Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that we have the first pictographic record of events and persons. hieroglyphics, the system of writing used by ancient Egyptians can be traced back to about 3200 BC. At about 3180 BC the nations of Upper and Lower Egypt were brought under the rule of a single king titled Pharaoh. The first Pharaoh is thought to have been Menes, who set his capital at Memphis, 22 km south of Giza in today's Cairo. The Pharaohs established the systems that brought forth the highly successful Egyptian civilization.
The history of Ancient Egypt lasted for about 3,000 years. Ancient Egypt declined, was overrun and thereafter ruled by foreign powers. The Greeks and Romans who ruled after the decline were aware of the great similarity between their own gods an
d those of the Egyptians. They not only tolerated Egyptian religion, but also expanded existing temples and dedicated new ones to existing cults. Some of the new overlords, Alexander the Great for example, styled themselves as divine priest-kings in imitation of the Pharaohs.
Emperor Theodosius, who reigned after Christianity became the state religion in Rome, extinguished the last remnants of the living culture. The Egyptians worshipped hundreds of gods - a great offense against the monotheistic religions; whose first article of faith is that there is only one God. Theodosius decreed in AD 391that all pagan temples in the Roman Empire be closed.
The Arabs, who brought Islam to Egypt in 640 AD, also had no time for deities such as Anubis the jackal, Horus the falcon god or even Amon the king of the gods.
Ancient Egypt was dead for one thousand five hundred years, until the French came across the Rosetta Stone in the nineteenth century invasion of Egypt by Napoleon. This priceless discovery was inscribed in both Greek and Egyptian, and it was the key that allowed the deciphering of Hieroglyphics by Jean-Francois Champollion in 1822. The voluminous literature produced by Ancient Egyptians was now accessible to curious scholars. This rekindled great interest in Ancient Egypt in the West that remains undiminished to this day.
Religion is the common theme running through the attractions of ancient Egypt. The diversity of gods found worthy of worship is astounding. There were over 2,000 of them of either sex and they supposedly manifested themselves to earthlings as animals. There were overlaps and the same gods could be known with different names in various parts of the country. There was hardly any part of the life experience that was not assigned a deity- digestion, mummification, sexuality, feasting, childbirth, writing - you name it. Some gods came and went out of fashion, but those connected with basic aspects of life were enduring. Such deities had cults and temples dedicated to them.
The afterlife was taken very seriously, and a lot of the monuments relate to preparation for that glorious time. Mortuary and burial preparation was so elaborate as to ensure a painless and enjoyable afterlife. The custom of mummification, for example, was seen as necessary for the soul needed a physical body to occupy in the other world. There was however great inequality in preparation for eternal life. The Pharaohs and other royals, nobles and key officials were mummified and accompanied by grave goods and great treasure. The common folk who could not afford the full treatment had to do with statuettes of mummies.
The main draw to Egypt is the legacy of the Pharaohs and the Greeks and Romans who ruled after them. Basically this legacy is associated with temples, tombs and burial places. People in Egypt from the earliest times to present have always lived along the River Nile and this is where you find the richest harvest of ancient monuments. As many travelers will testify, the best way to experience classical Egypt is by taking a http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/egyptour.htm
Nile Cruises...the very words conjure up an image of mystery, enchantment and unforgettable experiences of one of the most ancient civilisations.
Nile Cruises are so much more than a conventional holiday.
From the magical Temples of Karnak and Luxor to the stunning Valley of The Kings, the burial place of The pharaohs, you will lazily follow the Nile visiting some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world.
Every day you will visit new sites and learn more about The Nile, Egypt's lifeline since ancient times. In the afteroons you will cruise down The Nile aboard your chosen cruise vessel and relax whilst witnessing the life of those who live on the banks of one of the worlds' most mighty rivers.
At Nile Cruises 4u we specialise in putting together "custom-made" cruises that combine excellent Nile Cruise vessels with flights to suit your pocket and choice of departure airport. Almost all of our recommended Nile Cruises also include a full program of 10 or 12 excursions and the accompaniment of an experienced Egyptologist in the basic cost.
You can simply book your Nile Cruise and use your own flights or you can ask us to source the best priced and most convenient flight for your needs. We can also offer you a "Cruise and Stay" arrangement where you enjoy 7 days Nile Cruise and then a further choice of extra days of relaxation in a hotel in Luxor, Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm-El-Sheikh or other Egyptian city or Red Sea resort. We also offer the exciting new opportunity to combine a 7 night Nile Cruise with a further choice of extra days at the luxurious Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus.
Whatever you choice please feel free to call us, with absolutely no obligation, via our Freephone number, 0808 1089 100 and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the wonderful travel experience that is a Nile Cruise.
To give you an insight into what your Nile Cruise experience might be like please download our FREE Nile Cruise eBook. Here you will find unbiased reviews from fellow travelers who have experienced the magic of a Nile Cruise.
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