th Dynasty king, Djedefre (Radjedef). Then, perhaps, the second most noticeable ruins are those of the structure that the Lepsius expedition believed was a pyramid. As the northernmost of any pyramid ruins discovered at that time, they assigned it the number one.

Luxor Temple by Marie Parsons

The name Luxor represents both the present-day metropolis that was ancient Thebes, and the temple on the eastern bank which adjoins the town. "Luxor" derives from the Arabic al-uksur, meaning "fortifications". That name in addition was adapted from the Latin castrum which referred to the Roman fort built around the temple in the later third century ACE.

Maidam, Lisht and a Close Encounter with Bauval by Alan Fildes

The fascinating and rewarding journey South along Egypt's main artery to Maidum takes one hour & twenty minutes, passing at first the heavy industrial sites consuming the environs of the metropolitan City of Cairo. One finally arrives at Pharoanic Fayoum where the fields tended by rural farmers are surely little effected since the halcyon days of Nefermaat & Rahotep 4500 years ago. 

The Mawlawi Museum and Sunqur Sa'di Madrasa by Lara Iskander

The Mawlawi Museum in Cairo, along with the monumental presence of the Sunqur Sa’di Madrasa and the other archeological remains exhibited in the restored area of Shari Al-Siyufiyah are part of a great Complex which also includes the Sadaqa Mausoleum and the Yeshbak Palace. The Mawlawi Complex has a great historical significance not only because it witnessed the end of the Mawlawi Sect, but also for its unique presence in Egypt as the only “Sama’Khana” (hall) where the Mawlawi Dervishes preformed their rituals.

The Pyramids of Mazghuna by Alan Winston 

The pyramids at Mazghuna known as the Northern and Southern Mazghuna Pyramids, may belong to Sobeknefru (Queen Nefrusebek), the last pharaoh of Egypt's 12th Dynasty and Amenemhet IV, respectively, but no inscriptions bearing their names have been found and their ownership is far from certain. Mazghuna is a little known pyramid field about 5 kilometers (three or so miles) south of Dahshure. If these pyramids do belong to Sobeknefru and Amenemhet IV, they are evidence of the decline at the end of the 12th Dynasty of Egypt's Middle kingdom.

The Private Tomb of Menna on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

The classical private tombs on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) are referred to as being T-shaped, particularly those located on the slopes of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna in the area known as the Tombs of the Nobles. Repeatedly, we find an entrance corridor or a courtyard that leads into a wide vestibule, with another short corridor that leads into a long chapel, often with a small niche at its rear. The Tomb of Menna (TT 69) is completely classic in this regard. Menna held the title, "Scribe of the Fields of the Lord of the Two Lands of Upper and Lower Egypt", as well as field overseer of Amun. However, these were probably not two separate positions. He probably supervised temple owned agricultural lands which were dependencies of state granaries.

The Pyramid of Merenre at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Today, the pyramid of Merenre, located in South Saqqara, is barely noticeable next to other  nearby monuments. It lies relatively deep in the desert, right at the southwest edge of the necropolis. It is mostly in ruins, though it was once called "Merenre's beauty shines". The pyramid has not been investigated extensively. Perring examined it in the 1830s and noted fine white limestone casing blocks within the rubble, which are today no longer in sight.  Later in the 1880s, Maspero entered the subterranean chambers of the pyramid looking for pyramid text, and today it is being investigated by a French team under the direction of Leclant. However, much of what we know of the pyramid comes from biographies of high officials such as Uni (Wini?), who provided valuable information on the origin of the materials used to build the pyramid

The Tomb of Merneptah, Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews

Merneptah was a son of Ramesses II and Queen Isis-Nofret. His tomb (KV 8), located in a small, lateral valley on the right side of the main wadi, was discovered by Howard Carter in 1903. Of course, Howard Carter was not as famous then, as he would not make his well known discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb until 1922. Edwin C. Brock carried out additional excavations in the floor of the burial chamber and the shaft more recently. The tomb is very near his father's huge tomb (KV 7). When discovered, the tomb was full of debris and had stood open since antiquity. From the Greek and Latin graffiti, we believe that the tomb was at least accessible to at least the first pillared hall

The Monastery of St. Macarius (Deir Abu Magar) by Jimmy Dunn

Deir Abu Magar, also called Deir Anba Makaryus was probably the first monastery in the Wadi al-Natrun.. In the 6th century, the Byzantine rulers mandated that the Coptic Patriarchs no longer reside in Alexandria and so Deir Abu Magar acquired a new importance as the seat of the Coptic church. It remained an important monastery throughout the ages. 

St. Mary, Monastery of (Deir Dronka) by Jimmy Dunn

About 10 kilometers from Assiut, situated on the west bank of the Nile is not only one of the most unusual monasteries in Egypt, but is also believed to have been one of the last destinations visited by the Holy Family on their journey through Egypt.

Medinet Habu by Marie Parsons

The ancient Egyptian name for Medinet Habu, in Arabic the "City of Habu" was Djamet, meaning "males and mothers." Its holy ground was believed to be where the Ogdoad, the four pairs of first primeval gods, were buried. Medinet Habu was both a temple and a complex of temples dating from the New Kingdom.

Memphis of the White Walls by Marie Parsons

The city of Memphis was the royal residence and capital of Egypt during the Early Dynastic period and the Old Kingdom, and remained thereafter one of the most populous and renowned places of Egypt. Its temples, especially one to Ptah, were among the most important in the land. 

The Church of Saint Menas in Old Cairo & the Annexed Churches of Saint Bahnam and Saint George by Jimmy Dunn

Today, probably the best known ancient site associated with Saint Menas is the ancient monastery between Alexandria and the Natron Valley, which has recently been given World Heritage status. However, one of the oldest Churches in Cairo is also dedicated to him. This church is north of Old Cairo, situated in an area known as Fum al-Khalig

The Church of Saint Mercurius in Old Cairo by Jimmy Dunn

Just to the north of the Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo lies a group of important churches, and within the area known as the Abu Sayfayn Cloister is to be found three churches and a convent. One of these churches, dedicated to Saint Mercurius, is the largest in the district of ancient Babylon. It is perhaps also the only one to stand on its original foundation.

Montu, Rattawy and Harpocrates at Medamud, Temple of by Mark Andrews

The Egyptian god, Montu was an important falcon headed god early in the history of the Thebean region. Not only was a temple dedicated to him at Thebes, but also nearby in ancient Madu, today's Medamud about eight kilometers northeast of Luxor. In addition, had cult centers at Armant, and Tod. While there was a Middle Kingdom temple built to the god, and possibly even an earlier structure, it was destroyed..

The Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews

The 11th Dynasty terraced tomb of Mentuhotep II, the ruler who united Egypt at the end of the First Intermediate Period, on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) is an anomaly. It was built deep within Egypt's pyramid age, and incorporates many of the elements of pyramids. It may have even had a pyramidal superstructure. The name of this temple was "Mentuhotep's (cult) sites shine blissfully". In many respects, Mentuhotep II's mortuary temple complex had important historical overtures, so it is not surprising that various teams have investigated the site. It was the first temple in Western Thebes to house a cult to the goddess Hathor, and foreshadowed a new theological concept of the "Temples of Millions of Years" that would gain popularity during the New Kingdom.

The Recently Opened Mortuary Temple of Merenptah on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

The mortuary temple of Merenptah (Merneptah), Ramesses II's thirteenth son and successor, was mostly destroyed long ago, but recently has been restored to a large degree and is one of the newest of the sites on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) available for sightseeing. The restoration work was completed by the Swiss Institute of Archaeology in collaboration with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). In addition, a modern museum has been built near the temple complex in order to display items unearthed during the excavations.

Minor Temple and Other Ruins of the Nile Delta, Part I by Monroe Edgar
Minor Temple and Other Ruins of the Nile Delta, Part II by Monroe Edgar
Minor Temple and Other Ruins of the Nile Delta, Part III by Monroe Edgar
Minor Temple and Other Ruins of the Nile Delta, Part IV by Monroe Edgar

It is very easy to think that most building activity occurred in southern Egypt, but this is because the conditions in the Egyptian delta are not conducive to surviving structures. For all of the period prior to the building of the High Dam just south of Aswan, it was flooded yearly, burying any buildings remains which are often even underneath the water table! Often, our best source of information on these temples and other remains are not archaeological digs, but ancient documentation.

Pyramid of Neferefre at Abusir by Alan Winston 

An examination of the Pyramid of Neferefre, long known as the Unfinished Pyramid in the pyramid field at Abusir, gives us considerable insight to how Egyptologists gather evidence in order to sort out Egyptian history. This pyramid was examined by a number of early explorers, including Perring, Lepsius, de Morgan, Borchardt and others. While some of these thought it might be Neferefre's pyramid, others attributed it to Shepseskare.  None of them thought that the intended owner's mummy occupied the unfinished pyramid. Actually, the pyramid looked much like a mastaba tomb, but it was square and not rectangular nor north-south oriented like mastabas. Indeed, because of its truncated shape, what had been planned as a pyramid became a bench-like structure which later priests called 'the primaeval hill', a place of eternal birth, of life and resurrection

Pyramid of Neferirkare at Abusir by Alan Winston 

Neferirkare's pyramid at Abusir was the largest structure in the region, but was probably never finished. It was originally called "Kakai is a soul". Kakai is the throne name of Neferirkare. Perring initially investigated the structure during modern times, as did the Lepsius expedition a short time latter. Borchardt examined the pyramid and its mortuary temple in detail between 1904 and 1907. Because of the ruined condition exposing the core steps of Neferirkare' pyramid, Borchardt stated it presented an ideal setting in which to study the construction techniques used to build the pyramids and Lepsius based his theory of inclined accretion layers on his study of this pyramid. In more modern times, a Czech archaeological team also further investigated the pyramid's remains.

The Tomb of Nakht on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Nakht was a scribe, holding the title, "Astronomer of Amun" at the Karnak temple during the 18th dynasty. His job was to study the location of stars, the sun and moon in order to  schedule festivals and cult rituals for the temple. His wife, Tawy, was a musician of Amun. We know nothing about Nakht and Tawy beyond their tomb, and it is even unclear what king they served under, though some evidence points to Thutmosis IV. His tomb is TT 52 on the west bank. It is located within the area of the Abd el-Qurna necropolis. It was apparently discovered by villagers at Qurna prior to being cleared by the Antiquities Service in 1889.

Naqada by Marie Parsons

Naqada was the necropolis of the town of Nubt, the town of gold, known in Greek as Ombos. It had been devoted to the god Set, or Set of Nubt, Nubty, as he is called in the Pyramid Texts, and as evidenced by inscribed blocks found at Naqada. 

The Necropolis of Deir el-Medina on the West Bank at Luxor by Jimmy Dunn 

Deir el-Medina lies in a small valley between the western slope of the Theban mountain and the small hill of Qurnet Murai. It was the workers village where craftsman and other lived who actually constructed and decorated the tombs on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). The artisans who lived in this community built their tombs only a few dozen meters from their town on the heights that overlook the village. The excavated burials here include those of Sennedjem (TT1), a foreman named Inerkhau (TT 229 and TT 359), Pashedu (TT 3), Nakhtamen (TT 218), a sculptor named Ipuy (TT 217), Nebenmaat (TT 219) and Nakhtamen (TT 335). They were all artists during the Ramesside period and were well known for their work on the West Bank. Apparently they paid considerable attention to their own tombs and the arrangement of their necropolis.

Nekhen, Greek Hierakonpolis by Marie Parsons

The ancient site of this city, called Nekhen by the Egyptians, its Greek name Hierakonpolis meaning ‘city of the falcon’, was long venerated by the ancient Egyptians as the early capital of the Kingdom of Upper Egypt.

The Nile by Marie Parsons

The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for approximately 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean. The mere mention of the name of the Nile evokes for modern man images of Pyramids, great temples, fantastic tales of mummies, and wondrous treasures. But the Nile represents life itself to the people of Egypt, ancient and modern. 

Nikratj (Greek Naukratis, modern Kom Gi'eif) by Jimmy Dunn

Nikratj (Greek Naukratis, modern Kom Gi'eif) was a Milesian Greek settlement on the Canopic branch of the Nile in the Western Delta.  However, scholars believe that Corinthians may have early on inhabited the city, with the Milesian Greeks arriving later. The City is located about 16 km from Sais, the capital of the 26th Dynasty. Nearby, there is a modern village that seems to have preserved the ancient name as el-Niqrash. Herodotus tells us that Ahmose II gave the site to the Greeks, along with a monopoly on sea trade to Egypt. He also tells us that it was the first and only city in which the early Greek merchants were allowed to settle and so from that standpoint along the city has considerable historical importance.

The Pyramid Complex of Niuserre at Abusir by Alan Winston

Niuserre had to compromise on his pyramid at Abusir. We believe it was the last of the royal pyramids built there.. Were he to have built his pyramid on the basic axis established at Abusir, it would have been located deep in the desert and its building costs would have been excessive. He chose therefore to build it almost against the north wall of Neferirkare's mortuary temple. In doing so, the pyramid, named "The (cult) places of Niuserre are enduring", was somewhat boxed in. Otherwise, the pyramid is fairly typical. While Lepsius displayed the pyramid on his map of the field, he apparently did little investigation of this pyramid. Perring also examined the pyramid, but it was Borchardt that initially carried out a fundamental investigation of the site.

Nubia, Its People, History & Traditions by the Egyptian Government

Find out more about the ancient land of Kush just south of Egypt, and the modern Nubian culture of Egypt.

The Other Nubian Temples by Jimmy Dunn

Most every Egyptian enthusiast is familiar with the ancient temples at the north of Lake Nasser, specifically at Philae. And they are equally familiar with Abu Simble far to the south. Far more obscure are the temples that lie in between, south of the High Dam and North of Abu Simbel along Lake Nasser. The land in between these monuments was once known a part of Nubia. When the High Dam was being built, many of these temples were moved during the salvage operation between 1964 and 1968. Just south of the High Dam is New Kalabsha, which can be reached by bus or taxi from Aswan with just a 30 minute drive. Therefore, the main Temple of Kalabsha will also be familiar to many readers.

The Other Temples on the West Bank at Thebes, Part I by Mark Andrews
The Other Temples on the West Bank at Thebes, Part II by Mark Andrews 
The Other Temples on the West Bank at Thebes, Part III by Mark Andrews 
The Other Temples on the West Bank at Thebes, Part IV by Mark Andrews 

Mention the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) and most people who have any knowledge of ancient Egypt may think of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the Ramesseum and the Temple of Hatshepsut, as well as a few other monuments. But this vast necropolis is almost unimaginatively complex, and beyond the many thousands of tombs, obscure temples and chapels ruins dot this landscape. In this short series of articles, we will examine "the other temples" of the West Bank. It should be noted that the reason most of these temples are fairly unknown is that nothing much physically remains of them for the most part. Major temples that we have already documented include.

An Overview of the West Bank at Luxor (Ancient Thebes) by Mark Andrews 

The west bank at Luxor is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is much more than what we refer to as the Valley of the Kings, though many have called the whole of the area by that name. In fact, many good books on the west bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) are titled, "Valley of the Kings", even though they cover the entire area. It can be a bit confusing for the novice, particularly considering the actual conceptual scope of the religious concept. If one looks at just the Valley of the Kings, one only sees tombs, but the tombs were an integral part of larger mortuary complexes. Indeed, the whole west bank is honeycombed with tombs, not just of the ancient Egyptian Kings, but of their families and the noblemen who served them.

Palace of the Sun King by Dr. Joann Fletcher

Although the ancient Egyptians are best known for the monumental tombs and temples they built profusely, far less is known about the actual homes in which they lived their lives.

This is mainly due to the fact that they built their housing close to the banks of the river Nile, whereas their tombs and temples were situated away from the limited arable land on the desert edge. And since these temples and tombs were regarded as houses of eternity, designed to last 'millions of years', they were built from hard stone, in contrast to the houses of the living which were made of easily available mud brick. Take a look at the ancient palaces with Dr. Joann Fletcher.

The Tomb of Pashedu in the Deir el-Medina Necropolis by Mark Andrews 

The Tomb of Pashedu (TT 3) has not been open to the public long. It is located in the necropolis of Deir el-Medina on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). Little is known about this individual. He had the title, "Servant in the Place of Truth on the West of Thebes". The tomb itself is probably dated to the early years of Ramesses II, so the deceased probably began working while Seti I was King. We know that his father, Menna, apparently worked for the Temple of Amun on the East bank, and we believe that Pashedu would have probably been the first member of his family to work with the community at Deir el-Medina. 

Petra, Part I: The History and Relationship with Egypt by John Southland 

Petra, Jordan is a popular extension for many tour to Egypt, particularly when visiting the Sinai. This is a unique, pink and salmon colored 2,000 year old rock-carved city that served as the capital of the Nabataean Arabs and flourished form any hundreds of years. At its peak, Petra, which means "stone or rock" in Greek, may have had a population of between twenty and thirty thousand people. It is most famous for "The Treasury", otherwise known as Khasneh (Khazne Faraoun).

The Pyramid of Pepi I at South Saqqara by Allen Winston 

Pepi I was the second ruler of ancient Egypt's 6th Dynasty, and his pyramid at South Saqqara, though no more then a twelve meter high ruin today, has actually had a significant effect on Egyptology. From the fragments of Khamuaset's restoration text, we do know that the pyramid was in good shape during the 19th Dynasty, with few improvements. This pyramid was first investigated by Perring in the 1830s, but in 1881, Maspero entered the subterranean section of the pyramid and there for the first time discovered pyramid texts. This pyramid continues to be scrutinized by the French archaeological mission in Saqqara, originally lead by Lauer and Sainte Fare Garnot, but since 1963 by Leclant and Labrousse. Among other finds, they have discovered the small pyramid complexes of Pepi's consorts.

The Pyramids of Pepi I's Queens and Family by Alan Winston 

We know of about six pyramids near the pyramid of Pepi I in South Saqqara. We assume all of these belong to his family and that nearly all of them were in fact consorts of Pepi I. These small pyramids belonged to Pyramid of Queen Nebwenet, Queen Inenek-Inti, Meritites, Ankhesenpepi II (the mother of Pepi II) and III, and probably at least one unknown queen. Still missing is the pyramid of Ankhesenpepi I, who was the mother of Merenre Nemtyemzaf who succeeded Pepi I as king of Egypt. There are many mysteries around the pyramid of Pepi I that need to be worked out. Perhaps someday, the riddles of his rule will unravel from the efforts of the French team now excavating the area. But for now our knowledge seems to be increasing on the period.

The Pyramid of Pepi II at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Pepi II's pyramid in South Saqqara was the last to be built in the best traditions of the Old Kingdom. It was named "Pepi's life is enduring", which indeed it was. He reign we believe lasted 94 years, longer then any other Ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The pyramid is located on the the southern edge of the necropolis, about three miles south Djoser's Step Pyramid, which probably made it a source of inspiration for Middle Kingdom pyramid builders. Once again, Perring first investigated the pyramid, followed by Maspero who entered it in 1881. However, not until 1926 was a systematic investigation initiated by Jequier, who continued his work until 1932.

The Pyramid of Pepi II's Queens at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

As was customary during this period of time in ancient Egypt, a number of Pepi II's queens had their own pyramids near the king's in South Saqqara, a necropolis of Memphis, Egypt's capital during the Old Kingdom. These queens' pyramids belong to Neith, Ipwet (Iput II) and Udjebten (Wedjebten). Apparently another queen, Ankenesmerire III (Ankhesenpepi III) 1, choose to have her pyramid built closer to her fathers, Merenre, who was Pepi II's brother. This complex of temples is interesting because it was very complete. Not only did Pepi II's complex have all the components of traditional 6th Dynasty royal tombs, his queens tombs had all the components that were expected to be found in queens. tombs. They each had a main pyramid, a cult pyramid and a mortuary temple. No queens that we know of ever had a causeway or valley temple.

Philae Temple by Marie Parsons

The island of Philae, measuring 500 yards from north to south and 160 yards from east to west was the center of the cult of the goddess Isis and her connection with Osiris, Horus, and the Kingship, during the Ptolemaic period of Egyptian History. It is almost covered with temples, courts and ancient constructions of one kind or other; and the banks of the river are largely built up with quay-walls and high terraces

The Pyramids of Ibi, Khui and the Headless Pyramid Pyramids of the First Intermediate Period by Alan Winston 

In the First Intermediate Period, the central power structure of Egypt broke down. In effect, Egypt was divided, and for 194 years or so became two or more weaker countries ruled by local kings. It was a period of time when rulers had short reigns, as well as far fewer resources then during the preceding Old Kingdom of a united Egypt. While Mantho is most likely wrong, he even tells us that the 7th Dynasty had 70 kings in 70 days. Even though his assessment may be an exaggeration, pyramid building during this time was almost nonexistent as far as we can determine. We can only document three possible pyramids during this 194 year period, and there remains some questions about at least one of those. They include the Pyramid of Ibi, Khui's complex, that is probably a pyramid, and Lepsius Pyramid number 29, the "Headless Pyramid", which may or may not even date to the First Intermediate Pyramid.

The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt by Alan Winston 

We are told of pyramids all over the world. We are told of pyramids in Australia and Greece, the United States and Spain. We are told of pyramids under the oceans and even in space Besides the pyramids of Egypt, we certainly know of the pyramids of South Mexico down into South America. It also seems likely that pyramids exist in China, though their investigation has been limited, and we know of no formal archaeological investigation. It is very probable that the small Greek pyramids exist, but many of the remaining structures claimed to be pyramids are questionable. One pyramid in China, called the White Pyramid, is even rumored to be larger then the Great Pyramid of Khufu, though this has only been reported by one person that we know of, and the China pyramid is made of earth, while the Great Pyramid is made of massive stones.

Qantir, Ancient Pi-Ramesse by Monroe Edgar 

The modern village of Qantir (Khatana-Qantir) marks what was probably the ancient site of Ramesses II's great capital, Pi-Ramesse or Per-Ramesses ("House or Domain of Ramesses"). This city is situated about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) north of Faqus in Sharqiya province of the eastern Nile Delta (about 60 miles north-east of Cairo). It is known that Ramesses II moved the ancient Egyptian capital from southern Egypt into the Delta, probably both to escape the influence of the powerful priests at Thebes, and to be nearer to the costs of modern Turkey and Syria in order to protect Egypt's borders. The location of this city, well known from documentation, was long in question.

The Tomb of Ramesses I, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Ramesses I, founder of the great lineage of Ramessid rulers, is one of the smallest in the Valley of the Kings.  Ramesses I was a soldier chosen by Horemheb, who also began his career as a soldier, to be his successor. Ramesses I is regarded as the first ruler of Egypt's 19th Dynasty, but only ruled for less then two years. The tomb (KV 16) was discovered on or before October 11, 1817 by Giovanni Battista Belzoni just before his discovery of the much more significant tomb of Seti I. It is located in a small lateral valley perpendicular to the main Valley of the Kings Wadi. While small, the tomb has wall paintings of excellent workmanship. The tomb is rectilinear in structure with only a single corridor, unlike most the rest of the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

The Tomb of Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great) in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews 

Regrettably, the huge tomb of perhaps the greatest ruler, Ramesses II, is unsuitable for excursions by tourists. For all his greatness, he perhaps chose one of the worst places for his tomb, which has seen no less then seven major flooding events.  Even the underlying shale has been subjected to moisture induced swelling. The once magnificent paintings on the wall have mostly flaked off, and are now buried in different layers of flood strata. The tomb is not the longest tomb of any king in the Valley of the Kings, but it is probably the largest in area.  It covers more then 820 square meters (8,800 square feet). We believe he began construction on it during the second year of his reign.

The Tomb of Ramesses II's Sons, Part I by Mark Andrews 
The Tomb of Ramesses II's Sons, Part II by Mark Andrews 

While the ownership of Tomb KV 5 in the Valley of the Kings at Luxor (ancient Thebes) was unknown, the tomb itself has been known for many years. Its front section was tunneled into and partially investigated by James Buron in 1935. One of the all time great legends of Egyptology, Howard Carter, cleared around and perhaps inside the entrance to the tomb for Theodore Davis in 1902, though he had little success at finding anything. Later the debris from other archaeology work in the Valley hid the tomb, and it was forgotten about for some time. Around 1989, Kent Weeks rediscovered the tomb using sonar and ground penetrating radar. The following season, he began excavation of the tomb in earnest, though he appears at that time not to have know the significance of his find.

The Tomb of Ramesses III, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The Tomb of Ramesses III (KV 11) is really a rather complex system. It has been known since antiquity, but was first partially explored during modern times by James Bruce in 1768. Later, William Browne gained access to the burial chamber in 1792, and Belzoni removed the sarcophagus and lid, which are now, respectively, in the Louvre and Fitzwilliam Museum. He named it the "Tomb of the Harpists", due to a bas relief representation of two blind harpists. However, European travelers often referred to the tomb as "Bruce's Tomb". The tomb is beautifully decorated with grand colors that remain vivid. The tomb is 125 meters long and follows typical plans of the Nineteenth Dynasty's tombs, though it has an unusual number of annexes

The Tomb of Ramesses IV, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Ramesses IV (KV 2) in the Valley of the Kings is rather different then most other royal tombs built here. Ramesses III, had been assassinated, and when his some, Ramesses IV took the thrown, he did so in a period of economic decline in Egypt. Though large, his tomb is highly simplistic, and unique in many ways. The tomb was known early on, and was in fact used as a sort of hotel by early explorers such as Champollion and Rosellini (1829), Robert Hay, Furst Puckler, Theodore Davis and others. It was also an important Coptic Christian dwelling, and was also frequently visited in antiquity. There was considerable Coptic and Greek graffiti on the tomb walls. 

The Tomb of Ramesses VI, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Ramesses VI (KV 9) is certainly, for at least one reason, one of the most interesting tombs in the Valley of the Kings.  Its decorations represent sort of a treatise on theology, in which the fundamental elements are the sun and its daily journey in the world of darkness. In general, the decorations provide the story of the origins of the heavens, earth, the creation of the sun, light and life itself. The decorative plan for this tomb is one of the most sophisticated and complete in the Valley of the Kings. However, as it turns out, Ramesses VI was not much of a tomb builder, for this tomb was originally build by his predecessor, Ramesses V. It was only enlarged by Ramesses VI.Why Ramesses VI did not build his own tomb, as was certainly the tradition, is unknown to us.

KV1, The Tomb of Ramesses VII in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews

Like some of the other Ramesside tombs KV1 has been open since antiquity, at least since Greek and Roman times. It was mentioned in more recent times by Wilkinson, Lane, Hay and other 19th century travelers. Later still, Davis may have done some work in the tomb between 1905 and 1906, but there is no information on its actual clearing earlier in the 20th century. The tomb may have seen some clearing activity by the Egyptian Antiquities department after 1952.

The Tomb of Ramesses IX, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Ramesses IX (KV 6)  is the first tomb one encounters within the modern entrance to the Valley of the Kings. It is a rather simplistic tomb in most respects, though the art work is interesting. The tomb has stood open since antiquity, and was visited by many ancient tourists, including 46 who left inscriptions within the tomb.  This tomb was apparently explored by Henry Salt, who collected some of the funerary equipment which is now in his collection at the British Museum. In 1888, the sepulchre was cleared by George Daressy. The decorative theme for this tomb begins with the king's adoration of the sun disk, accompanied by Isis and Nephthys on the lintel over the entrance.

KV18, The Tomb of Ramesses X, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews

Tomb KV18 in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) was cut for Ramesses X, the second to last ruler of Egypt's 20th Dynasty. It is located in the southwest wadi. The tomb was unfinished and has only recently been cleared, though apparently some amount of debris remains. It has had a number of visitors over the years, beginning with Richard Pococke in the early 1700s.

KV4, the Unfinished Tomb of Ramesses XI in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews

Tomb KV4, located in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) has been known and open since antiquity (though not open to the public now), and it received many ancient tourists, as evidenced by the Demotic Egyptian, Greek , Latin, Coptic and later, French and English graffiti on its walls, and was noted by the French expedition to Egypt in the late 18th century. It was used as a workshop during the 21st Dynasty by Pinudjem for the purpose of stripping the funerary equipment from KV20 (Hatshepsut), KV34 (Tuthmosis III) and KV38 (Tuthmosis I) during the process of moving the mummies to the other locations such as KV35's mummy cache.

KV19, the Tomb of Prince Ramesses-Mentuherkhepshef by Mark Andrews

KV19 was originally begun for a prince named Ramesses Setherkhepshef, as noted on the reveals of the tomb's entrance jambs. However, this prince later became Ramesses VIII, so we assume it became inadequate to his royal needs, though his eventual tomb has never been found. Furthermore, when the entrance approach was cut, it intersected the top of the entry steps of KV60, a non-royal tomb of the 18th Dynasty. KV19 was finally taken over and decorated for Prince Ramesses-Mentuherkhepshef, a son of Ramesses IX of Egypt's 20th Dynasty. He was probably interred here during the reign of Ramesses X.

The Ramessuem By Mark Andrews

Ramesses II built his fabulous mortuary temple on the site of Seti I's ruined temple, where he identified himself with the local form of the God, Amun. It was begun early in his reign, and took twenty years to complete. It was described by Diodorus as the 'tomb of Ozymandia' which inspired a verse by the great poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Diodorus also mentions a 'sacred library' at the temple, though modern Egypologists have found no evidence to support this claim. This great temple reportedly rivaled the wonders of the temple at Abu Simbel, and is very similar both in reliefs and architecture to Ramesses III's mortuary temple at Medinet Habu. However, Ramesses built the temple too close to the Nile and the flood waters took their toll. Only a single colonnade remains of the First Courtyard.  

The Private Tomb of Ramose on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Ramose was a Governor of Thebes and Vizier during the 18th Dynasty during the reigns of Amenophis III and Amenophis IV (Akhenaton, the heretic king). There are no children seen in any of the decorations of his tomb, so we assume he and his wife, Meryet-ptah were childless. We believe his father to have been Neby, who served in northern Egyp as a superintendent of Amen's cattle and in the delta as the temple's superintendent of the granary.  His mother was Apuya. Ramose's tomb in the general region of the Tombs of the Nobles, specifically at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) is well done for a private tomb, particularly considering that many of the scenes are in relief.

Recent Excavations in the Valley of the Kings by the Amarna Royal Tombs Project by Glen Parry

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to visit the Valley of the Kings recently will have noticed that it is once again a hive of activity. Glen Parry leads Tour Egypt readers through a tour of the project.

The Red Chapel of Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III by Mark Andrews

In 2001, when the Supreme Council of Antiquities decided to rebuild the Red Chapel of Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty) in the Open Air Museum, the process, like all of our modern lives, happened much quicker (though still a number of years), as they fed the architectural elements of the building into a computer. The results are splendid..What really sets the small monuments, such as the White and Red Chapels, in the Open Air Museum apart is their very well preserved state.

The Red Pyramid: Egypt's Other Great Pyramid by Jimmy Dunn

After the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, the Red Pyramid at Dashur has the largest base (only slightly smaller then Khufu's pyramid, each side measures 722 feet) of any pyramid in Egypt. However, with it's sides sloping at 43 degrees 22', it is substantially shorter at 343 feet (104 meters). It is the fourth highest pyramid ever built in Egypt, with almost 160 layers of stone. Significantly, the Red Pyramid was the first successful, true, cased Pyramid built in Egypt, ushering in the era of the Giza style pyramids. Built by Khufu's father, Snefru, what really makes this pyramid special today is the lack of crowds and circus atmosphere that plagues the Giza Plateau, along with the fact that it can currently be entered without limitation. Read Story 

The Private Tomb of Rekhmire On the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

While it may be non-royal, the tomb of Rekhmire (TT 100) is one of the most interesting on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). Located on the southeastern slope of the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna hill, it is one of the largest of the private tombs. Rekhmire was a vizier, the highest ranking official under the pharaohs Tuthmosis III and Amenophis II during a period when Egypt's empire stretched to its farthest extent and was at the peek of her prosperity. We find that his great grandfather and grandfather also were also viziers. He was responsible for the area of Egypt extending from Aswan north to Assiut. In addition, he was also the mayor of Thebes and the Steward of the Temple of Amun at the Karnak Complex.

Reminiscences of Saqqara by Alan M. Fildes 

A few of my favorite ancient Egyptian sites are within the vast necropolis of what is today called Saqqara, the burial grounds for the noble populace of ancient Memphis (Ineb hedj, White Wall). This area's history spans time from the Archaic to Coptic times, over 3500 years of activity ( c 3200 to 500 ad ). From the crude to the magnificent, Saqqara caters to every student of Ancient Egyptian History. Over the years since my earliest exhilarating visit in December 1979, I have enjoyed the drive from Cairo along the main north/south route that turns west and is flanked by fig palm clad fields approaching the awesome Step Pyramid.

The Pyramid Complex of Sahure at Abusir by Alan Winston 

All of the pyramid complexes at Abusir are ruined, as much by stone thieves as from the ravages of time. Sahure's complex, which he called "Sahure's soul shines", was probably the first pyramid built on the pyramid field at Abusir, and is significant both because of its construction materials and the king of decorative reliefs used within the complex. It was famous for its art in antiquity, and we today recognize the complex as another milestone of ancient Egyptian tomb architecture. The early Egyptologist Perring first investigated the pyramid, and shortly after him, Lepsius also examined the structure, but perhaps because the pyramid looked was so ruined, little attention was given to its excavation. Later, de Morgan reopened the entry corridor, but he too showed a lack of interest in further explorations. Then, in the 20th century, Ludwig Borchardt finally recognized the pyramid's significance.

Sais (Sa el-Hagar) by John Warren 

Sais, known as Zau in ancient Egyptian and today as Sa el-Hagar, is located in Egypt's Delta. It was the county's capital during the 26th Dynasty late in Egypt's history and was at various other times an important center. The city is known from the very beginning of Egyptian history from wooden labels associated with King Aha. It was probably always the capital of the 4th Lower Egyptian nome, which, until the 12th Dynasty, also incorporated what was to become the 4th nome. However, the city really came into a prominent position towards the end of the 8th century BC when Tefnakhte and Bocchoris (24th Dynasty) rivaled the Nubian kings of the 25th Dynasty. It was also a major center for the worship of the Goddess Neith.

Sakkara (Saqqara), Egypt - A Special Edition by Jimmy Dunn

Learn More about Sakkara, one of the primary Pharaonic concentrations in Egypt.

King Sekhemkhet and his Pyramid at Saqqara by Alan Winston and Jimmy Dunn 

Almost everything we know about Sekhemkhet ("Powerful in Body"), we know because of his unfinished (Buried) pyramid at Saqqara, and it seems to give us little facts about his life. The only evidence outside of this tomb is a scene depicted at Wadi Maghara in the Sinai which bears his name. It is a military scene, classical in that it probably shows Sekhemkhet, with his raised mace, about to smite his desert enemies. This relief actually shows a procession of Sekhemkhets. In front of the smiting king, who is wearing the White Crown is a second depiction of the king wearing the Red Crown, and in front of him, another of Sekhemkhet back in the White Crown. However, we are not really sure of much about this king. According to the Turin King-list, Djoser's immediate successor was identified by his personal name Djoser-Ti (Djoserty), and ruled for only six years

The Tomb of Sennedjem in the Necropolis of Deir el-Medina by Mark Andrews 

The tomb (TT 1) of Sennedjem in the necropolis of Deir el-Medina on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) was actually one of the great discoveries, found in tact by Italian archaeologists in 1886. Nothing had been disturbed, as was not even the case with the tomb of Tutankhaman. Today the funerary equipment, mostly made by the workers themselves, is displayed in the Museo Egizio at Turin. Almost all of the decorations within the tomb, painted on a background of yellow ochre, are perfectly intact, and considered some of the most beautiful within the necropolis. Sennedjem had the title, "Servant in the Place of Truth", and lived during the reigns of Seti I and Ramesses II of Egypt's 19th Dynasty. This is truly one of the great private tombs in Egypt and is not to be missed if visiting the West Bank at Luxor.

The Private Tomb of Sennefer on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews

Notable for its decorations, the tomb is situated high on the southern hillside of Sheikh 'Abd El-Gurna on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) in an area known as the Tomb of the Nobles, close to several other tombs of the time of Amenhotep II, including the well known tomb of Rekhmire (TT100). It overlooks the Ramesseum and the alluvial plain of the Nile, and takes the classic "T" plan of the private tombs. However, it differs from other 18th Dynasty tombs in the amplitude of the burial chamber and the fact that both the antechamber and burial chamber are decorated.

The Pyramid of Senusret I at Lisht by Alan Winston 

Like his father, Amenemhet I, Senusret I built his pyramid at Lisht, near the Fayoum Oasis, about one and one half kilometers south. It is located on a prominent hill. We know from foundation tables that tt was called "Sunusret Looks Down on Both Lands". It may have even had its own pyramid town, named Khenemsut. Maspero visited the pyramid in 1882 and determined its owner from inscriptions on various objects. In antiquity, the pyramid had been robbed probably shortly after it was sealed. Maspero followed the robber's tunnel that curved around the granite barriers, where he found the remains of some funerary equipment.

The Pyramid of Senusret II by Alan Winston 

Senusret II chose to build his pyramid, called Senusret Shines, near the modern town of Lahun (Kahun) at the opening of the Hawara basin near the Fayoum, rather then at Dahshure where his father's (Amenemhet II) pyramid is located. It was first investigated by the Lepsius expedition in the 1840s, but was only later examined in detail by Petrie. The location of Senusret II's valley temple is known but no ground plan can be made from its ruins. The causeway is likewise ruined, but must have been broad, and of the completely destroyed mortuary temple on the east side of the pyramid, all that is known is that it must have been built of decorated granite, judging from the few fragments that remain. 

The Pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

The pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur was apparently first investigated by de Morgan during the 1894-1895 excavation season. It is located northeast of the Red Pyramid, and far surpasses the pyramids of his predecessors in the 12th Dynasty in size. It is also very different in many respects in its underlying religious conception and represents another developmental milestone in pyramid design. We know nothing of the valley temple that may have been associated with this pyramid, for it has never been found, and while there was certainly a causeway that lead to the pyramid from the southeast, it has not yet been investigated. There was originally a small mortuary temple on the center of the pyramid's east side. It is too ruined really to make anything of the plan of this temple, but Arnold theorizes that it evidences the decline of the traditional mortuary cult, reduced to an offering hall with a granite false door, storage magazines and an entrance chamber.

The Temple and Mines at Serabit el-Khadem In the Sinai by Monroe Edgar 

While the Egyptians seem to have known, crossed and visited the Sinai even before the dynastic period, we have found little evidence of their building activities in the region. Of course, inhabitable areas are usually small, and scarce, and so have been inhabited and built upon continuously over the ages. It is probable that what was built has been built over many times. Today, wondering through the Sinai and viewing its unusual landscape, it is not difficult to imagine a land rich in minerals. Egyptians discovered its mineral wealth very early on, perhaps at the beginning of the dynastic period. Archaeologists have found that the very earliest known settlers in the Sinai, about 8,000 years ago, were miners. Drawn by the region's abundant copper and turquoise deposits, these groups slowly worked their way southward, hopping from one deposit to the next. By 3500 BC, the great turquoise veins of Serabit el-Khadem had been discovered.

The Serapeum of Saqqara by Jimmy Dunn

Serapeum is a name usually applied to building that were associated with the cult of the Apis bulls, or the later composite god, Serapis. We actually know of two Serapeums, one located at Saqqara and the other in Alexandria. The one at Saqqara was more closely related to the Apris bulls, while the Alexandria Serapeum served as a cult center of Serapis. In reality, these two complexes served very different purposes, the Serapeum in Alexandria being more Greek in origin, while the one at Saqqara was built at least as early as the 18th dynasty.  In this article we will focus on the earlier structure at Saqqara. The legendary Serapeum is where the sacred bulls of Apis are buried. Worship of the Apis bull was a late development.

The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) by Jimmy Dunn

The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) is a 4th century church and today is considered to be the oldest of Cairo's Christian churches. It is dedicated to two early martyrs and traditionally believed to have been built on the spot where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant Christ, rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. They may have lived here while Joseph worked at the fortress. Hence, the church is of significant historical importance, and in fact, it is where many patriarchs of the Coptic Church were elected.

The Temple of Seti I and the Osireion at Abydos by Peter Rome

The temple that the Greeks called the Memnonium in Abydos, actually dedicated to Seti I, Osiris and Isis along with Ptah, Ptah-Sokar, Nefertem, Re-Horakhty, Amun, and Horus, is one of the major archaeological sites in that region. It was begun by Seti I and finished by his son, the great Ramesses II. In fact, this structure built of fine white limestone is actually one of the most impressive religious structures in Egypt.

The Seti I Temple of Millions of Years on the West Bank, Luxor by Norman Hayes 

The northernmost Temple of Millions of Years on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) is that of Seti I. Nineteenth Century travelers called it the Temple of Qurna, while locals call it Qasr el-Rubaiq. In ancient times, the Egyptians named it "Glorious Seti in the West of Thebes". At one time in ancient Egypt, it is likely that administrative center of Western Thebes was situated here, in the village known as Helf-her-nebes, which means, "City in Front of its Master). The temple was originally named, "Seti I is Beneficent in the Domain of Amen, which is on the West of Thebes". Seti I dedicated the temple to his father and the god, Amun-Re. It was meant to compliment his greatest monument, the Hypostyle Hall within the Karnak temple complex across the river.

The Tomb of Seti I, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Seti I (Sethos I) is the longest (at more then 120 meters), deepest and most completely finished in the Valley of the Kings.  It also represents the fullest development of offset, or jogged royal tombs in the valley. It was discovered in October 1817 by the strongman of the early antiquarians, Italian Giovanni Battista Belzoni. In fact, the tomb is still known marginally as Belsoni's Tomb.  The tomb was discovered only a few days after the tomb of his father, Ramesses I. When originally discovered, the tomb made international headlines, and exhibits of the tomb were held in London in 1821, and later in Paris. The tomb is located in a small lateral wadi in the Valley of the Kings.

Seti II and his Tomb (KV15) in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews & Jimmy Dunn

Seti II was probably the fifth or sixth king of Egypt's 19th Dynasty, depending on the treatment we give Amenmessses who may have ruled before, concurrently or even after him (though that is less likely). Seti (mer-en-ptah) was this king's birth name, meaning "He of the god Seti, Beloved of Ptah". He is also sometimes referred to by his Greek name, Sethos II. His throne name was User-kheperu-re Setep-en-re, meaning "Powerful are the Manifestations of Re, Chosen of Re".

King Siptah and his Tomb in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews

Siptah (mer-en-ptah), who's name means "Son of Ptah, Beloved of Ptah, was the son of Seti II and Queen Tiaa. This throne name was Akh-en-re Setep-en-re, meaning Beautiful for Re, Chosen by Re. Apparently he was not very chosen, for he suffered the deformity of a club foot. His reign lasted from about 1193 until 1187 BC. Like his father we know precious little about Siptah, though perhaps, there is little for us to know. He was probably the seventh ruler of Egypt's 19th Dynasty, though in fact he may have never actually ruled at all.

The History of the Siwa Oasis by Jimmy Dunn

Siwa, like the other Western Oasis, has had a number of different names over the millenniums. It was called Santariya by the ancient Arabs, as well as the Oasis of Jupiter-Amun, Marmaricus Hammon, the Field of Palm Trees and Santar by the ancient Egyptians.. We believe it was occupied as early as Paleolithic and Neolithic times, and some believe it was the capital of an ancient kingdom that may have included Qara, Arashieh and Bahrein. During Egypt's Old Kingdom, it was a part of Tehenu, the Olive Land that may have extended as for east as Mareotis.

The Bent Pyramid of Snefru at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

The Bent Pyramid was probably the first planned from the outset to be a true pyramid, with smooth sides. This represents a glorious period in the evolution of the pyramid, comparable to that when Djsoer's architect, Imhotep, built the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The Bent Pyramid was probably either the first or second of Snefru's pyramids, depending on who built the Medium Pyramid. It was almost certainly built prior to his other project at Dahshur, the Red Pyramid. The pyramid is also sometimes called the Rhomboidal, False, or Blunt Pyramid. The ancient Egyptians called it "Snefru Shines - South (pyramid)". 

The Sun Temples of the 5th Dynasty by Jimmy Dunn 

Most of the 5th Dynasty pharaohs, including six of the first seven, uniquely built sun temples. It reflected a significant change in Egyptian religion. This trend only died out at the end of the dynasty. They were all obviously dedicated to the sun god Re, who inspired much of the rest of these king's religious activities. During this period, Re became the closest equivalent to an Egyptian "state" god. Like pyramid complexes these sun temples had their own agricultural land, received donations on festival days, and had their own temple personnel We know of six such temples because we have found their names written in inscriptions, but alas, only two have actually been discovered. The two we do know of are the sun temples of Niuserre and Userkaf, of which that of Niuserre is the best preserved. However, preserved in this case only implies that we can make out some of its structure from the ruins.

Tanis (El-Hagar) by Jimmy Dunn 

Tanis is considered to be probably the most important archaeological site in Egypt's northern Delta, probably because it is one of the largest and certainly the most impressive of the sites in the Delta.  It was the capital of the nineteenth Lower Egyptian nome in the late period (747-332 BC). First Auguste Mariette excavated the site in 1860-80, then Flinders Petrie excavated here in 1883-86 and Pierre Montet excavated in 1921-51. The site is still being excavated by the French today. Montet thought that the site was Piramesse, the capital Sety I and Ramese II, but later findings proved him wrong.

The Tomb of Tausert and Setnakht by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Tausert (Tawosret) and Setnakht (Sethnakhte) (KV 14) is surely one of the most  unusual tombs in the Valley of the Kings, as is the story behind this tomb. It is also one of the largest tombs in the Valley, encompassing two complete burial chambers. The tomb has been open and known since antiquity. Between 1983 and 1987, it was studied in detail by Hartwig Altenmiller. This tomb was originally built by Tausert, a queen and wife of Sethos II who would later rule Egypt as Pharaoh. It shows four distinct phases of construction, beginning when Tausert was still simply the queen. The construction was thus originally ordered by Sethos II. The second phase of construction occurred after the death of Sethos II.

The Pyramid of Teti at Saqqara by Allen Winston 

The small hill in the main Saqqara pyramid field with a panoramic view of the whole necropolis is actually the pyramid of Teti, the first ruler of Egypt's 6th Dynasty, even though he was possibly the son of Unas, the last ruler of the 5th Dynasty. It is called "Teti's (cult) places are enduring", though this pyramid has not endured very well. Teti's valley temple and the three hundred meter long causeway leading to the mortuary temple have not been archaeologically investigated, but are located not to the east but to the southwest of the pyramid. Part of the causeway is visible however, as it meets the mortuary temple. This main pyramid has a core of five steps, with subterranean corridors and chambers similar to those of Djedkare's and Una's pyramids.

The Temples of Ancient Egypt by Monroe Edgar 

Writing an introduction to ancient Egyptian temples is considerably more difficult then examining any specific structure, for a number of different reasons. First of all, the term "temple  is misleading, and secondly, the term covers a huge variety of different structures that evolved over such a vast period of time that. Many people have a difficult time understanding just how long a time this evolution spans. For example, think of the Roman Coliseum (in Rome). It is almost 2,000 years old, and most of us would think of it as very ancient. Yet, when the Romans first came to Egypt, they were awe struck by Egyptian temples, some of which at that time were already more ancient to the Romans, then the Roman Coliseum is to us. So we must consider the effect that these temples had on the ancient Egyptians. Imagine the feelings of old tradition and holiness felt by a young priest when he first enters St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. How must a young Egyptian priest felt as he strolled the courts of the much more temple of Heliopolis, which was much more ancient to him then St. Peter's would be to a young priest of today.

The Pyramids of Teti's Queens, Iput I and Khuit at Saqqara by Allen Winston 

Iput I was probably Teti's (6th Dynasty) principle queen, and may have legitimized his ascent to the throne of Egypt. She was probably the daughter of Unas (5th Dynasty) and the mother of Teti's successor, Pepi I. Her pyramid was discovered by Loret at the beginning of the 20th century, and later investigated by Firth, with Gunn's assistance, in the 1920s. Dr. Hawass, one of the current living legends of Egyptology, continues this investigation. This complex, located about 90 meters north of Teti's pyramid, has no valley temple, causeway or cult pyramid.

Thebes by Marie Parsons

The ancient name for the city the Greeks called Thebai was Waset, the Scepter nome, and it was the main city of the fourth Upper Egyptian nome. It was close to Nubia and the eastern desert, with their valuable mineral resources and trade routes. The site of Thebes includes areas on both the eastern bank of the Nile, where the temples of Karnak and Luxor stand, and the western bank, where are the large private and royal cemeteries and funerary complexes. 

Thoth Hill on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Thoth Hill (Berg Thoth) is not located in the valleys of the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes), but rather high on the southern spur of the great plateau which forms the backdrop to western Thebes. It was named Thoth Hill because of a large number of limestone fragments of three baboon statues found in the vicinity during Flinders Petrie's 1909 investigation of the ruins. The hill is also sometimes referred to as the "Crown of Thebes". Thoth Hill is the site of two temples, an archaic temple that may date to around 3,000 BC and would be the oldest temple built on the West Bank at Luxor, and built upon it, a later temple built by an 11th Dynasty pharaoh known as Sankhkare Mentuhotep.

Tomb Building in the Valley of the Kings by Jimmy Dunn 

One of the most important goals for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the building of their own tombs. Normally the location of the future tomb was decided upon during the first year of the pharaoh's rule. At this point, architectural designs were set out, as well as the decorations that would very often adorn the walls and ceiling. For those pharaohs buried in the Valley of the Kings, work on their tombs would be entrusted to an architect and the craftsmen who lived in the village of Deir el-Medina. Each day the workmen would commute to the tomb that was being built over the mountains crest on a trail that can still easily be crossed today.

The Tomb of Nefertari by Paul Groffie

No matter how long your stay in Egypt, whether one day or one year, make it a point to stop in the Valley of the Queens. You can visit the one place which could truly take you back over three thousand years - the Tomb of Nefertari.

The Tombs of Bahariya Oasis by Dr. Zahi Hawass

Bahariya Oasis has revealed the secrets of the Valley of the Golden Mummies, but there are other major discoveries in the area and these sites will attract people from all over the world. Dr. Zahi Hawass believes that this is one of the major archaeology sites in Egypt and he takes us on a tour of the tombs at the Bahariya Oasis. 

The Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun by Ismail Abaza 

The Ibn Tulun Mosque was completed in 879 AD on Mount Yashkur in a settlement named al-Qata'i by the founder of Egypt's Tulunid Dynasty (868-905 AD), Ahmad ibn Tulun. Al-Qata'i was about two kilometers from the old community of Fustat. He was born in Baghdad, the son of a Turkish slave of Mongol origin owned by the Caliph, al-Ma'mun. He would later rise to became governor of Egypt after his stepfather, who died in 870, was awarded that position. The mosque that he had built over a period of three years of mudbrick became the focal point of the Tulunid capital that lasted only 26 years. It was the third congregational mosque to be built in what is now greater Cairo, and at approximately 26,318 square meters in size, is the third largest mosque in the world.

Tuthmosis I and Hatshepsut, Tomb of in the Valley of the Kings (KV20) by Mark Andrews 

Tomb KV20 in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) is believed by many Egyptologists to have been the original Tomb of Tuthmosis I, thought it seems that his famous daughter, Hatshepsut was also interred there as well. The tomb has been known for well over a century. It was at least noted by both the early French Expedition to Egypt and by Belzoni, the strong man of Egyptology.

Tuthmosis I, 2nd tomb of - (KV38) by Mark Andrews 

Tomb KV38 in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes) was a Victor Loret find of March 1899, though the original circumstances of its discovery are lost to us. This is an 18th Dynasty tomb originally thought to be the initial burial of Tuthmosis I, from which he was moved to another tomb, KV20. Georges Daressy, in his Fouilles de la Vallee des Rios, published a list of artifacts discovered by Loret in KV38. The sarcophagus inscribed for Tuthmosis I was the most significant discovery, and is why this tomb is ascribed to Tuthmosis I.

Tuthmosis III's Temple of Amun at Deir el-Bahari by Mark Andrews 

Only in 1961, while restoration and cleaning work was being carried out between the Temples of Hatshepsut and Mentuhotep II, were the remains of a small temple (measuring 40 meters by 45 meters) constructed by uthmosis III discovered on a small elevated terrace between those two better known monuments on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). The temple was discovered by the Polish Center of Mediterranean Archaeology under the direction of Kazimierz Michalowski, who's excavation of the site lasted until 1967. Presently, the Polish-Egyptian Archaeological Mission under the direction of Jadwiga Lipinska continues to carry out excavations at this temple.

The Tomb of Tuthmosis III, Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews 

The tomb of Tuthmosis III (KV 34) is said to be one of the most sophisticated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Discovered by Victor Loret's workmen in 1898 during this famous Egyptologist's absence, work did not begin on clearing the rubble form the entrance until his return. He then excavated the site meticulously, using 24 square grids and recording the placement of even the smallest of objects. The tomb itself can be found in a narrow gorge at the bottom of the Valley of the Kings. The entrance is 30 meters above ground level, but of course this did not stop ancient tomb robbers, though Loret did find some funerary furniture that had been left behind.

The Tomb of Tuthmosis IV, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Mark Andrews 

Howard Carter made the first modern entrance into the tomb of Tuthmosis IV (KV 43) on January 18th, 1903. This was not an accidental discovery by Carter, for he had been looking for this specific tomb. On February 3rd, it was formally opened. Like all the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, it had been plundered during antiquity, but there were still some amount of items left. The tomb is of phase one style, the earliest in the Valley of the Kings, with its L-shaped structure. It follows the general style of KV 35 (Amenophis II) in design, size and complexity, as well as its placement under a storm-fed waterfall. This tomb differs from KV 35 in several respects, including the crypt area, the alignment of the storage rooms.  Significantly, we find the first occurrences of the "magical niches" built into the walls which are to be found in all succeeding tombs until the time of Ramesses II

Nefertari's Tomb by the Egyptian Government

Additional information on Nefertari's Tomb

The Tomb of Tutankhamen (King Tut) by Mark Andrews 

It is not the grandest tomb in Egypt, and was certainly not occupied by one of Egypt's most powerful rulers. But in general, the population of the world know the tomb of Tutankhamen (KV 62) better then any other, because of all the royal tombs, it was found mostly intact. What was found in this tomb surely gives us pause to understand the motive behind ancient tomb robberies. If such a vast fortune in treasure (in all, some 3,500 items were recovered) was found in this tiny tomb owned by a relatively minor king, what must have dazzled the eyes of the thieves who first entered the huge tomb of Ramesses II, or one of Egypt's other grand kings?

Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara by Alan Winston 

The Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara, even though the smallest of the Old Kingdom Royal pyramids, is considerably more famous and better known then the king who built it. This is because, for the first time that we know of, the 128 magical spells of the Pyramid Text appear on the walls of its subterranean chambers. It was once called "Beautiful are the (cult) Places of Unas", but today it is little more then a pile of rubble that, sitting next to the famous Step Pyramid, seems hardly noticeable. Unas' pyramid did not go unnoticed by Perring and shortly afterwards, of Lepsius, who numbered it 35 on his archaeological map. But its significance was not known until after Maspero, already having found parts of the Pyramid Text in Pepi I and Merenre I's pyramids, decided to reexamine Unas' pyramid in 1881.

The Unattested Pyramids of Abusir by Alan Winston 

Recent excavations at Abusir suggest that the archaeological studies of this necropolis may yield considerably more information. There is still much to learn about the period of these builders, mostly 5th dynasty, that built here. We cannot determine completely the builders of a number of small, mostly unfinished pyramids that have been discovered at Abusir. Specifically, the archaeologist, Lepsius, investigated two such pyramids that he numbered 24 and 25, and there is also the start of a pyramid that some would suggest belonged to Shepseskare, who we know almost nothing about.

The Unattested Southern South Saqqara Pyramid by Alan Winston 

Southwest of Khendjer's pyramid at South Saqqara is found the substructure for an unfinished pyramid that was discovered by Jequier, though not much else remains. It had an impressive side length of 78.75 meters (258 ft). It is generally surmised, because of the pyramid's intended size, the masonry of fine Turah limestone casing the corridors, the fine construction of the burial chamber and the elaborate closure system, that the pyramid was begun for a significant ruler, or at least a very ambitious one. However, he was almost certainly not buried here, and there is no indication of a ruler's cult worship within the complex.

Pyramid of the Unknown Queen at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Near the northeast corner of the Djedkare complex enclosure wall at South Saqqara is another, smaller pyramid complex without a causeway or valley temple. It consists of only the pyramid, a mortuary temple and its own enclosure wall. Because it is structurally incorporated into Djedkare's complex, even though it does not conform to the typical plans of other contemporary queens' pyramids, it likely belongs to one of his royal consorts. If it is, then it is probably not that of Meresankh IV, who some suggest was one of his consorts, because she has a tomb at Saqqara. Whoever owned this pyramid is not attested to within the pyramid that we know of, nor attested to in the pyramid of Djedkare.

The Private Tomb of Userhat on the West Bank at Luxor by Mark Andrews 

Userhat, a commoner of the 19th Dynasty, had a most unusual position, apparently with grave responsibilities. He was called Neferhabef, "First prophet of the Royal Ka of Tuthmosis I".  Of course in ancient Egypt, the Ka was a person's soul. Actually, this means that he served in the cult temple of Tuthmosis I, probably "the Mansion of the Ka of Aakheperkare, as the Temple of Thutmosis was named. He actually served during the reigns of Ramesses I and Seti I. We know that his mother and father were Khensem and Tausert, that he had another wife named Shepset (Hatshepsut), along with two other wives and probably one son and one daughter. The names of the second two wives, however, were obliterated from his tomb, TT 51, in the area know as the Tombs of the Nobles on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). This tomb is not to be confused with an apparent other Userhat who occupied tomb number 56.

The Pyramid Complex of Userkaf at Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Traditionally, Userkaf was the founder of the 5th Dynasty. Probably for political reasons, as well as the religious aspects, he built his pyramid in the shadows of Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara, fairly distant from his predecessor, Shepseskaf's mastaba or the tombs of the 4th Dynasty rulers. Later kings of the 5th Dynasty would build on the Abusir pyramid field, though many Egyptologists consider Abusir was probably thought of by the ancient Egyptians as simply a Saqqara extension. His pyramid was called "Pure are the (cult) places of Userkaf". The interior was not entered until 1839, when Perring explored the lowest chambers by entering through a robber's tunnel. He is the only one to have explored the interior of the tunnel, and in 1991 the entrance was buried beneath rubble after an earthquake.

The Valley of the Golden Mummies in Egypt by the Egyptian Government

Check out one of the latest discoveries in Egypt, and a very large find at that, in Bahariya Oasis.

The Valley of the Kings by Marie Parsons

The first king of the New Kingdom, Ahmose of the 18th Dynasty, built a pyramid-like structure at Abydos, which may or may not have been his original tomb. But all the remaining rulers of the period, except for the so-called Amarna interregnum, had their tombs cut into the rocks of the West Bank at Thebes, specifically at the Valley of the Kings. From Tutmosis I in the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period, all the kings, and occasionally high officials of that period, were buried in the secluded wadi, or dry gully, which today is called Valley of the Kings.

Wakalat Al-Ghouri Reviving a Heritage by The Egyptian Government 

Wakalat Al-Ghouri (909-910 A.H./1504-1505 A.D.) is located in Al-Tablita Street next to the founder's complex that contains a dome, a sitting logicca, a sabil, a kuttab, a mosque and a house in Al-Azhar quarter. This wakala (craftsmen and market place) was founded by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qunswa Al-Garkassi (Al-Ghouri) three years after his assuming power. The plan of the Wakala adopted the principle of introvert interior, where the building consists of a central open courtyard around which the stores of the ground and first floors are assembled with an entrance in the middle of the main facade. It includes annexes for services, utilities, stables for merchants' animals and an upper residence quarter. 

The White Chapel of Senusret I by Mark Andrews

One building project that was lost to us, but now is found is the little pavilion built for Senusret I's first jubilee (Sed) festival, which according to custom, occurred during the king's 30th year as ruler (though it is probable that Senusret's festival was held in his 31st year of rule). It was probably built to house the royal barque and is sometimes referred to as a "barque shrine".Popularly known as the White Chapel, it had been disassembled and used as fill in Amenhotep III's Third Pylon at Karnak during the 18th Dynasty.

The Private Tomb of Yuya and Tjuyu in the Valley of the Kings by Mark Andrews 

Private Tomb KV 46 is located between KV 3 and KV 4 in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). It is one of the rare non royal tombs found within the valley and was most certainly cut during Egypt's 18th Dynasty. However, the couple were not ordinary Egyptians, considering that they were the parents of Queen Tiya. The construction debris from these tombs covered KV 46, apparently hiding it away from the majority of Robbers. Architecturally the tomb of Yuya and Tjuyu (Tuyu) is not unique, and its decorative theme is nonexistent. The tomb is entered by way of a stairway that leads to a well cut, large corridor, actually slightly larger then the corridor in Tutankhamun's tomb.

The Tomb of Zed-Amun-efankh in the Bahariya Oasis by Brian Rosewood 

Zed-Amun-efankh lived and prospered during Ahmose II’s rule, and he built a fine tomb which lies on the eastern ridge of the modern city of Bawiti. In fact, his family’s wealth apparently became even more impressive later, for his son’s nearby tomb is even larger and perhaps more elaborate than the fathers. Nevertheless, Zed-Amun-efankh’s tomb is very interesting, for some of its architectural elements are somewhat unusual for this area. For one thing, while other tombs had separate burial chambers with square, column (pillar) supports, his is a single room with four rounded columns.

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