Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

While the pyramids of Egypt were constructed during only part of the lengthy history of Egyptian Pharaohs, this period of time has left some of the most awe-inspiring monuments the world has ever seen. In addition to the three enormous pyramids of Giza, over 70 Egypt pyramids can be found along the Nile.

Giza Pyramids

The lion-bodied Sphinx guards the three Pyramids of Giza. These Giza pyramids are the location to which the bodies of King Cheops, Kefren, and Mykerinos were ferried via the Nile for burial in preparation for their journey to the afterlife.

The largest of the Giza pyramids is the oldest and finest of the three and is known as the "Great Pyramid"-this is Cheop's pyramid. Until the end of the 19th century, it was the tallest manmade structure in the world. However, despite being 4 meters shorter, Cheop's son and successor's pyramid generally evokes a bigger first impression because it is on higher ground and has a limestone cap still intact—this is Kefren's pyramid.

Mykerino's pyramid is the smallest of the pyramids of Giza, though it compensates for its lack of size with its outstanding valley and funerary temples.

Giza Sites to See on Escorted Tours to Egypt:

America Israel Travel suggests that those taking Egypt trips see the Solar Boat Museum, one of the three pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx Complex, and the Sphinx Sound and Light Show.

The necropolis of Giza is the final resting spot of the Pharaoh's family and his high officials. Within the mastabas and minor pyramids of Giza lay buried the queens and royal courtiers. Additional tombs hold engineers and craftsmen that worked to create these epic structures.

Dahshur Tour to the Pyramids

Originally, Dahshur was the location of 11 pyramids. Now, only the Bent and Red Pyramid remain intact and can be seen on ancient pyramid tours-two Old Kingdom pyramids. These monuments can be enjoyed in peace as this area is very quiet.

Memphis and Saqqara Pyramids

Once might, the Memphis is nothing compared to what it originally was, however, the city of the dead-the necropolis of Saqqar-has been exhumed through excavation of the desert sands and can be viewed while on Egypt tours with America Israel Travel. Memphis is located about 23 km south of central Cairo, sitting centrally in the floodplains on the western side of the Nile. Founded in 3000 BC, Memphis was founded by the legendary figure Menes. Menes is credited with the political unification of Egypt. The effective administrative capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom and partially later on in history, Memphis is definitely worth seeing during travel in Egypt.

Memphis has much to offer including 11 pyramids, endless mastabas, and a lone Coptic monastery which spans over 7 km and 3.5 thousand years of Egyptian civilization. King Djoser's "stepped" pyramid sits in the center. This was the first pyramid and first large stone structure the world has seen. To the north of the pyramid lies the ancient Pharaoh himself inside a stone "serdab". America Israel Travel suggests visiting this site if possible on ancient Egypt tours.

The Serapeum is also located at Saqqara and is represented by a life-size limestone sculpture, which is currently in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo along with a collection of mummified Apis bulls in huge coffins of granite. Of the 11 pyramids King Teti has the best reserved burial chamber, which is decorated with pyramid text that maps out his afterlife journey. The walls of the multi-chamber tomb of Mereruka are covered with amazing murals that have captured moments of everyday life back in Ancient Egypt.

Additional Things to See in Saqqara:

Those that travel to Egypt with America Israel Travel should also stop at the Serapeum, Zoser's funerary complex, and Mereruka's tomb.