Few civilizations achieved the level of fame belonging to Ancient Egypt. The Pharaonic Period dates back to around 3200 BC and lasted for three millennia.Today the ruins they left behind capture the imaginations and curiosity of thousands from around the world. Here are some of Ancient Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites.
Luxor Temple
The sandstone temple was constructed in 1400 BC in dedication to the Theban Triad worshipped by the cult of the Royal Ka. The triad refers to the deityAmun, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. Luxor Temple is an architectural wonder, utilizing illusionism to enhance its visually imposing qualities.
Valley of the Kings
Behind the West Bank of Luxor lies the Valley of the Kings, where the New Kingdom of Egypt built tombs for their Pharaohs and nobles from the 16th to the 11th century BC. It is also one of the oldest tourism destinations in the world, popular during the times of Roman conquest. There is even ancient graffiti scrawled in Phoenician, Cypriot, Lycian and Coptic on some of the walls, dating back to 279 BC. Today it is most famous as the resting place of Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.
Karnak
Karak is the immense complex on the East Bank of Luxor. The open-air museum contains numerous temples, chapels and buildings, making the site one of the largest religious sites in the world, second only to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Senusret I of the Middle Kingdom began construction of the complex around 3200 BC, but its design and function constantly changed over time. Pharaohs made various additions over the course of three millennia until it was abandoned by the time Constantius II of the Roman Empire ordered the closing of all pagan temples.
Abu Simbel
Two stone temples reside in the small village of Nubia, located near the southern border of Egypt. Theywere carved out of a mountain on the command of Pharaoh Ramases II, dedicated to his wife Nefertari and his own victory in the Battle of Kamesh (allegedly the biggest chariot battle ever fought, involving 5,000–6,000 chariots). Built in 1264, it is said the temples were an expression of Ramesses II’s pride and ego, wanting to impress Egypt’s neighbors to the south. Today, thousands gather for the bi-annual sun festival.
Temple of Edfu
As one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, the Temple of Edfu provides a wealth of information on the Greco-Roman period of Ancient Egypt. It was built during the Ptolemaic Period, when Egypt was ruled by the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Construction began under Ptolemy III in 237 BC and was completed nine generations later by Ptolemy XII in 57 BC. The temple was dedicated to Horus, as the Hellenistic rulers at the time actively participated in Egyptian religion and culture.
Giza Necropolis
The two most iconic images of Ancient Egypt can be found here, the Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. It is the only Ancient Wonder that is still in existence and by far the oldest, dating back to 2584 BC, beating the rest by almost two millennia. The site was a cemetery for the elite class of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom.
Read This Next
Under $100: Egypt
Africa
Jan 4, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Sep 6, 20242 Adventure-Infused Hotel Experiences for Fall and Winter Getaways
With travelers looking for new adventures and experiences while traveling, two Hyatt resorts offer new adventure-infused programs offering memorable opportunities year-round.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Bachelor/ette Parties
Sep 6, 2024Host a Spellbinding, Halloween-Themed Bachelorette Party with BachBoss
Time to conjure up an unforgettable bachelorette party this fall. BachBoss can help, as the company specializes in creating celebrations to enchant. Brew up an event that combines the charms of fall with the spookiness of Halloween with these tips:
Destinations / North America
Sep 5, 20243 Can’t-Miss September Events in Denver
Headed to Denver this month? Summer fun doesn’t end after Labor Day weekend. Here are a few other can’t-miss events to catch in the Mile High City.
Sponsored Content
Feel at Home in Madrid
Feel at Home Five-star hotels that are havens of luxury and sophistication, urban hotels with swimming pools (The Madrid EDITION), hotels in palaces (Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá), boutique hotels, hotels that have rooftop bars with 360-degree views of the city (Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton), hotels with music (UMusic Hotel Madrid), hotels with private gardens (Rosewood Villa Magna) … these are just a few examples of the unique services hotels in Madrid offer. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll feel at home right from the start and you’ll receive the warmest possible welcome.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 5, 2024Why Trekking Trails Are This Year’s Hidden Gem for European Fall Travel
According to this year’s Global Wellness Summit Trend Report, people are rediscovering the beauty of exploring nature. Walking enthusiasts are ready to get out and explore trails around the world, connect with nature, and learn more about an area’s cultural heritage while on multiday hikes. With European countries battling overtourism, remote locations and trekking trails gain more and more traction.
ShareThis