Egypt
A little bit of history…
Egypt boasts the longest continuous history of any country in the world with over 5000 years of civilised rule making it almost impossible to give a brief summary of its history. We’ve done our best, but you will find it’s a tiny bit longer than the other histories in our country guides.
Early Dynastic Period (2950-2575 BC)
Menes is perhaps the most revolutionary king that Egypt has ever seen. It was he who brought together the southern and northern regions of Egypt to create one kingdom which would be ruled by more than 30 dynasties over the next 2700 years. His actions gave rise to the Pharaonic Era in which his ancestors formed the very first Egyptian dynasty. It was during this period that the very first Pyramid was build by King Zoser and his skilled chief architect, Imhotep (a name which you might recognise from the 1999 blockbuster, The Mummy). The Step Pyramid, which still stands at Saqqara, was the first in a long line of immense royal tombs which would come to be a symbol of a Pharaohs power and prosperity. It is also worth noting that the earliest known hieroglyphics date back to this period as well.
Old Kingdom (2575-2150 BC)
The forth dynasty, the first of the Old Kingdom, began with King Senfru, who followed his predecessors lead by ordering the construction of a selection of pyramids including the famous Bent Pyramid and the smaller Red Pyramid of Dahshur. These colossal structures were the first true pyramids, evolving from the design of the step pyramids to create the intriguing structures that are so famous today. Yet it is Senfru’s son, Khufu, who has become the world’s most famous pyramid builder. It was he who began construction of the famous Pyramids of Giza which now draw tourists from all over the world. While Senfru has been hailed as the “ideal king†because of his wisdom and righteousness, Khufu is famed as a tyrant who worked his labourers to the bone in order to get his Pyramid finished.
Despite the massive accomplishments during this period it ended on a somewhat sour note. With the birth of the fifth dynasty came a significant shift in power from the Pharaoh’s to the nomarchs (individual state governors). This unfortunate turn of events saw a rise in civil conflict which would gradually worsen until reaching crisis point when the country was struck by a devastating drought at the end of the era.
1st Intermediate Period (2125-1975 BC)
The civil conflict that overshadowed the mighty deeds of the Pharaoh’s in the Old Kingdom era continued into the 1st intermediate period. As the strength of the nomarchs continued to increase a divide arose between north and south, temporarily undoing Menes’ unification 700 years earlier. This period saw the ninth and tenth dynasties ruling in the north and the birth of an eleventh dynasty in the south. For a while these two dynasties ruled their separate kingdoms simultaneously but this peaceful coexistence could not continue for long.
Middle Kingdom (1975-1640 BC)
And indeed it didn’t. It was the second ruler of the eleventh dynasty, Mentuhotep II, who finally reunited southern Egypt with the northern regions. Though his rule was not free of rebellion he managed to maintain control by replacing and limiting the power of the nomarchs. As power passed from the eleventh dynasty to the twelfth the country moved into a period of peace which would last well beyond the Middle Kingdom era. Amenemhat I, the first leader of the twelfth dynasty introduced a system which would guarantee a peaceful handover from ruler to ruler, the co-regency system. Not only did this make the identity of the next ruler indisputable but it gave future rulers vital training before they began their reign.
Aside from the political strife at the start of the period, the Middle Kingdom is perhaps best known for its focus on art, literature and culture, and the artefacts which remain from this era serve as a constant reminder of this.
2nd Intermediate Period (1630- 1520 BC)
With the start of the Intermediate Period came another era of turmoil for ancient Egyptian civilisation. It was during this time that the Hyksos (ruler of foreign lands) invaded from the west and successfully seized northern Egypt from the weakening forces of the Pharaohs. The Hyksos rulers of the north were soon to become the 15th Dynasty which reign for over a hundred years. With them they brought new weapons of war (such as the composite bow and the war chariot) which would soon become an integral part of Egypt’s military forces.
In the Delta and Middle Egypt the 16th Dynasty remained but in a weakened state much unlike their predecessors. Though the 16th Dynasty appeared to have maintained control in this region it is thought that the Hyksos may actually have been ruling through the dynasty. It was the native Egyptian rulers of Thebes, however, who finally reunited Egypt. Kamose, the last leader of the 17th Dynasty, defeated the Hyksos in battle and yet it was up to his brother Ahmose to restore peace to the country.
New Kingdom (1539-1075 BC)
When Ahmose restored peace at the start of the New Kingdom he set the tone for the entire era (at least within the country). Civil dispute was replaced by a grim determination to maintain and expand the borders, and Egypt’s armies continuously struggled for control of neighbouring lands. This era produced some of Egypt’s most famous rulers including the female king, Hatshepsut. During her reign she renewed the building projects of old, commissioning hundred of projects across the country and creating some of the most magnificent temples the country has ever seen. She successfully maintained Egypt’s borders as well as mastering the arts of propaganda and trade, but instead of being honoured for her achievements, Hatshepsut was damned to eternal death. The Egyptian’s believed that the spirit could live beyond the grave as long as some remembrance (perhaps a statue or a name engraved on the walls of their tomb) remained in the land of the living. After Hatshepsut’s death her statues were defaced and her inscriptions destroyed cursing her with an endless death. It is not known who ordered Hatshepsut’s monuments to be destroyed but historians believe that Tuthmosis III (whose throne she stole when he was an infant) is a likely candidate. This period also saw the construction of the impressive Tomb of the Valley of Kings which remains one of Egypt’s most popular tourist attractions today.
3rd Intermediate Period and Late Period (1075-332 BC)
Another period of turmoil followed in which the Pharaoh’s began to lose control over the country. After the death of Rameses, Smendes I began his rule, but only in the northern regions. In the south the High Priests of Amun took control. The country did not remain divided for long but this was just the start of an era characterized by civil war, political unrest and foreign invasion. The city of Thebe was occupied and sacked by Memphis, ruled by the Assyrians for nearly 200 years, and finally Persia invaded and took control.
What followed…
Mazaces surrendered Egypt to Alexander the Great in 332BC where he founded the city of Alexandria. Alexander handed over control of Egypt to his general Ptolemy who became the new Egyptian king beginning a brand new Dynasty that would see Cleopatra VII on the throne. She became the mistress to Julius Caesar and gave him one son, Ptolemy Caesar, who he refused to name as his heir instead choosing the mighty Octavian. Later, after Caesars death, she married Mark Antony, one of Caesars successors. The two lovers committed suicide after Octavian defeated their forces. It is said that Cleopatra was killed by the poison of an asp which she had hidden in her fruit basket so she would never know when she was going to die.
Egypt was ruled by the Romans until 642AD when the Arab dynasties began, bringing with them Islam and introducing it into Egyptian society. It was during this period that the Crusaders were driven out of Palestine by Salah Eddin who founded the last Arab Dynasty. When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt in 1798 he not only ended another era of Egyptian history, but also introduced the country to the changing modern world. Muhammad Ali, an officer of the Ottoman army who rose to power almost by accident, began Egypt’s long journey toward modernisation. He is now commonly believed to be the father of modern Egypt. Muhammad Ali was eventually forced to relinquish control of Egypt to the British and the country became a British protectorate until 1922.
In 1923, Sa'ad Zaghloul formed Egypt’s first representative government. Since Egypt has seen peaceful revolutions, political displacements and the end of the monarchy. It has struggled with poverty, disease and over population but has shown a gradual improvement which should lead the way to a brighter future.
Sights and sounds…
There are so many things to do and see in Egypt that you may find one visit just isn’t enough. We’ve broken it down into four categories to make it that little bit easier swallow and to help you make the most of your time in this extraordinary country.
Historical landmarks
The Pyramids
Of course there are the Great Pyramids at Giza (see highlights) but these aren’t the only Pyramids that you can visit when in Egypt. In fact, the countries earlier pyramids will help you develop an understanding of the early attempts to build a true pyramid. Dahshur offers some of the most insightful Pyramids in the country including the southern Pyramid of Senfru which is commonly known as the Bent Pyramid because of its imperfect shape. It is one of the first true pyramids ever to be built, and though it was not a complete success, it allows us to track the architectural progress of the Egyptians during this era. Also found in Dahshur is the Red Pyramid which is not only the first ever successful true pyramid but also the third largest in Egypt.
Saqqara is another important destination when it comes to Pyramids and it is here that you will find the Step Pyramid of Zoser. This was the very first pyramid to be built in Egypt, and though it is not a true pyramid, it marks the start of the Pyramid trend in Egyptian architecture.
Temples and Tombs
Egypt’s temples and tombs form a large part of its cultural heritage and you’ll probably want to visit a selection of them. Luxor is the best place to start and it offers a vast array of attractions for you to visit. This is where you’ll find the world-famous Tomb of the Valley of Kings (see highlights), but few people know that Luxor is also home to the Tombs of the Valley of Queens. Though lesser known, this vast catacomb is home to between 75 and 80 tombs and travellers will find that they’re just as intriguing as the Tombs of the Valley of Kings. Another incredible structure that’s found in Luxor is the magnificent three-tiered Temple of Hatshepsut. Though the temple has been partially reconstructed since its discovery in 1891, it remains a prime example of ancient Egyptian architecture. The Colossi Memnon is also essential viewing for any traveller. Once a mortuary temple in the centre of Thebes, all that remains today are the two enormous statues of Amenhotep III that have stood outside the ancient temple for over 2000 years.
If you have time to explore the country in a little more detail then a visit to Kom Ombo is a definite must. Here you will find one of Egypt’s most impressive temples which, though damaged by the passing of centuries, still gives travellers a tantalising glimpse of Egyptian civilisation and religion.
Natural Wonders
The River Nile is perhaps the most famous river in the world and some would argue that it is also the most beautiful. If you’re looking for an experience like no other then travelling down the Nile is something you won’t be able to resist. Not only will you see some beautiful sights but you’ll also begin to understand why this river is so important to the lives of the Egyptian people. Aswan is the best place to view the River Nile where lush emerald islands are contrasted against harsh desert plains.
Egypt is home to a selection of deserts all of which offer travellers the incredible opportunity to experience one of the world most challenging environments. These deserts are surprisingly beautiful and filled with charming oasis’ and weathered rock formations.
Coastal
With such a hot climate, Egypt is the perfect location for beach lovers and no visit would be complete without a trip to the coast. Egypt’s coasts offer an incredible selection of diving schools and resorts which will have you exploring the Red Sea in no time. Alexandria is one of the most popular coastal towns and boasts a selection of cultural attractions which will help to fill your days with worthwhile activities (when you’re not out enjoying the sunshine that is). If you want to give your undivided attention to Egypt’s beaches then you should head out to Hurghada where they’re at their best.
Best time to go…
Egypt’s peak tourist season runs from October right through to May and this is by far the best time to visit. It’s a good idea to book in advance if you’re going to be travelling during this time because hotels, flights and other modes of transportation get booked up way in advance. You’ll also have to remember that prices increase during this period so if you’re looking for a cheaper Egyptian break you might want to travel during the off-peak months. If you opt to travel at this time you’ll almost certainly suffer from the heat but you will also escape the crowds and this will certainly enhance your experience of Egypt’s many historical sites.
As you may already have guessed Egypt has an extremely hot climate and this is both a blessing and a curse. During the summer months (from June through to November) Egypt is extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 50ËšC in Aswan. Average temperatures during the summer months rest at 20ËšC along the Mediterranean coast and 26ËšC in Aswan.
During the winter months (December through to January) temperature can plummet to as low as 8Ëš across the country and even during the day travellers will find they need a warm winter coat. Travelling to the desert during these months can be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride with scorching sunshine during the day and bitter cold during the night.
Travellers should also beware during the months of March and April when the khamsin wind begins to blow. This hot, dusty wind can reach up to 150km per hour and is not only uncomfortable but dangerous for unprepared travellers.
Rain is rare in Egypt and though Alexandria receives around 19cm a year Aswan only receives an average of 10mm every five years.
Another factor which must be considered when planning your trip to Egypt is Ramadan. During this religious month alcohol is not allowed and the only place that you will be able to purchase it is likely to be your hotel (where you will be required to prove that you are not an Egyptian citizen). You will also find that restaurants rarely open before sunset and tourist attractions close earlier than usual giving you less time to explore. Despite this, visiting Egypt during Ramadan is actually somewhat desirable and will prove to be an unforgettable cultural experience.
Getting around…
With it’s extensive public transport network and low prices, Egypt is a great location for independent travellers who will find they’re able to travel across the country with relative ease (though not necessarily in the utmost of comfort).
Plane
Though travelling by air may be too expensive for budget travellers, it’s a great option for anyone with a little more money to spend. This is one of the most luxurious modes of transport in Egypt and will get you where you want to go faster than anything else. The main domestic carrier in Egypt is Egyptair, but you will also find that Air Sinai provides a selection of flights across the country. If you plan to travel between the months of October and April it’s a good idea to book way in advance because flights get booked up really quickly during this period. Unfortunately, travellers are charged significantly more for their flights than locals are. There is little you can do about this so if you want to travel by plane you’ll just have to hand over your hard earned cash and grit your teeth.
Train
The Egyptian rail system runs to most large towns and cities in the country providing travellers with a fast and generally reliable means of travel. They’re also surprisingly cheap and you can get a 1st class wagon-lit journey for significantly less than the same journey in the USA or Europe.
Wagon-lit trains are the most expensive option but they offer air-conditioning, overnight bunks, dinner and breakfast served in your compartment and they’re also significantly faster than regular trains.
Regular trains are also available for daytime or overnight journeys. Though these trains usually include sleeper compartments they are often unavailable to foreign travellers. These trains are significantly cheaper than wagon-lit trains and students will find them particularly accommodating (assuming, of course, that you have an International Student Identity Card which will give you up to 50% off most of your journeys).
Bus
Independent travellers will love the bus network in Egypt which not only runs to towns and cities but also to more remote villages. This gives travellers a rare opportunity to get to the heart of the local culture by spending time in locations that are commonly out of reach. Though bus tickets in Egypt aren’t cheap, they certainly aren’t expensive and travellers on a budget should have little trouble getting from A to B (but remember to keep your ticket handy because they’re nearly always checked).
However, what puts many tourists off travelling by bus is the overcrowding. Intercity buses are the worst for this and the chances are that you won’t be able to find a seat or that you’ll be sharing yours with more than the allotted number of travellers (this may mean carrying a child on your lap, or even a fully grown man!). This is certainly a unique cultural experience but few people want to go through it more than once.
On some occasions luxury buses are available and though these will cost slightly more than the "average" Egyptian bus ride the extra comfort is more than worth it. The cost of bus fares will vary depending on the luxuries which are available on board, this could be anything from air conditioning (which you will really appreciate) to onboard video systems (which you probably won’t).
Where possible tickets should be booked in advance to ensure you get a seat. This isn’t usually possible on shorter journeys but its well worth checking before hand. Bus timetables in Egypt are notoriously unreliable and you may find yourself waiting hours before the bus even leaves the depot.
Despite the overcrowding, the unreliability and the non-stop video systems, buses are a good, cheap way to travel across the country.
Taxi
If you’re thinking that taking a taxi might well be worth the extra expense to avoid the overcrowding of the buses then think again. Most taxis won’t leave until they’ve filled their cab (and by filled I mean squeezed six or seven people into a space that should only hold five). Of course you can always pay extra to have less people in the cab but this may mean doubling the price that you and your companions are paying.
Driving
Perilous is a word that comes to mind when you consider driving through Cairo, but in other areas of the country it’s actually a really good idea. You’ll need to be particularly careful at night because Egyptian’s rarely use their headlights turning driving into a guessing game that could have disastrous consequences. If you’re not comfortable driving in Egypt yourself it is usually possible to hire a car and driver from local and international car rental agencies.
If you’re considering renting a car in Egypt there are a couple of things that you need to consider:
- You need an international driving permit, without one you risk a heavy fine.
- Drivers generally need to be over 25, if you’re younger than that you might want to consider alternative travel options because renting is going to be difficult.
Felucca
These traditional sailing ships offer an incredible cultural experience (and they’re a lot more comfortable than a camel). You can choose between a short boating experience or a longer trip between one of the Niles many river cities (including the delightful Aswan).
Camel
If you’re looking for a cross-cultural experience like no other then buying and riding across Egypt on a camel is definitely the way to go. Of course this is both expensive and time consuming as you have to learn to ride it before you travel anywhere. It’s also extremely painful for beginners and you will probably come to regret it just a short distance into your first journey. Fear not, it does get better, but is it really worth it?
Donkeys
These are great for getting around cities and can be rented without too much expense. Again you have the problem of learning to ride but unless you’re planning to take your donkey on an obstacle course this shouldn’t be too difficult. Depending on how long you need the donkey for, you can either rent it for a couple of hours or a couple of days. Either way it’s an interesting cultural experience that will probably give your friends a giggle when you get back.
Highlight: The Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza...
Of the Seven Wonders of the World the Pyramids of Giza are the only ones that remain standing today. They attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year as well as numerous mathematicians, historians and archaeologists. For 4 ½ millennia these unique structures have stood as a constant reminder of a civilisation that reached far beyond anyone expectations. To say that the pyramids are humbling is an understatement; indeed, these colossal structures will leave you in a state of wonderment for days.
The first ever pyramid was build in the 27th century BC by King Zoser. This immense structure stands as an eternal reminder of Zoser’s power and prosperity. The stepped walls of this impressive tomb would provide him with access to the heavens while the traditional wooden boats (buried with every Pharaoh) would carry him to the next life. It was this Pyramid which began the trend that would lead to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza by last three Pharaohs of the 4th Dynasty: Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
The Sphinx of Giza, while slightly less impressive than the pyramids, is an awe-inspiring structure none-the-less. It lies to the south of Khafre’s Pyramid and is thought to be the first statue of such colossal size to have been made in Egypt. This intriguing creature with the body of a lion and the face of a man is often said to have been created in the form of Khafre (though there have been suggestions that it looks more like the kings brother, Djedefre, who is rumoured to have usurped the throne). Over the millennia the Sphinx has come to represent strength and wisdom, characteristic which are also commonly associated with the ancient Egyptians.
Highlight: The Tombs of the Valley of Kings...
With sixty two Pharaoh’s and nobles once resting in this ancient catacomb, the Tombs of the Valley of Kings are one of Egypt’s most prized historical landmarks. You’ll come across some familiar names as you explore the tombs including Tutankhamen and Hatshepsut whose names appear in primary level history books around the world.
Though many of the tombs are closed to the public those that are open will give you a unique cultural experience that will allow you to better understand the customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptian people. You’ll need to remember that photography is not allowed within the tombs and also that you are expected to remain quiet throughout. This is to ensure that tourists cause as little damage to the tombs as possible.
Tickets usually allow entrance to three tombs and this will leave travellers with the complex dilemma of deciding which tombs they want to see. If you want to fully appreciate the tombs you won’t try to squeeze any more tombs into one visit and you’ll find that no matter which tombs you choose you’ll be completely satisfied with your visit.
The earliest tomb in the Valley is that of Tuthmose III. This oval-shaped crypt is decorated with ancient inscriptions including both hieroglyphics and pictures, and will intrigue any traveller. The main attraction of the Tomb of the Valley of Kings, however, is the crypt of Tutankhamen. You’ll need a separate ticket to enter this extraordinary tomb but the extra cost will be more than worth it. The tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and, unlike many other tombs in the area, was still mainly intact. The discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb represents a turning point in the study of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the untouched contents of the tomb (including funerary equipment, Tutankhamen’s mummy and the infinite riches which he left behind) allowed archaeologist’s across the world to better understand this unique empire. The remains of Tutankhamen still lie in the depths of the tomb making him the only Pharaoh still residing in the Valley of Kings. Though the sarcophagus itself is not visible to the public (rather frustratingly it lies just out of sight), the wall-painting which decorate Tutankhamen’s tomb will make your visit unforgettable.
Useful links…
www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/The BBC website has a whole wealth of information on Egyptian history as well as some entertaining games to help it all sink in.
www.egyptair.com.eg
Egyptair, the leading domestic airline in Egypt.
www.ask-aladdin.com
This website is simply jam-packed with useful information about travelling to Egypt including bus/train timetables, travel tips and attraction information.
www.egypt.travel
Egypt’s official tourism website.
www.ancientegypt.co.uk
Heaps of information about ancient Egyptian society.
www.touregypt.net
Lots of interesting information about the histories of Egypt’s many historical attractions.
