Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham is an ancient Egyptian site located near the Mediterranean coast, west of the city of Marsa Matruh. It is primarily known for the remains of a small fortress or military outpost that dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the New Kingdom period. The site has garnered attention for its well-preserved state and the light it sheds on Egypt’s western frontier during a time of empire expansion and defense.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Tomb of Ankhtifi
The Tomb of Ankhtifi is an ancient Egyptian burial site that dates back to the First Intermediate Period. It is located in El-Mo’alla, an ancient town in Upper Egypt. The tomb is famous for its vivid autobiographical inscriptions of Ankhtifi, a nomarch during a time of political fragmentation in ancient Egypt. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the socio-political climate of the era.
El-Hawawish Tombs
The El-Hawawish Tombs are an ancient necropolis located in Egypt. They consist of rock-cut tombs belonging to the Old and Middle Kingdoms. These tombs provide insight into the lives of non-royal individuals. They offer a wealth of information on the funerary practices and daily life of ancient Egyptians. The site is significant for understanding the development of Egyptian art and architecture.
Tanis
Tanis, once a bustling metropolis of ancient Egypt, now lies as a testament to the grandeur of a civilization long past. This city, shrouded in sand and mystery, was the political and economic hub of the Nile Delta. It served as the capital during the 21st and 22nd dynasties and was home to a wealth of archaeological treasures, including royal tombs and precious artifacts. Tanis’s significance in history is underscored by its rich finds, which continue to offer insights into ancient Egyptian culture and society.
Speos Artemidos
The Speos Artemidos is an ancient Egyptian temple located in Middle Egypt. It stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious fervor of the ancient Egyptians. The temple is dedicated to the lioness goddess Pakhet, often associated with Bast and Sekhmet, deities with similar attributes. Carved out of the rock cliffs, Speos Artemidos is a monument that Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most formidable pharaohs, commissioned. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of royal authority and divine power.
Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues in Egypt. They depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III and have stood for nearly 3,400 years. These towering figures are all that remains of a once extensive mortuary temple. The statues have become famous not only for their size and history but also for the ‘singing’ phenomenon reported in antiquity. They are named after Memnon, a hero of the Trojan War, due to a later association with the sounds they once made at dawn.