The Great Sphinx is said to be a symbol of the essence of Egypt, and it has been one of the most photographed monuments in the land. Regardless of how many pictures you see of this great monument, while you surf the net or through photo album of a friend who recently visited, there is nothing that can prepare you for seeing it with your own two eyes. Here are some fast facts that might help you prepare yourself for this amazing feeling, must it happen soon! The Great Sphinx of Giza – Fast Facts: The Sphinx has been carved from the bedrock of the plateau of Giza. This monument is a mysterious marvel that has been here since the start of ancient Egypt. The structure is well known as being a body of the lion and having the head of a king/god.  [...]

There is a depression that lies to the south of the pyramid of Chephren. Here lies a creature that has a human head and the body of a lion. It has been named ‘sphinx’, and this was the first name was bestowed upon it by the Greeks, who found a resemblance to a fabulous creature that had possessed the head of a woman, the body of the lion and wings of a bird. As per studies, the sphinx is said to have appeared in Egypt as a form of the sun god, whom they fervently worshipped. The Egyptian sphinx is generally seen to have the face of the king of the region, who wears his traditional headdress and has the lion’s body. You might even find instances of sphinxes possessing the heads of rams. The animal ram is generally associated with one of  [...]

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and is the largest city of the country. The city is located on a peninsula, which is the midpoint of the coastline of Lebanon, as it runs along the Mediterranean Sea. The city also doubles up as the largest seaport and the main one at that, for the country of Lebanon. The first mention of Beirut can be traced back to the Tell el Amarna letters of ancient Egypt; and these letters themselves date back to the 15th century BC and this city is said to have been inhabited since then. Beirut is said to hold the seat of government for the country and has a significant role to play in the economy. The region’s cultural life, nightlife and theaters, all of it come alive here! However, there is quite a lot more in store  [...]

There is a lot for the historical traveler’s soul to explore when in Libya. If you have a liking for antiquities, deserts, ruins and beaches, then Libya is the place for you to plan your next holiday. Tripoli is perhaps the best place for you to begin your tour of the land of Libya. This region of Tripoli will help you get settled in and get you accustomed to the feel and the culture of this country. The distances among various regions of Libya are known to be vast and some of the internal areas are known to get very primitive; so it would be advisable to carry bottled water with you wherever you go. Toilet paper is another must. Stopovers From Tripoli Region: The seaside city of Sabratha lies around 41 miles away from Tripoli and is known  [...]

The Pyramids of Egypt have for long caught the fancy of one and all. Regardless of whether people are there to witness one of the oldest magnificent structures; or there to evaluate its historical worth – the Pyramids of Egypt have held their mystical grip on the world. Pyramids stand as testimony to the power of the pharaohs who ruled Egypt during the stable central government. These were, in actuality, tombs that were built to house them for their afterlife. Becoming Kings Of The Dead - According to the ancient Egyptian belief, when a pharaoh died, he would become Osiris – the king of the dead. The new pharaoh, his successor, would become Horus, god of the heavens. He is also called the God who is the protector of the sun. This entire  [...]

One of the biggest surprises to the archaeological world came about when a group of Austria archaeologists uncovered what may be the biggest find of this year. They have found remains of a 3500 year old Egyptian town which was completely buried under the earth in the northeastern region of the Nile Delta. The Austrian archaeological mission was in Tell El-Dab’a when they managed to unearth this splendid secret of the past. It is being believed that this city is likely to be ‘Avaris’, which in records, is said to be the capital of the Hyskos rulers. This ancient city being discovered in Egypt is a reason to celebrate for many researchers, as this may be the link they were looking for. Who were the Hyskos? The thirteenth and  [...]

Pyramids are the unique attraction that was made centuries ago by the aboriginal people in Egypt. The major out of all the pyramids are the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is the oldest as well as the largest pyramid out of other three in the Giza Necropolis that is surrounding what is today renowned as the EI Giza in Egypt. Pyramids have always created mystery in the world. Its origins, existence, and plenty of questions are still rotating around the world and in the minds of most of the individuals. Out of all, most of the people in this earth are still trying to seek the correct answer to the question – How tall is the Great Pyramid? Well, this may be a vague and unsolved mystery, but still people love to know and explore this ancient wonder  [...]

An Egyptian pyramid is a masonry monument that narrows in size from the bottom and tapers at the top giving it a shape of a pyramid. It was only in the Old and Middle kingdoms of Egypt that the pharaohs and queens were buried in this unique structure making it their tombs. Until now, 138 pyramids are found in Egypt among which the most ancient is supposed to be the Pyramid of Djoser built from 2630 BCE to 2611 BCE during the third dynasty. However, the Ancient Egyptian pyramids on the Giza plateau near Cairo are best known to the tourists where many pyramids are regarded as the largest structures. History/Significance During the early period of dynasty, those having enough funds were cremated in mastabas, which were appearing as bench. It was  [...]

On my Egypt tour, when my friends and I visited the Giza plateau holding the great pyramids, I was stunned at the Great Sphinx of Giza. It made be recalled that page of history book when I saw it as a mere picture. Oh! I was so excited to see some studied monument in front of my eyes. Some say it is a human head with a lion’s body, while some say it’s a female head perched on the lion’s body. According to me, this was the only definition until I saw it here. Its complete definition would be: A statue of female head, sitting lion’s body, and eagle’s wings! The Great Sphinx of Giza is the largest monolith monument in the world built on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in 2555 B.C. to 2532 B.C. The ancient Egyptians of Old  [...]

As it is with me, even you must have wished to once go to an Egypt tour and explore this great marvel. For me, it was a fascinating imagination since known from the school’s history books now turned into an exciting experience. I can only say one word for this pyramid – amazing! Known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid in the Giza Necropolis. We all know that the pyramids of Egypt were the sacred tombs of the pharaohs. So, even this great structure is the burial chamber of the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu that took 20 years for its construction, which was completed in 2551 B.C. Undoubtedly, it is among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and that is was the tallest artificial  [...]