King Sneferu | Life, Reign, Achievements, Facts, Legacy King Senefru, also known as Sneferu, was a powerful and influential pharaoh of ancient Egypt who reigned during the 4th dynasty, the Old Kingdom of Egypt. He is considered to be one of the most significant pharaohs of ancient Egypt and his reign marked a turning point in the history of the civilization. He expanded Egypt's territories and brought stability to the kingdom and initiated several building projects and architectural achievements that were considered to be engineering marvels. Pharoah Senefru was also the founder of the 4th dynasty and father of the famous pharaoh Khufu, known for building the Great Pyramid of Giza. His legacy in the history of ancient Egypt is truly remarkable and his impact is still felt to this day. This article will take a closer look at King Senefru's life, reign, achievements, and legacy, and how it has shaped the history of ancient Egypt. King Sneferu Early Life and Reign King Senefru, was the son of the pharaoh Huni and queen Meresankh I. He was born into a powerful family and was groomed from a young age to take the throne. During his ascension to the throne, the political climate of ancient Egypt was marked by power struggles and territorial conflicts. The King was able to navigate these challenges and consolidate his power through military campaigns and territorial expansion in Nubia, Lebanon, and Libya. During the early years of his reign, King Senefru led several military campaigns to expand Egypt's territories and bring stability to the kingdom. He also initiated several building projects and architectural achievements, including the construction of the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which were considered to be engineering marvels of their time. These early achievements established King Sneferu as a powerful and capable
King Sneferu | Life, Reign, Achievements, Facts, Legacy King Senefru, also known as Sneferu, was a powerful and influential pharaoh of ancient Egypt who reigned during the 4th dynasty, the Old Kingdom of Egypt. He is considered to be one of the most significant pharaohs of ancient Egypt and his reign marked a turning point
The God Osiris | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses | Myth, Facts, Description, Symbols God Osiris is one of the most prominent gods in ancient Egyptian mythology and Pharaonic civilization. He has been revered for centuries as the god of the afterlife, the dead, and the underworld. This god of fertility and the annual flooding of the Nile was also considered the ruler of the afterlife and the judge of the dead. In ancient Egyptian society, belief in the god Osiris played a central role in religious beliefs and practices. Although, his cult was one of the most popular and enduring. Many temples were dedicated to Osiris, and his festivals were celebrated with great reverence, marking important events in the religious calendar. This article will delve deeper into the mythology of Osiris, his role in ancient Egyptian religion and culture, and his continued presence in modern culture. The Myth of Osiris The story of Osiris is one of the most well-known and enduring myths in ancient Egyptian mythology. According to the myth, Osiris was the firstborn son of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut. He was the brother of Seth, Isis, and Nephthys. Besides, he is the father of Horus. Osiris was considered the ruler of the afterlife and the judge of the dead, in Ancient Egyptian belief. He was also associated with fertility and the annual flooding of the Nile River. The story goes that Osiris taught the Egyptians how to cultivate the land, build towns, and live in civilized communities. He also showed them the art of reading and writing, art of music, the art of medicine, and the art of religion. However, his brother Seth was jealous of Osiris's power and popularity and plotted to kill him. God Seth tricked Osiris into getting into
The God Osiris | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses | Myth, Facts, Description, Symbols God Osiris is one of the most prominent gods in ancient Egyptian mythology and Pharaonic civilization. He has been revered for centuries as the god of the afterlife, the dead, and the underworld. This god of fertility and the annual flooding
The tombs of Nobles in the New Kingdom | Layout, locations, decorations The tombs of Nobles in the new Kingdom of Egypt are located in many places on the west bank of the Nile River in the Theban necropolis depending on the historical era. During the Old Kingdom The tombs of Nobles were in El Tarif, on the north side of the Theban Necropolis. This area was for the provincial governors of Waset (Luxor). From the 11th Dynasty The tombs of Nobles in the New Kingdom spread between El Tarif and Deir El Bahari. These tombs were built around the royal funerary complexes of Draa Abu El Naga and Deir El Bahari. These traditions last till the 17th Dynasty, Second Intermediate Period. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty The tombs of Nobles started to be in different places from the royal necropolis. Engineer Ineni of Thutmose I believe that the Pharaohs’ tombs should be in a separate place. Rules of digging a Noble tomb Digging a tomb for a Nobel man in ancient Egypt was subject to certain rules from the beginning of the 18th dynasty. The very top of Sheikh Abd El Gurna was dedicated to senior statesmen (High Officials). While the lower part of the same place was dedicated to the less-ranking officials. Sometimes we found two tombs for the same person, one at the bottom of the area and one at the top of the area. Historians thought that maybe the one at the bottom was when the owner was a young official and he became an important official, he dug another one at the top with the High Officials. Ramesside period, 19th Dynasty In the Ramesside Period, Nobles chose two places for their tombs in Sheikh Abd El Qura such as Pa Ser TT106. Besides, The south part
The tombs of Nobles in the New Kingdom | Layout, locations, decorations The tombs of Nobles in the new Kingdom of Egypt are located in many places on the west bank of the Nile River in the Theban necropolis depending on the historical era. During the Old Kingdom The tombs of Nobles were in El
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known since the Greco-Roman era because of graffiti on the walls of the tomb. Here, you can see a different 18th Dynasty Nobles’ tomb style and part of the Egyptian civilization through the rich people. Besides, the importance of the ancient Egyptian religion in people’s life. The importance of the family in ancient Egypt in life and death. Who was Sennefer? Sennefer is one of the High Officials of the New Kingdom during the reign of Amenhotep II (1427-1400 BC), near the middle of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He became the Mayor of Thebes when his cousin Amenemopet was the Vizier of Upper Egypt. Sennefer Titles during his lifetime Sen Nefer or the good brother carried many titles during his life under Amenhotep II. Here are some of them Mayor of the city (Thebes) Overseer of the Granaries of Amun Overseer of the Herds of Amun Overseer of the gardens of Amun First friend of the palace, the king Ear of the King of Lower Egypt Lord of Kus Where is Sennefer’s tomb located? The tomb of Sennefer is located on Luxor west bank in the Upper Enclosure of the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna district of the Theban Necropolis opposite Luxor in the valley of Nobles. When was the tomb of Sennefer found? The tomb of Sennefer was known since antiquity. We know for sure that Englishman Robert Hay visited the tomb in 1826. Robert Hay copied the scenes of the tomb which is now in the British
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known
Alexandria, facts, history, location Alexander city has a rich history; not only was Alexandria founded by ‘Alexander the Great but also was one of the leading beacons of Christianity and had one of the biggest Cathedrals at some time. Alexandria location The city is located in the northern part of Egypt, some 225 km to the northwest of Cairo directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Alexandria lies at the western edge of the Nile River delta. Alexandria's location extends 32 km on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea from El Montazah Palace to El Corniche and ends west at the Qaitbay Castle. For one thousand years, Alexandria served as the capital of Egypt during the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine until the Arab conquest in 641 AD when the official capital became the city of Fustat. Alexandria Facts Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo The city has a population of 5 million people on a 2,679 km² It was built by Alexander the Great himself in 332 BC The fourth-largest city in the Arab world, and the ninth-largest urban area in Africa Egypt’s largest seaport and the center of much of its maritime activity Once, it had One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pharos Lighthouse The Citadel of Qaitbay is built on the same site as the popular lighthouse on the sea coast of the Mediterranean The legendary Library of Alexandria was the biggest and the most famous in its time Locals call it the 'Bride of Mediterranean This city became the Hellenic Civilization's major center during the Ptolemaic dynasty. Kom Al Shoqafa tomb or Catacomb is treated as the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and the Greek Noble family's final resting place. Roman Amphitheatre in the city contains a
Alexandria, facts, history, location Alexander city has a rich history; not only was Alexandria founded by ‘Alexander the Great but also was one of the leading beacons of Christianity and had one of the biggest Cathedrals at some time. Alexandria location The city is located in the northern part of Egypt, some 225 km to
Early Dynastic Period of Egypt | Thinite Period What is the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt? The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt, also known as the Thinite Period, refers to the period in ancient Egyptian history from about 3150–2650 BC. This was the era in which Egypt became a united country under the rule of one king and a centralized government. The Archaic period in Egyptian history immediately followed the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, c. 3150 BC. This Thinite Period comprised the first two dynasties of ancient Egyptian history, during which many of the major aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, and society emerged. The Archaic Period is characterized by the emergence of the kingdoms as a political unit, the development of an alphabet, and the rise of literature and art. Why it is called the Thinite Dynasty? The Early Dynastic Period is called Thinite Period because it originated in the south of Egypt in Thinis city. The Thinis city is supposed to be the city of the kings of the Archaic Period near Abydos in Sohag. How long did the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt last? The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt lasted from about 3150 to 2650 BCE, some 500 years. This period was characterized by the development of writing, which was used to record laws, religious texts, and other important information. What was the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt famous for? The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt is most famous for the construction of Mastabas with sun-dried bricks. The gods such as God Horus and God Seth became widespread in Egypt The writing system was developed especially in the second Dynasty during the Peribsen era. The capital of the united Egypt moved from Thinis to Memphis in lower Egypt. Kings of the first dynasty were buried
Early Dynastic Period of Egypt | Thinite Period What is the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt? The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt, also known as the Thinite Period, refers to the period in ancient Egyptian history from about 3150–2650 BC. This was the era in which Egypt became a united country under the rule of
Peribsen | Ancient Egyptian History Who was the Pharoah Peribsen? King Peribsen was an ancient Egyptian Pharoah of the Second Dynasty, Early Dynastic Period. His predecessor was Ninetjer and his successor was Khasekhemwy, the builder of Shunet El Zebib. Peribsen Family Until now, we have no idea about the Peribsen family or wives but most probably he was not from the royal family. According to some historians, Peribsen leads a coup to overthrow the sitting king. He is most known for changing with the royal tradition of associating himself with the god Horus and instead putting God Seth, the jackal, on top of his Serekh. There was a political and religious conflict between the followers of Horus and Seth for many years. In other words, there was a civil war between Upper and Lower Egypt and Peribsen made an obvious political statement about it by changing his name and supporting Seth against Horus. Pharoah Royal titulary We found 3 names for the Pharoah Peribsen and seems he changed the Egyptian traditions of that time by replacing God Seth instead of Horus in his Horus name. Horus name Sekhemib means the power of the heart Seth Peribsen Seth, the one who has come forth from them Nebty Name Sekhemib Per-en-maat The two ladies, powerful of heart, who has come forth from the cosmological order" Throne name Peribsen Facts about Peribsen Peribsen ruled Egypt for about seventeen years He was the first king to write his name on a cartouche in Saqqara King Peribsen has a tomb P in Abydos at Umm El Qaab square building without any side chambers There is a seal for the Pharoah in National Museums Liverpool One seal made out of clay was found in a tomb in Beit Khallaf in Upper Egypt A Granite stele was
Peribsen | Ancient Egyptian History Who was the Pharoah Peribsen? King Peribsen was an ancient Egyptian Pharoah of the Second Dynasty, Early Dynastic Period. His predecessor was Ninetjer and his successor was Khasekhemwy, the builder of Shunet El Zebib. Peribsen Family Until now, we have no idea about the Peribsen family or wives but most
Opet Festival in ancient Egypt | New Kingdom of Egypt | Egyptian Festivals What is the Opet Festival? The Opet Festival was one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt, especially during the New Kingdom in Thebes. It was an annual festival during which the sacred barks of the triad of Thebes, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu journeyed from Karnak to Luxor and back since the 18th Dynasty. According to some, the Opet Festival continued into the Roman and the Coptic Period. What is the most important festival in Egypt? Ancient Egyptian history is very rich with feasts and celebrations since the beginning of history. For example, the Saqqara complex has a huge place where they were celebrating the Heb Sed Festival. Meanwhile, during the New Kingdom of Egypt when Luxor was the capital, we found a lot of their feast during that time. During the Greco-Roman era, temples such as Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae still keep a lot of these feasts decorating their walls. Surprisingly, the Palermo stone dates back to 2500 BC and mentioned many of these feasts. Feats in ancient Egypt varied from religious to political feasts allowing all people to share both rich and poor. In fact, one of the most important feasts in the past was the Opet Festival together with the beautiful feast of the Valley. Meanwhile, they have much more feasts like gods’ feasts such as Min Festival, Sokar Festival, Bastet, Hathor, and Isis. The Purpose of the Opet Festival? The purpose of this festival was to give energy to the Netjer—divine power—and to reestablish the pharaoh’s divine right to rule. Queen Hatshepsut who ruled Egypt as a Pharaoh during 1473–1458 BC) is believed to have been the first to develop and celebrate the Opet Festival. During her reign, the
Opet Festival in ancient Egypt | New Kingdom of Egypt | Egyptian Festivals What is the Opet Festival? The Opet Festival was one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt, especially during the New Kingdom in Thebes. It was an annual festival during which the sacred barks of the triad of Thebes, Amun,
The Lighthouse of Alexandria | Location, History, Facts, Destruction The Pharos of Alexandria also called the lighthouse of Alexandria together with the Giza Pyramids were two of the old seven wonders of ancient times. Giza Pyramid still standing while the lighthouse of Alexandria was destroyed. Alexandria itself was one of 17 cities founded by the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. Most of these 17 cities disappeared, but Alexandria in Egypt thrived for many centuries and is prosperous even today. After the death of Alexander in 323 BC and before he finished the city, his general Ptolemy Soter, the new ruler of Egypt completed the city. As soon as the city was finished, it became very rich and prosperous. Ptolemy built the Pharos to guide the trade ships to the harbor. It was the first lighthouse in the world and the second tallest building after the Great Pyramid. The idea of this lighthouse was the beginning of establishing a number of other lighthouses in the Mediterranean, such as the port of "Portus" in Italy and La Coruña in Spain. Where is the lighthouse of Alexandria? The Pharos of Alexandria was at the entrance of the eastern harbor on the south part of Pharos Island. The lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the prototype of all subsequent lighthouses. What is the meaning of the word Pharos? The word Pharos means beacon or lighthouse to guide sailors and it was considered a technological triumph. When Alexandria Lighthouse was constructed? The work was begun under Ptolemy I Soter and was not finished until the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Ptolemy II inaugurated the building after 12 years in 282 BC and held a festival to honor his parents. Who was the Architect of the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Alexandria | Location, History, Facts, Destruction The Pharos of Alexandria also called the lighthouse of Alexandria together with the Giza Pyramids were two of the old seven wonders of ancient times. Giza Pyramid still standing while the lighthouse of Alexandria was destroyed. Alexandria itself was one of 17 cities founded by the
Mamluks | History, Leaders, Architecture & Decline In this article, we will talk in brief about the history of Egypt during the Mamluk era between 1250 to 1517 in which Egypt was ruled by Mamluks. We will mention who were the Mamluks. How they became rulers of Egypt? How they defeated the Mongols and the Crusaders? and how did the Mamluke state decline? Who are the Mamlukes? Mamluks were imported slaves by the Ayyubid’s rulers, mostly of Turkish or Caucasian stock, who were destined for a military career. The plan was to bring the Mamluks from non-Islamic countries. While they were mostly children who were raised according to strict rules in military barracks isolated from the outside world to guarantee their complete loyalty to the ruler. The Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad brought the Mamluks in the ninth century. After that, they were trained in the cavalry after their conversion to Islam to become soldiers and a force supporting the army under the direct leadership of the ruler. Some of them were appointed to high-command positions in the state, and they were the main reason behind the recruitment of the Mamluks is avoiding the recruitment of tribal members who are loyal and obedient to the leaders of their tribes. Later on, the Mamelukes’ influence increased until they were able to seize power in the year 1250 AD. Egypt was under the control of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 1169 AD, and the Mamluks were then part of the army in addition to the Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and others. This is to protect against a coup by members of the Ayyubid family and also to protect against attacks by the Crusaders. Saleh Ayoub died after 9 years of ruling over Egypt during the period 1240-1249 AD. Then, a struggle flared up between the
Mamluks | History, Leaders, Architecture & Decline In this article, we will talk in brief about the history of Egypt during the Mamluk era between 1250 to 1517 in which Egypt was ruled by Mamluks. We will mention who were the Mamluks. How they became rulers of Egypt? How they defeated the Mongols and the
