History

Pharaonic Relics from Egypt As the Great Sphinx, which was erected by the ancient Egyptians to serve as a protector and overseer of the pleated Giza, is the focus of numerous myths and legends, it is crucial to your 2020 Egypt & Nile cruise adventure. Some of the most asked concerns are the meaning of the Sphinx, what it represents, and how the Great Sphinx was constructed.

Sphinx: What does that mean?

The term “sphinx” is not just associated with the ancient Egyptians; it was also used to describe creatures that looked similar in Greece and South and Southeast Asia. These creatures had the winged body of a lion and the head of a human. It is quite impossible to ascertain the ruins’ original name. This is mostly due to the fact that it is absent from all Old Kingdom inscriptions. Nearly 2000 years after the agreed-upon construction date and the rules of classical antiquity, the Sphinx received its current name. The name is derived from a beast from Greek mythology that had an eagle’s wings, a woman’s head, and a lion’s body. The head of a man is used in place of wings in the ancient Egyptian form. The enormous Sphinx As the Greek sphinx strangles anyone who cannot solve a riddle, the English word for comes from Greek and means “strangle.” The Arabic moniker “Abu al-Haul,” which translates to “the awful one,” is another well-known one.

How was the Big Sphinx constructed?

20 metres from the bottom of its skull to the top of its head and 19 metres across the back of its hips make up the sphinx’s enormous height. The building is thought to have been constructed during the time of Pharaoh Khafre in the Old Kingdom. The Giza Plateau, which also included the Pyramids of Giza and was used as a quarry, is where the Sphinx was cut into the bedrock. The body of the modern Sphinx was progressively constructed from layers of monetary limestone, each with a varied resistance to weathering. This enormous building measures 73 metres (240 feet) from head to tail, 20 metres (66 feet) high from base to crown, and 19 metres (62 feet) wide at the end.

Regarding who built this historic wonder of the world, there are numerous theories and hypotheses. Everyone does, however, concur that the Great Sphinx was constructed circa 2500 BC. for Pharaoh Kefre, built. The aforementioned Sphinx-Kefle relationship has some supporting evidence. The design resemblance to the Valley Temple and the upside-down figure of Khefre, among other pieces of nearby evidence, are proof of this.

The Giza Necropolis was abandoned and neglected at some unknown time, and the Sphinx was eventually buried head-to-head in the sand. This persisted until Thutmose IV’s earliest recorded excavations, which took place around 1400 BC. The Dream Stele, a granite block, was placed between his two front legs after much digging was required to free them. Ramesses carried out another another excavation, followed by a second excavation, and by the beginning of 1887 the chest, feet, altar, and the entire Giza Plateau had been dug and were all visible.

An engineer employed by the Egyptian government made the last repairs to the Great Sphinx in 1931. The neck had been considerably eroded, and a portion of the headpiece was broken. The bear and the nose are two further components of the Sphinx that are missing. The removal of the sphinx’s nose was thought to have been caused by a cannon shot by Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops. Al-Makrizi, an Arab historian, believes that Mohammed Salim al-Dar had the nose cut off because he regarded it as an act of iconoclasm.

Regarding who built this historic wonder of the world, there are numerous theories and hypotheses. All believe, however, that the Great Sphinx was constructed approximately 2500 BC. for Pharaoh Kefre, built. The relationship between Kefre and the Sphinx, which was previously mentioned, is supported by certain evidence. The design resemblance to the Valley Temple and the upside-down figure of Khefre, among other pieces of nearby evidence, are proof of this.

How can you Visit the Sphinx?

You can visit the Great Sphinx in Giza, during your tour in Cairo, Also you can visit if you are in Luxor by an over day to Cairo with flight, for example, you can do your Hot Air Balloon flight with Balloon over Luxor company, then go to Luxor Airport to fly to Cairo, so you can visit the Great Sphinx in Giza, Pyramids in Giza and Egyptian Museum, Later back again to Cairo Airport to fly back to Luxor.

The Egyptian pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, are among the most magnificent man-made monuments in history. They were constructed when Egypt was one of the world’s richest and most powerful civilizations. Its great size is a reflection of the special position that kings and pharaohs had in predynastic Egyptian society.

The construction of the pyramids peaked towards the end of the 3rd Dynasty and continued until the 4th century AD, while they were constructed from the beginning of the Old Kingdom until the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty (circa 2325 BC). The Egyptian pyramids, which date back more than 4,000 years, are still majestic and provide a window into the nation’s illustrious past.

The Pharaoh in Society of Egypt

The Old Kingdom’s Third and Fourth Dynasties saw Egypt reach new heights of affluence and stability in the economy. Kings held a distinct position in Egyptian society. They are believed to have been chosen by the gods themselves to serve as a sort of middleman between mortals and the gods on earth. It is in everyone’s best interest to keep the king in check. Horus, the falcon god who had previously served as Ra’s guardian, succeeded Ra as ruler.

Under the Third and Fourth Kingdoms of the Old Kingdom, Egypt experienced economic stability and prosperity. The position of king was one of great honour in ancient Egypt. They would be selected by the gods themselves to serve as a sort of middleman between people and the gods on earth. It is in everyone’s best interest to preserve the king’s honour. The new pharaoh was then succeeded by the falcon deity Horus, who is also Ra’s defender.

Djoser Pyramid:

During the early dynastic period (2950 BC), the royal tombs were carved out of rock and covered with flat-roofed rectangular structures known as “mastabas,” which were the forerunners of the pyramids. The first pyramids of Egypt were built in 2630 BC. At Saqqara, a monument honouring King Djoser of the Third Dynasty. Initially a standard mastaba, this pyramid, also known as the “stepped pyramid,” later changed into something more substantial.

Tradition has it that Imhotep, a priest and healer who is honoured as the patron saint of healers, designed the pyramid about 1,400 years later. King Djoser built six stone floors of the pyramid using the Object() [native code] function throughout the course of his 20-year rule (as opposed to burnt bricks like most early tombs). It was the highest building at the time. The complex of courtyards, temples, and shrines that surrounds the stepped pyramid is where Djoser can enjoy the afterlife.

Even though no graves that the dynasty’s successors had planned were carried out (perhaps as a result of King Djoser’s reign), the stepped pyramid was utilized as the norm for royal burials after King Djoser. theirs is rather brief). One of the three tombs at Dashur, the Red Pyramid, was constructed for Sneferu (2613–2589 BC), the first monarch of the 4th Dynasty and the oldest tomb ever constructed in the “actual” world (smooth, non-stepped pyramid). The name of the structure was motivated by the hue of the limestone blocks used to construct the pyramid’s core.

The Great Pyramids of Giza:

The Great Pyramid of Giza, located outside present-day Cairo in the highlands of the West Nile, is the most famous of all pyramids. The only surviving example of the famous seven wonders of the ancient world is the oldest and largest of its three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid. It was built for Pharaoh (Greek: Cheops), the second of the eight kings of Pharaoh’s Fourth Dynasty and the successor of Sneferu.

The Pyramid of King Khufu (Cheops):

Little is known about Cheops’ 23-year rule other from the beauty of the pyramids (2589-2566 BC). The pyramid was the tallest in the world at 481.4 feet (147 metres) high and had an average base length of 755.75 feet (230 metres). Next to the Great Pyramid, where her mother, Queen Hetepheres, discovered the empty sarcophagus, are its three lesser pyramids, built for Queen Cheops wifes. Rows of mastaba, which are tombs for the king’s family and the officials who assisted and accompanied him in the afterlife, encircle Cheops’ pyramid.

The Pyramid of King Khafre:

The Central Pyramid of Giza was constructed for Pharaoh Khafre, the son of Khufu (2558-2532 BC). The tomb of Pharaoh Khafre is located inside the Pyramid of Khafre, the second-tallest pyramid at Giza. The Great Sphinx, a limestone guardian monument with a human head and a lion’s body, is a distinctive element incorporated into the Khafre pyramid complex. It was the largest statue in all of antiquity with a length of 240 feet and a height of 66 feeta length of 240 feet and a height of 66 feet, it was the largest statue in all of antiquity. The Great Sphinx itself would be adored throughout the Eighteenth Dynasty (around 1500 BC AD), as a representation of a regional form of Horus. Menkaure, the son of Khafre, had the southernmost pyramid at Giza constructed for him (2532-2503 BC). The shortest of the three pyramids (218 feet tall)it served as a forerunner to the smaller pyramids that would be built during the Fifth and Sixth Dynasty.

Who Built The Pyramids Workmen or Salves?

Contrary to certain popular versions of the narrative that claim slaves or foreigners were employed to build the structures, human bones found nearby imply that employees were made to work when the Nile flooded. create pyramids. This indicates that they are probably Egyptian seasonal farmers. terrain close to the pyramids. More than 2.3 million stone blocks weighing an average of 2.5 tonnes each were cut, transported, and put together to create the Pyramid of Khufu. However, later archaeological investigation suggested that the real number of employees may have been closer to 20,000. Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, claimed that it took 20 years and 100,000 labourers to complete.

from pyramid to Luxor:

you can have an over night from Cairo to Luxor, so you reach Luxor at sunset or at night, then over night in the hotel and at early morning you can do a hot air balloon flight with Balloon Over Luxor company, then back to your hotel to have breakfast and check out.

your tour will start with visiting valley of the kings, temple of queen Hatshepsut, colossi of Memnon, then have lunch at local restaurant, later visit karnak temple & Luxor temple then go to Airport to fly back to Cairo.

Ramesses II was one of the most well-known Egyptian rulers to reign during Egypt’s golden age. He was Egypt’s 19th dynasty’s third-most powerful pharaoh. Prince Ramses was crowned by King Seti I, and he was succeeded by Ramses II. “Prince of Egypt” Ramses was given a house and a harem, and before becoming king, he served alongside his father in military operations where he earned valuable military and regal experience.

Ramses II, who is he?

One of Egypt’s most powerful and well-respected pharaohs during its golden age was Ramesses II. He was Egypt’s 19th Dynasty’s third-most powerful pharaoh. Prince Ramses was crowned by King Seti I, and he was succeeded by Ramses II.
He has conducted a number of trips and is committed to achieving his objectives. He was given the moniker “sovereign of rulers” for this, which mirrored his vision of a powerful country. Because of this, history buffs refer to him as “Ramesses the Great.” Moreover, throughout his 66-year rule, Egypt was at its pinnacle of strength and splendor.

Ramesses II Family and Youth

The amount of women and kids this great pharaoh had is another thing that makes him well-known. Although historians are unable to pinpoint an exact figure, some contend that it was more likely 162 kids. Ramses, Merneptah, Meritamen, Nebettawy, Khaemweset, and Amun-her-khepeshef (Nefertari’s firstborn) are only a few of the well-known children.

Around 1303 BC J.-C., Ramesses II was born in an Egyptian peasant household. He was the child of Queen Tuya and Pharaoh Sethi I. Ramses is named after his military hero grandfather Ramses I, who turned his commoner family into royalty.

Ramses was schooled and trained by his father while growing up in the Egyptian court. Because Ramesses’ father became pharaoh while he was just five years old, he was granted this honor.

Ramesses currently has an older brother who is in the process of succeeding him as pharaoh. He passed away, nevertheless, when Ramses was around 14 years old. Ramses II was thus named second in command of his father’s military operations and was immediately set to succeed him as pharaoh of Egypt.

Ramesses wed Nefertari, his first and most cherished wife, after taking the throne. She rose to prominence on her own and was given the title of the pharaoh’s royal bride. The royal couple had at least four sons, two daughters, and maybe more children throughout their marriage.

At the age of 25, Ramesses was crowned pharaoh of Egypt in 1279 BC following the death of his father. He was renowned for his superb leadership of the Egyptian army. He was able to engage in bloody combat to protect the Egyptian border against the Nubians, Syrians, Libyans, and Hittites as a result.

The Sherden Pirates, who posed a serious threat to ancient Egypt’s marine operations, were apprehended by Ramesses in 1281 BC A.D. Ramses was determined to put a stop to it with heroic bravery and a comprehensive strategic strategy. He set up ships and troops at strategic coastal locations and patiently awaited a pirate attack. They were deftly trapped in a violent naval combat as their craft neared.

1274 BC , At the conclusion of his fourth year in power, Ramesses began a military operation to retake the absconded northern regions. At that time, the young king led a little force of 20,000 soldiers in battle with an impressive Hittite force of 50,000. It continues to be one of the earliest wars in history that has been written about.

Ramses was the war’s greatest hero despite the fact that the combat was unresolved (it is unknown who won or lost). He put up a valiant fight, evaded death in a fight to the death, and took back the enemy’s stolen capital.

BEST BUILDINGS, RULES, AND CONSTRUCTIONS OF RAMSES

Ramses II was a skilled builder who had a deep love for the subject. He constructed and repaired numerous structures, temples, and monuments over the course of his 66-year rule.

The enormous temples at Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum are two of his most well-known creations. In terms of scale, design, and complexity, these two monuments reflect a fresh approach to architecture. What else; The enormous statue of Ramses himself is the one thing that these two temples have in common.

The beauty of the Abu Simbel Temple, which was constructed in Nubia in Aswan southern Egypt, is still evident today. At the entrance to Abu Simbel, there are four enormous statues of the mighty Ramses II, each standing at a height of around 20 metres. The Ramesseum temple, which was built on the banks of the Nile, is regarded as Ramses’s mortuary temple.

Along with these temples, Ramses also constructed Pi-Ramses, the new Egyptian capital. The city developed a number of enormous temples, a vast palace complex, and extraordinary infrastructure as the king’s rule went on.

The Ramses II Temples

Numerous temples were built by King Ramses the Great. The first is the Abu Simbel Temple, which was immortalised by the great Egyptian gods as a temple unto itself. The Little Temple of His Wife Nefertari, the Ramesseum Mortuary Temple, the Delta Temple of Pi Ramses, and the Great Temple of Karnak are some further temples.

A residential community called “Per Ramessu,” which translates to “house of Ramses, Biblical Ramses,” was established because the Ramses II family’s home was situated in the Nile Delta. His city is well known for its lovely waterfalls, orchards, and gardens.

Ramesses II lived a very long life, especially for the time he did. He had numerous wives and children when he passed away at the age of 90, but his lengthy life and lengthy reign as king allowed him to leave behind a significant building legacy.

Many of Egypt’s most iconic structures are attributed to Ramses the Great, including the Ramesseum, a massive memorial temple at Luxor, West Bank, and the well-known temples of Abu Simbel, which marked the southern limit of his reign. Additionally, he added or refurbished a number of other well-known sites, which you can see it from your Hot Air Balloon flight with Balloon over Luxor company, during your tours in Luxor.

Ramesses II did not construct the Luxor Temple in downtown Luxor, but his achievements are depicted in reliefs and sculptures that were added during the remodeling. He also contributed to the construction of the Karnak temple complex and left shell casings on countless other structures to claim them as a part of his legacy. Another notable structure is his huge statue, which can be found in Memphis, close to Cairo, as well as his wife Nefertiti’s exquisite tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

King Ramses II passed away when?

Ramses’ reins gradually came to an end, as with all wonderful things. He was initially buried in KV7 in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Thebes when he passed away at the age of 90 from “arthritis.” Ramses was a magnificent ruler and a powerful monarch who gained fame around the world for extending and upholding the realm of Egypt.

Later, in 1881, it was found again in a hidden royal treasure in Deir el-Bahri. The famous pharaoh’s mummy was then put in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in 1885, where it remained until 2007.

The British Museum in London houses a statue of Pharaoh Ramses II known as the Young Memnon. This statue, which dates to around 1250 BC, shows him as a heroic warrior and benign ruler throughout history.

King Tutankhamun tomb (1336–1327 BC) is the only relatively intact royal tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings and is well-known worldwide. The world’s attention was drawn to Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922 and continued after the tomb’s gold artifacts and other opulent finds were displayed. The discovery of the tombs is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made. The tombs and the wealth they contain are a symbol of Egypt.

Despite the wealth it held, Tutankhamun’s tomb number 62 in the Valley of the Kings is extremely modest compared to other tombs in size and ornamentation. This is most likely due to the fact that Tutankhamun only held the throne for a total of around nine years after ascending to it at a young age. The much larger graves of kings may make you wonder what treasures they contain. Additionally, Ramesses II was once detained.

The burial chamber’s only decorative surfaces are its walls. Tutankhamun’s tomb has Amduat, unlike other early and late royal tombs, which are lavishly embellished with tomb texts like Amduat and the Book of Gates, which assisted the late king reach the afterlife. There is only one scene shown. The remainder of the tomb’s ornamentation shows Tutankhamun being buried among numerous gods.

The tiny size of Tutankhamun’s Tomb (KV62) has generated a lot of conjecture. High official Ai, his successor, was buried in Tutankhamun’s Tomb after passing away (KV23). The grave of Ai’s successor Haremheb was subject to the same defense (KV57). If so, it’s not known for whom the later Tutankhamun tomb KV62 was carved, but it has been asserted that it already existed, maybe as a private burial or as a storehouse that was later expanded to make place for the king.

Whatever the cause, the tomb was extremely crammed with the roughly 5,000 objects that were discovered within due to its limited size. Tutankhamun would have utilized objects like clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, incense, furniture, chairs, toys, vessels made of diverse materials, chariots, and weaponry daily. These items represent the royal lifestyle.

One of history’s greatest ironies is that Tutankhamun, a very small king who was forgotten due to his relationship with the unpopular King Akhenaten, outranked many of Egypt’s legendary kings.