EGYPT
Country Overview:
"A land of ancient wonders, where scorching sands meet the cool waters of the Nile, and pyramids stand as testaments to a rich and mysterious past."
Egypt surpassed all my expectations. From the bustling heart of Cairo to the serene beauty of the Nile River, every moment was a revelation. Cruising down the river, I was captivated by the majestic temples and tombs that lined its banks, each one whispering stories of pharaohs and forgotten civilizations. Egypt's vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and the sheer awe of its historical sites left an indelible mark on me. It's a destination that truly lives up to its legendary reputation.
Temple of Horus
The Temple of Edfu (Horus) is an Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. It is one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt. The temple was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Hellenistic period in Egypt. In particular, the Temple's inscribed building texts "provide details of its construction, and also preserve information about the mythical interpretation of this and all other temples as the Island of Creation." There are also important scenes and inscriptions of the Sacred Drama which related the age-old conflict between Horus and Seth.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. In the Egyptian language it is known as ipet resyt, "the southern sanctuary". In Luxor there are several great temples on the east and west banks. Four of the major mortuary temples visited by early travelers and tourists include the Temple of Seti I at Gurnah, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri, the Temple of Ramesses II (a.k.a. Ramesseum), and the Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu; and the two primary cults temples on the east bank are known as the Karnak and Luxor. Unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of the king in death. Instead Luxor temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship; it may have been where many of the kings of Egypt were crowned in reality or conceptually (as in the case of Alexander the Great who claimed he was crowned at Luxor but may never have traveled south of Memphis, near modern Cairo).