Memphis
The Birthplace of an Empire Near modern-day Cairo, Memphis was the first capital of an ancient Egypt and among the most influential cities in early civilization. Founded about 3100 BC by King Menes, it was an important center in the unifying of Upper and Lower Egypt, preparing the ground for pharaohs rule. Established with al-, the entrance of the Nile Delta, Memphis soon became the flourishing center of administration, trade, and religion, earning itself the tagline, "the Balance of the Two Lands."
When it was thriving, Memphis contained grandiose palaces, towering temples, and busy markets that attracted artisans, traders, and nobles across ancient world. It was also a sacred city of Ptah, god of creation and craftsmanship, thus making it a major religious center. Although centuries of erosion and invaders have left much of Memphis in ruins, it is still one of the major attractions in Cairo for those wishing to learn about the origins of Egypt.
What to See in Memphis?
Visiting this once-great capital that has now lost its grandeur is still worthwhile. The most famous antiquity here is the Colossus of Ramses II, a gigantic limestone statue that stood taller than 10 meters. This figure, bearing a multitude of carvings, reflected the effort and power of one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Near it stands the Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, which is a finely sculptured limestone statue of about 80 tons and is supposed to represent either Queen Hatshepsut or King Amenhotep II.
Memphis is now scattered with temple ruins, one of which comprises the remnants of the Temple of Ptah, considered one of the largest temples in ancient Egypt. Despite the temple having lost much of its original purport, its foundations and artifacts tell little about the spiritual life of the city. Numerous Cairo day tours combine Memphis with Saqqara and Dahshur to show visitors how the pyramid evolved and ancient Egyptian art. Strolling through such historical sites is one of the richest excursions in Cairo, bringing an authentic passage to early dynastic Egypt.
Why you should visit Memphis?
Memphis is now a shell of itself in terms of populus, but its historical significance has not waned at all. It was a seat of power for the first pharaohs of Egypt, but under the weight of their spirituality, the arts flourished significantly, an opportunity one wouldn't want to pass on when in Egypt. Ambling around Memphis might give you an insight into how one of the world's most powerful civilizations came to be, almost forming an essential stop in a tour of Egypt.
Travelers looking to scratch the surface of Egyptian history will find themselves in awe of the very base of it by exploring Memphis. Including the latter in your Cairo trips will definitely grant you a journey that depicts the correlation between ancient ruins and Egypt's grand history. Whether you are a deeply rooted fanatic in the realms of archaeology, or simply enthralled by the magnificence of eons-old wonders, Memphis is a must-visit that brims with history. The ruins of Memphis and the villages nearby, markets full of local handicrafts, and rural landscapes right adjoining the Nile serve to depict the essence of contemporary Egyptian life. Said journey to Memphis is hence not just exploring the past, but showing to its viewers a present of living heritage of Egypt, with old history juxtaposed to the current culture.
