Egyptian Pyramids by Jimmy Dunn writing as Alan Winston

About Egyptian Pyramids

 

by Jimmy Dunn writing as Alan Winston

 

 

Amenemhet I, who founded Egypt's 12th Dynasty, was most likely the first ruler of the Middle Kingdom, after the First Intermediate Period, to build any sort of substantial pyramid. He did this at Lisht, near the Fayoum Oasis, which was growing in importance during this time. In fact, his pyramid named "Cult Places of Amenemhet's Appearance" most likely was built very near his new capital of Itj-towy. In addition, the old, important canal called Bahr el-Libeini may have run very close to the escarpment at the foot of Amenemhet I's pyramid, thus providing it with a harbor.

 

Amenemhet I also established a new tradition. In the Old Kingdom, the name of the pyramid usually was inclusive of the associated structures, including the pyramid town that so often grew up around the pyramids. However, from Amenemhet's time on, the major components of the complex each had their own names.

 

 

 

 

It was Maspero who, in 1882, was the first archaeologist to descend into the interior of Amenemhet I's pyramid. Then, in 1894 and 1895, the French archaeological expedition under the direction of Gautier and Jequier continued to investigate this pyramid. It was further explored by a team from the Metropolitan Museum of New York from 1902 until 1934 under the direction of Albert Lythgoe and Arthur Mace.

 

Unfortunately, a local Muslim cemetery is located atop Amenemhet I's valley temple.. This component of the complex has not been seriously investigated both because of the cemetery, and the fact that its remains are below the level of ground water in the area.

 

The mortuary temple is located on the east side of the pyramid and this component of the complex was called "High (rises up) Amenemhet's Beauty". It is much smaller and simpler then Old Kingdom mortuary temples that lies on a level below the pyramid's base. This may architecturally reflect back to an influence from Mentuhotep II's terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari. Hardly anything remains of this temple, and so reconstructing its layout is difficult at best. Fragmentary inscriptions and reliefs found in the ruins suggest that it may have been rebuilt during the reign of Senwosret I. Only the upper end of the mortuary temple's courtyard, which was originally open and had decorated walls, has been investigated. It may have been modeled on Mentuhotep II's complex as well.

 

Some relief fragments were found among the ruins of the mortuary temple and can be dated from the time of Amenemhet I. However, some seem to have been recreation of Old Kingdom scenes. Inscriptions from one such relief seem to indicate that from year 20 of Amenemhet I's rule, his son Senwosret I was a co-regent of his father. These reliefs appear to have had as their theme, the Sed Festival of Amenemhet which would have been held close to his 30th year of rule.

 

 

 

 

We do know that there was an offering hall from the limestone false door and granite altar found in the ruins. The altar is carved, depicting Nile gods and figures representing the nomes bringing offerings. In addition, foundation deposits were discovered that contained an ox skull, paint grinders and model vases of pottery and alabaster. Also found here were bricks with plaques of copper, alabaster and faience, one of which was inscribed with the pyramid's name.

 

 

 

 

The causeway ran in a straight line on the axis of the pyramid and temple, but interestingly, was built without a roof. Its walls were nevertheless apparently decorated with scenes depicting processions of foreigners, estates, nobles and gods. Regrettably, this generation of pyramids utilized mudbrick in their construction, which is always a problem from the standpoint of preservation. Today, the pyramid stands mostly in ruins that only rise about 20 meters above the Lisht ground level, though at one time its size was reasonably close to those built in the Old Kingdom. The core of the pyramid was made of small rough blocks of local limestone with a loose fill of sand, debris and mudbrick. Remarkably, and probably for spiritual reasons, pyramid includes relief decorated blocks from a number of Old Kingdom monuments. They include granite blocks from the pyramid complexes, particularly their caseways and valley temples, of Kufu, Khafre, Unas and Pepi (II?). They were used to line and block this pyramid's descending passage. This may suggest that the causeways and valley temples of these earlier kings may have already been ruined during the time of Amenemhet I. The casing for the pyramid was made from fine white Tura limestone.

 

The entrance of the descending passage way is in the north face of the pyramid about ground level. It was covered by the North Chapel, and upon the kings burial, a red granite false door at the rear of the chapel sealed the entrance. The entrance corridor, which was line with pink granite and sealed with blocks of the same material, gradually descends t a square chamber that lay on the pyramid's vertical axis. Here, a vertical shaft in the floor dropped to the burial chamber that today is troubled by local ground water. All efforts to pump the ground water out have so far failed.

 

A block with the cartouche of Khufu in Amenemhet I's pyramid

 

There seems to have been no small cult pyramid. The pyramid and mortuary temple were surrounded by no less than two perimeter walls, the outer being made of mudbrick and the inner one made from limestone. Between these walls at the rear (west) have been discovered 22 shaft tombs apparently belonging to the royal women. Fragmentary inscriptions have provided some information on these individuals, including the king's daughter, Neferu, who was the principal wife of Senwosret I, the kings mother, Nefret, and a principal wife, Nefrytatenen, who was the mother of Senwosret I. On the southwest corner of the pyramid was also found the tomb of Amenemhet I's vizier Antefiker. Near the northeast side of the pyramid between the enclosure walls are two mastabas of unknown ownership.

 

This pyramid was in effect very different then its predecessors. To a certain extent, it incorporated elements of both the old pyramids and the Theban tombs, including the style of some reliefs, the two terraces of the pyramid and temple, the central shaft to the burial chamber and the open causeway.

 

• Height: 59m
  
• Base: 84m
  
• Slope: 54^o 27'
  

 

tourism in fayoum

Fayoum

Located in the heart of the city of Fayoum, Egypt between the Nile Delta and Upper southwest of Cairo, a distance of 100 km, one of the oases in the Western Sahara, is a microcosm of Egypt, where he represents the Bahr Youssef Nile delta and Lake Qarun The north shoreline. And Fayoum were brought together all elements of attractions and features Btksha moderate throughout the year. Has emerged in which the successive civilizations of Egypt and left their mark through the pharaonic, Greek, Romanian, Coptic and Islamic. The area of Fayoum (6068.70 km 2) which comprises five administrative positions are (Fayoum, Snurs, Etsa, Tamia, Ebshiway)


Met all sorts of Fayoum three environments - coastal, rural and desert - together in beautiful harmony is only available to them. One of the highlights of the coastal environment which is a key element of attraction for tourism Lake Karun, which lies 20 km from the city and 80 km from Cairo, where the available water sports, fishing and surveillance of migratory birds and resident and located on the south coast range of facilities and tourist villages.

Tourism desert environment:

Close similarities Fayoum oasis, where the desert is surrounded on all sides except for a point relates to the Nile. Therefore, the desert represents 62% of the area which is rich in its flora and geological formations, mountains and hills and desert and Oaudettha and natural eyes, birds and rare wild animals, has announced the desert north of Lake Karun and around the Wadi Al-Rayan lakes and nature reserves as to contain the components of environmental and natural rare.




And allow tourism in the Fayoum desert safari tourism and sports tourism, therapeutic tourism, ecotourism and cultural tourism, visit the sites of ancient fossils
Of the effects of pre-rights and pre-history, the pharaohs, Greek and Romanian region.

Museum Port Said



Of about 90000 artifacts dating back several centuries: the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, Islamic, modern era.


Military Museum of Port Said










Includes three-dimensional paintings of the battle of 1956, and includes some of the pieces of war and military tools of the wars of 1956 to 1967 - 1973.

Beach of San Rahman's Cathedral
Fishing areas of the amateur, beautiful bridge, stone Said, Port Said, Port Fouad bridge services.

Nice island
, About 9 km and can be accessed Ballnchat of the marine terminal in Port Said


Fayoum



The city is one of the most beautiful cities and the nature of the Egyptian people

It is located in the heart of Egypt between the Delta and Upper southwest of Cairo, a distance of hundred kilometers, a

An oasis in the Republic and is a microcosm of Egypt, where he represents the Bahr Youssef gaining

The delta represents the north coastal Lake Karun .. Fayoum is the most important tourist areas in

Egypt, where high concentrations of all elements of tourist attractions which is characterized by the beauty of nature and its mild weather along

Year, has emerged in which pre-history, civilizations that left their mark through the effects of the everlasting

Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic, and an area of 6068.70 square kilometers

It comprises five administrative centers of (Fayoum - Snurs - Etsa - Tamia - Ebshiway).



And Fayoum is one of the provinces in north-level 00 and related to Beni Suef to the south-east

45 kilometers, and is bordered to the north of Giza, about 85 km and is considered a low-Fayoum Sun

Egypt's main reducers which is a hollow cavity in the Miocene formations, which disappears under

Geological formations and the latest low Nile through the hole as it enters Agon Sea canal

Yusuf, a branch canal from the Nile at Ibrahimia Dirout to Fayoum to be the only source

Fayoum, which supplies water (9 ر 1 billion m 3) for moving to the decline in the level of +26 m at Agon

To the level - 42 m from the coast of Lake Karun

Is different from the rest of low-Fayoum Almkhvdhat Amer Populations in it and he tells the Nile and the water



The fertile soil of silt which was transferred to the low with the Nile water

He also collected all of the characteristics which make the coordinates call it: Egypt micro -

Not the sun sets in Fayoum throughout the year, and up the brightness winter hours to 10 hours which is

A magnet for tourists in cold areas and migratory birds, 00

The history of housing in the Fayoum water where he lived prior to the date human Fayoum around Lake Karun

, Which was fresh water and increasing population access to the Bahr Youssef low-Fayoum in an environment provided

Population and Housing natural conditions such as water, soil and climate 00 and that humans settled and laid out

Urban population surveys indicate that the agricultural activity in Fayoum comes on top of activity

Population to the people of the region










Cab-Fayoum











It is the only county which includes two lakes, one is a lake of salt water Karun, which

One of the oldest natural monuments in the world, Lake and Wadi Al Rayyan of fresh water, which represents one

Of the latest Great Lakes region.

It is also the unique design for towers Hamaimha that dates back to the days of the Abbasid state.


Wadi Rayyan:

Located in the southwestern part of the province of Fayoum and Wadi El Rayan consists of Lake Superior, lake

Lower, and the waterfalls, which connects the lakes, and the eyes of Al Rayyan South lake

And Jabal Al-Rayyan, a region surrounding the eye, and the Mount recycled, which is located near the

Lake bottom.


The Wadi El Rayan is characterized by its environment, including integrated desert sand dunes and the natural and life Aiooon

Various plant and animals, as well as a variety of marine fossils, as are the waterfalls of the area

Various marine sports .. A reserve, 15 species of wild animals most important (al-Ghazal

White - Ghazal Masri - Fennec Fox - Fox sand - the wolf) and there are several types of

Hawks.






Lake Karun:



(Karun) is one of the people of the Prophet of God (Moses) peace be upon him, and is the richest man in history, as it was

Have enormous treasures unparalleled even in the most accounts, and legends dumping in the imagination, and reminds us of God

(Glory be to Him) in the Qur'an that (Korah) has got used himself overshadowed by the authoritative people

Virtue of his creator and forgot it, Fajsv Allah (God) the earth and make it a lesson for considering.

And feel free to gossip about the presence of many treasures (Karun) down the lake that bears his name, which

Located in the north-west of the province (Fayoum) in (Egypt), and in spite of the history has not

Decided yet if (Karun) had already lived in that area, but so far there is no reason

Uncertain and the lake behind his name, but this does not mean that the idea of a treasure (Karun) beneath

The lake is totally unacceptable, the matter is still preoccupying the minds of many, has been issued dozens of

Research studies and the serious talk about the possibility of the existence of these treasures the bottom of the lake, but were

Several attempts to search for it already, but all attempts have not yielded nothing, and this did not prevent

Researchers from the question to this day whether the treasures (Karun) are already down the lake, or not









This palace is believed to be the Palace Karun:



Whale Valley


There is this valley in the Wadi Rayan protectorate, about 70 kilometers from the lake in the province of Karun

Fayoum, is located in a remote desert area in the north-west, near the foot of the mountain of hell, needs

Access to a vehicle equipped with a smooth road in some places as a result of some gatherings dunes. Due

The emergence of the Valley of whales to almost forty million years ago, the Wadi Rayan under the ocean is very large

(Sea TESSY) and as a result of geological changes in the ocean receded, leaving behind the remnants of some marine animals

Buried in the sediments, so we can find the structures of the fossilized teeth of sharks and primitive fish

Sharks and shellfish and other marine animals, also found remains of the plant mangrove Altfrp

Sea. If history is long millions of years ago left his mark here and clear before it passes, the

Recent history has also wishes to go down, although the details differ, we see that clearly in our way,

Where stands a high rock-circular form, called "rock Germans", he found signs of language

German indicate the identity of one of the pilots of fighters, crew landed aircraft (Juncker 88 a) near

Rock in 1942, during World War II, which took place between Germany led by "Rommel", and the forces of

Axis - many countries - led by Montgomery, "the Italian, won the last, and no body has been found

And the bodies of three of his colleagues only in 1999.














Horoscope bathroom (region of Beni Saleh):


It is also the unique design for towers Hamaimha that dates back to the days of the Abbasid state ..

All this made the day the distinctive character and unique nature and provided them with many different types of tourism were

Reason to accept by tourists and investors from all over the world.





Falls Fayoum







Increased Traveler:



It is a rural-style houses surrounded by palm trees and grapes. These houses can be

For tourists and foreigners live.

Erhz and they prefer to stay in it for hotels and Alootellat.


Some hotels in the city of Fayoum:

EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS

EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS

V. Ryan © 2002

The Egyptian Pyramids are colossal structures used by the ancient world for religious purposes. The largest and most remarkable of the pyramids occur in several groups  on the west side of the Nile extending for a distance of twenty five miles reaching as far as Cairo (the capital city). The are built from hard limestone and large blocks of limestone, especially on the outside surface. They date from 3000 BC to 2300 BC. Great skill was needed to quarry these large blocks, transport them  and then place them in position. The Ancient Egyptians were very well organised and they required a good understanding of technology, science and mathematics to enable them to build what has become known as one of the wonders of the ancient world.
THE THREE PYRAMIDS OF CHEOPS (the Great Pyramid) , CHEPHREN AND MICERINUS
One of the first tasks of the pyramid builders who constructed the three pyramids shown above, was to build a track on which they could drag the large blocks from the quarry in the Arabian Hills to the River Nile where they were ferried up to the construction site. The work went on in three monthly shifts with one hundred thousand men in a single shift. It took ten years to build the track It took the same number of men twenty years to complete the Cheops pyramid. Originally the pyramids were smooth on the outside but through the thousands of years since construction this has disappeared revealing the tiers or steps underneath. Each tier is about a metre in height.
The pyramids we built by kings as tombs or memorials of themselves and it is thought that they were started at the beginning of each reign and that the height corresponded with the length of each reign. The pyramid of Cheops was originally 146 metres high and the technology for lifting the blocks into position was well designed. What technology was used to lift the blocks into position ?
1. Draw a map of Egypt and mark show the location of the city of Cairo. 2. Design a mechanical crane capable of lifting blocks similar to the ones used to build the pyramids. Remember, the Ancient Egyptians could only use human or animal power. Your design may include some form of levers and pulleys. 3. Using the internet as a resource, find information about other well known structures or buildings constructed by the Ancient Egyptians. Write an account of some of these examples.

HOW WERE THE PYRAMIDS BUILT

	HOW WERE THE PYRAMIDS BUILT ? V. Ryan © 2002

It is believed that a mechanical crane of some form was used. When the base of the pyramid was completed the remaining blocks were lifted into position by a crane made of short timbers. Blocks were lifted again by another lifting crane to the next tier and so on up the pyramid.
Were levers used to move/lift the large blocks ?
The lever in the diagram above works because the large weight of the block is balanced by the weight of the wooden crate which has been filled with stones. This means that the block can be moved or lifted by one person 'pulling' on the rope. The Egyptians may have used people rather than the stones. Once the block reached the next level it would be 'swung' into position using the lever . (Link to information on levers)
Click on the link above to view information about the three classes of lever. Using notes and diagrams, explain the class of lever used by the Egyptians to lift the sandstone blocks.

City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt

City of the Dead

by Heba Fatteen Bizzari

Like Naema Zaki and her five children have been forced to make the cemeteries in Cairos City of the Dead their permanent home because of the countrys chronic housing crisis shortage. We came to live in these cemeteries because they are inexpensive and practical for a starting point. However soon we realized that its not a temporary house and that we want to continue here these people are kind and all of us here care for each other, unlike other Cairenes. said Zaki, a widow who lives in a tomb room in the Northern Cemetery with her children.
For many Cairenes the City of the Dead is a mysterious, foreboding area. Many Cairenes are aware of its existence but few understand this group of vast cemeteries that stretches out along the base of the Moqattam Hills.

Among these cemeteries lives a community of Egypts urban poor, forming an illegal but tolerated, separate society. More than five million Egyptian live in these cemeteries, and have formed their own enterprises, said Malak Yakan, an anthropologist and tour guide.

There are five major cemeteries in this city there, the Northern Cemetery, Bab el Nasr Cemetery, the Southern Cemetery, the Cemetery of the Great, and Bab el Wazir Cemetery, said Yakan.

From the Salah Salem Highway, the City of the Dead appears to be organized and proper, a match for the beige, sandy landscape of the distant Citadel. Inside, however these cemeteries bear witness to the centuries of Cairos history.
Previously, Cairo rulers chose the area for their tombs outside the crowded city in a deserted location. This area was used as a burial ground for the Arab conquests, Fatimids, Abbasids, Ayyubids, Mamlukes, Ottomans, and many more, said Yakan.
The historic belief in Egypt is that the cemeteries are an active part of the community and not exclusively for the dead. Egyptians have not so much thought of cemeteries as a place of the dead, but rather a place where life begins. said Yakan. In modern times, because of Egypts housing crisis, a lack of satisfactory and affordable housing for a rapidly growing population, many poor Egyptians have made these rooms their permanent homes.

These invaders have adapted the rooms to meet their needs. They have used the grave markers as desks, and shelves. They have hung strings between gravestones for their laundry to dry out.
We have brought in the electricity by wires over the roofs coming from the nearby mosque to be able to be able to live properly, said Zaki.
The City of the Dead seems to its inhabitants ideal because it is already built, affordable, and partially equipped. However there are many disadvantages of living there. They are joined by even a greater number of cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, and vermin of all sorts", writes Nedoroscik in The City of the Dead, A History of Cairos Cemetery Communities.
The rooms are also filled with the overwhelming smell of the garbage piled outside their doors and sewage leaking out of the un-drained tanks.
In addition, The residents settling in the City of the Dead are insecure about their living status because they are living there against the law, said Yakan. It was the French occupation from 1978-1801 that began changing the image of the vast cemeteries of the City of the Dead.
It has brought a more westernized attitude towards cemeteries in the Egyptian society, making the presence of people living and carrying out activities in the cemeteries ignored, condemned and shamed by the majority of Cairene society, writes Nedoroscik. The cemeteries built in the City of the Dead are much different than the western idea of cemeteries. This is because traditionally, Egyptians buried their dead in room-like burial sites so they could live in them during the long mourning period of forty days.
Today, the population of the City of the Dead is growing rapidly because of rural migration and its complicated housing crisis that is getting worse.
But the future of the City of the Dead remains uncertain. The residents of the city will not deliberately agree to relocate unless the government provides other housing for them.
I will not move from this house after all these years to go out in the streets, said Zaki, Of course I want to leave the depressed mood in this place, but that doesnt mean I want to live in the street. We deserve proper houses.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt has always been attracting travelers, dating back over 10 centuries ago to the time of the Mamluks. However, the beautiful, hectic, crowded, surprising, enchanting (and every other cool sounding adjective) city of Cairo is still in the eyes of the Egyptians the City Victorious, known officially as al-Qahirah or simply "Masr", the name for Egypt as a whole. Cairo is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers many sites to visit. It is the administrative capital of Egypt and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza on the very edge of the city. There are also ancient temples, tombs, gorgeous Christian churches, magnificent Muslim monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum all either within or nearby to the city.

As long as you're willing to loosen your senses and lose yourself to this majestic city, you can discover the sweetness of Cairo; the coziness of small cafes and the pleasure of strolling along narrow streets. It would be impossible to accurately describe Cairo fairly; it is truly one of a kind.

Cairo, Egypt is an amazing city full of life and movement, and it is that way almost 24 hours a day, with the noisy honking of horns, children playing in the streets and merchants selling their wears and services.

The city provides great culture; including art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House, Sawy Culture Wheel, Ahmed Shawky Museum as well it should, being one of the largest cities in the world. It also provides accommodations fitting every budget from the grandest in the world, such as the Four Seasons and the Cairo Marriott to budget hotels and hostels.

When you're done with the sightseeing and morning exhaustion, embrace Cairo's incredible selection of shopping, leisure and nightlife activities. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili souk, (or bazaar) largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. All the bounty of the East can be here. Particularly good buys are spices, perfumes, gold, silver, carpets, brass and copper-ware, leather work, glass, ceramics and mashrabiya. Try some of the famous street markets, like Wekalat al-Balaq; for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton, the Tentmakers Bazaar; for appliqu-work, Mohammed Ali Street; for musical instruments and, although you probably won't want to buy, the Camel Market makes a fascinating trip. This is, and has been for over a thousand years, truly a shopper's paradise.

Go for shisha (water pipe) in one of the old cafes on the street, you can try cool flavors like apple, coconut or even Red Bull. Get yourself a nice meal of koshari for as little as 4 pounds, and eat like a true Egyptian. Have a nice Faluka ride down the Nile, and enjoy the cool breeze glancing at the different Felucca decorations.

In a city as lively as Cairo, with diversity, culture and good-hearted people who are always willing to help, you'll never run out of things to do.