Archive for Ancient Egypt
Egypt re-opens museums and sites to draw back tourists
Posted by: | CommentsEgypt has re-opened many of its museums and historical sites which had been closed since the civil uprising started in January.
Tourists visiting Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, which houses Tutankhamun’s golden death mask, were welcomed by staff with roses.
The museum stands on Tahrir Square, the focus of the unrest, and some artefacts were stolen or damaged.
The upheaval is said to have cost the tourism industry $800m (£500m).
The usually busy galleries of the Egyptian Museum were virtually deserted when doors opened on Sunday, Reuters news agency reports.
“It was very important for us to open the museum to stop the rumours like ‘the mask of King Tutankhamun was stolen’ or there had been an orgy of looting,” said museum director Tarek El Awady.
“This is a chance for visitors to see for themselves.”
One tourist, Dutch supermarket worker Sandra de Rooij, said she and others had ventured out after assurances from tour operators.
“We gambled, we didn’t know the museum would be open,” she added.
Canadian tourist Barbara Bonkowsky said she had been “determined to come and see the museum in a new Egypt”, after the downfall of President Hosni Mubarak.
Source: BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12521034)
Nile Cruise Holidays – General Advice On Planning Nile Cruise Holidays
Posted by: | CommentsEgypt really is a amazing country steeped in history and culture. You’ll find it contains the longest river on earth, the Nile. If you are considering going on Nile cruise holidays, here are some suggestions that ought to help you plan your trip thoroughly.
The time of year can be really crucial. This can both be important due to the actual weather and climate as well as the amount of money that you have to shell out on the trip that you embark on. In the course of the high season rates are a lot higher, but you also need to take into consideration the climate and temperature.
The duration of the trip is one more critical element for you to take into account too. If you’re only going to Egypt for the purpose of taking a Nile cruise then something up to between 7 to 10 days might be appropriate. If, however, the cruise is going to be part of a general vacation then a longer trip may be a better plan.
Consider how much you are happy to spend on the entire trip. Needless to say this will vary according to the time of year, the length of the getaway, and the star quality of the cruise that you embark upon. If you’re travelling from a Western nation, however, 5 star Nile cruises are certainly affordable. Take some time checking prices and you should manage to find a few good choices.
Whenever you visit a place like Egypt it is very important to get yourself adequate travel insurance. There are various risks that you might encounter including the threat of terrorism or medical issues. A full travel insurance policy, therefore, will be vital. You’ll find a selection of crucial things that you need to remember when you are packing as well. There can be particular medications you’ll want to bring along with, and suntan cream will certainly be a necessity. All through your journey also ensure that you drink water frequently so that you remain hydrated.
Egypt’s oldest pyramid at risk
Posted by: | CommentsA British engineering firm have won a lucrative contract to help save the oldest pyramid in Egypt.
The 4,600-year-old pyramid of Djoser almost collapsed in 1992 after being hit by an earthquake.
But in a bid to preserve the ancient structure, a firm from South Wales has been called in to keep the pyramid standing.
A team from Cintec in Newport has been contracted by the High Council of Egyptian Antiques to rescue the landmark, which is also known as the Step Pyramid.
The firm worked on Windsor Castle after the fire of 1992 and was also called upon by the Indian government to strengthen a major Delhi bridge ahead of last year’s Commonwealth Games.
And after building a reputation for preserving landmark structures, Cintec has won an £1.8million contract to save the Pyramid of Djoser.
The engineers will use self-inflating water-filled bags to bolster against the collapse of a damaged ceiling inside the pyramid.
Stainless steel structural reinforcement anchors will also be implement in a bid to secure the strength of the building’s central chamber.
Peter James, managing director of Cintec, said: ‘We are extremely pleased to have been appointed for this project and are always looking for new methods to support and maintain historical landmarks across the globe.
‘We recognise the importance of both historical and religious structures to their cultures and hope to continue to develop advanced reinforcement systems that will preserve archeological structures for future generations.
‘The Step Pyramid project is of particular importance to us as the entire structure could be destroyed at any point due to the damage on the ceiling and roof caused by the earthquake.
‘We aim to work as efficiently as possible on this project without comprising the design or strength of the structure.’
Built in around 2650BC as a burial place for Pharoah Djoser, the Step Pyramid can be found in Saqqara, around 19 miles south of Cairo.
Source: (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1344204/British-firm-called-save-Egypts-oldest-pyramid.html)
What To Hope For On A Cruise On The Nile
Posted by: | CommentsFor a long time, cruises on the River Nile have been ferrying holidaymakers on a magical journey back in time along this superb river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt coupled with a gentle journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever well liked with travellers.
A normal Nile cruise lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from UK bring holidaymakers to Luxor where they are moved to their cruise vessel to check in. The next morning, the journey into historical Egypt begins with a pay a visit to to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The next day, the sightseeing continues on to the West Bank of the Nile which includes the Valley of the Kings just before coming back to the cruise boat for lunch. Immediately after lunch, the cruise ship departs Luxor venturing south for Edfu. Just after an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further excursions to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo just before sailing on to Aswan.
The next morning, it is time to experience Aswan and a more up-to-date structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam produced Lake Nasser, itself a cruise location. After lunch, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very scenic section of the River nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the Nile and it is where Agatha Christie wrote part of her well known book, “Death on the Nile”.
After an overnight stay in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or otherwise, there is an optional tour to the superb Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either nearly an hour by air or three hours but it is worth the time and effort.
Aswan is the turn-around point for cruises and now the cruise boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes two days with an over night stop at Edfu prior to returning to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and holiday makers head back to the airport and home.
Sphinx-lined road found in Egypt
Posted by: | CommentsEgyptian archaeologists have discovered an ancient road lined with sphinxes in the southern city of Luxor.
It is the first time archaeologists have revealed the road’s actual route, even though it is mentioned in many ancient texts.
The road reportedly led from the temples of Luxor north to the temple of an ancient goddess called Mut in Karnak.
The Egyptian government says 12 sphinxes were found along the road and were inscribed with names from the last dynasty of pharaohs, from around 360BC.
Most of the sphinxes were missing their heads.
Ancient Egyptians used the road once a year for religious processions.
Egypt is now working to excavate the road’s entire length.
They say it was heavily damaged during Roman times by the construction of more roads and houses on top of it.
Source: ABC News (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/15/3067160.htm?section=justin)
