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All cities and resorts in Egypt for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts in Egypt: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.

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The cities of Egypt are located in several regions, each of which is interesting in its own way, but all of them are united by a rich, eventful past. Traditionally, there are six regions: Lower Egypt, Middle Egypt, Upper Egypt, Western Desert, Red Sea Coast and Sinai. Lower, Middle and Upper Egypt are fed by the waters of the Nile. The desert consists of several oases to the west of the river. The Red Sea coast - well known to all resort area with many beaches and different types so beloved by vacationers pleasures - from diving to windsurfing. Sinai belongs to the Sinai Peninsula and is also a resort.

Lower Egypt

This is the north of the country: the Nile Delta, Cairo, Alexandria and the entire coast mediterranean sea. Here, perhaps, the main museum treasures of not only the country, but of the whole of Africa are concentrated. Mostly in Cairo. Right next to the Egyptian capital is Giza - the very sacred place where the mysterious Sphinx has been stubbornly looking into the distance for centuries, inspiring longing for guides and fanatical love for tourists. Literally a few minutes to the south in the necropolis of Saqqara lie the ruins of the ancient capital of Memphis. Finally, Alexandria is once the center of a thriving cosmopolitan society, traces of which can still be seen today in the stunning Roman mosaics, the catacombs of El Choukaf, or among the noisy old coffee houses with tarnished brass signs around Midan Saad Zaghlul.

Special "feature" mediterranean coast, as yet understudied Russian tourists, - fantastic wreck diving to the wrecks of aircraft and submarines from the Second World War, as well as first-class sandy beaches, where the temperature is quite comfortable even in summer.

Middle Egypt

Part of the Nile Valley that divides the historical Upper and Lower Kingdoms. But most often its settlements and sights are classified as Upper Egypt.

Upper Egypt

A string of villages with famous ancient Egyptian tombs that stretches along the Nile from Luxor to the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. This is the Valley of the Kings, and the tomb of Tutankhamen, and Karnak temple, and the majestic complex in Abu Simbel, and the colossus of Memnon. The current capital of Upper Egypt is Luxor, and the ancient capital, Thebes, nestled nearby.

From the school bench we know that in ancient times Egypt was divided into Upper, Lower and Middle. Nothing has changed today.

Western desert

The place is unattractive for the most part, except for 5 unique islands greenery - the famous Egyptian oases. Located to the west of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, this desert (part of the famous Sahara) stretches far inland to the very borders with Libya, Sudan and the Nile Valley in the east. AT prehistoric times it was alternately either a savannah, or a territory flooded with water, or a fossil - traces of these eras can still be found literally underfoot. You can also see ancient cave drawings, in particular, in the vicinity of Gilf-Kebir. But the main local attraction is still the oases: Siwa, Baharia, Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga. If tourists climb into such a distance, then, as a rule, for the sake of outlandish natural formations of the White Desert, the ancient adobe city of Kasr, or that same Roman temple on the edge of the Great sandy sea where the first European explorers carved their names.

Coast of the Red Sea

These are all those resorts that did not "fit" into the territory of the Sinai Peninsula, in particular, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and El Gouna. Holidays here are all inclusive and nothing more than warm sea, hookah and souvenir shopping. However, judging by the occupancy of the hotels, the local tourists do not need anything else.

Sinai peninsula

Mecca of beach tourism, as well as the mass of relics from biblical times and fantastic diving. The main centers of life here are Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. An indicative fact: only 3% of the buildings on the territory of Sinai belong to the local population, and 80% are hotels. In addition to the amazing coral reefs, it is worth visiting the amazing monastery of St. Catherine of the 4th century and at least once going on a desert safari.

Cities of Egypt

Cairo

Cairo is a city of contrasts, uniting the history of pharaohs, Christians and followers of Islam in one territory. This capital of Egypt, and one of the largest cities in Africa, is located in the Nile Valley. It is because of the bright color, the noise of the streets, the unique historical monuments and romantic image created by cinema, it is so loved by travelers. The name "Cairo", which means "victorious" in Arabic, clearly demonstrates that the choice of the center of the whole country was predetermined. The Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza are two must-sees.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and one of the oldest. This wonderful resort is rightly called a pearl. The city was founded in 332 BC. e. Alexander the Great on the site of a small village and reigned between the Mediterranean and Red Seas for almost a thousand years. Among the sights, one should highlight the Qaitbay citadel - a fortress built on the site of Lighthouse of Alexandria. There are many mosques in the city, including old ones. Here you can go diving and relax on the beautiful beaches.

Mersa Matruh

Mersa Matruh is a city located a little less than 300 km from Alexandria on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is very popular among the Egyptians. There is little hustle and bustle here. The sand strip, about seven kilometers long, is protected by natural rock breakwaters. There are several beaches, including Cleopatra Beach. According to legend, this city was founded by Alexander the Great on his way to Siwa, where he planned to worship the god Amun. Fans of antiquities will find the ruins of the pier from the time of Ptolemy. The Coptic Church and the Rommel Weapons Museum are also attractions.

The north coast was Cleopatra's favorite vacation spot.

The Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza are two must-sees in Cairo.

Rosetta

Rosetta (historical name Rashid) is a city on the banks of the Nile, 60 km from Alexandria. The history of this city began in 800 AD. Once Rosetta was an important port, but today it is better known thanks to the Rosetta stone found there. The stone is a slab from the reign of Ptolemy. It was he who helped decipher the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Other cities

El Faiyum lies on the west bank of the Nile. This is beautiful place is located near the ancient lake Karun, in Middle Egypt, and, according to legend, was a favorite resting place of the pharaohs. Attractions include numerous pyramids and temples.

El Minya - busy city with the rich cultural heritage. The Egyptians call it "the pearl of Upper Egypt". It is the center of the wool and cotton industry. There are many beautiful villas that clearly demonstrate the high standard of living.

Hermopolis - near this city are the temples of Hatshepsut and Thutmosis III. They say that here was the residence of Pharaoh Akhenaton and his wife, the famous Nefertiti.

Asyut is the place of residence of Coptic Christians, in addition, one of the main universities in Egypt is located here. The city was well known in ancient times and was called Lykopolis.

History of Luxor, within which Thebes is located - ancient capital pharaohs in the period of the New Kingdom - one of the most ancient. The number of cultural monuments per square meter exceeds all conceivable limits. Karnak and Luxor temples, the necropolis of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens - all this is Luxor. This is probably the most visited interesting city Upper Egypt.

Aswan is the southernmost and hottest city on the planet. It is here that you can find the famous Aswan dams that conquered the Nile, a wonderful Botanical Garden and the Temple of Isis.

The northern coast and Mersa Matruh were once Cleopatra's favorite vacation spots.

Resorts of Egypt

Hurghada

Hurghada is one of the most popular resorts on the coast of the Red Sea, consisting of several areas - the old center "Dahar", the new center "Sakkala" and hotels, united under the name "New Hurghada". Best place for water sports can not come up with. Sea trips sailing, windsurfing, diving, deep sea fishing and much more are available to any vacationer.

El Gouna

The resort town of El Gouna was founded not so long ago, but has already earned the name "Venice in the Sands". The fact is that all the buildings are located on islands connected, like the Venetian ones, by numerous bridges. The main transport is boats, which completes the picture of the resort in the Italian style.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh - main resort in Sinai with good 5- and 4-star hotels, consisting of several villages. The most remote parts are Nabq and Sharks Bay. All nightlife entertainment can be found in Naama Bay. Since the city lives entirely on tourism, the friendly attitude and the availability of a complete package tourism services included.

Dahab

Dahab is a youth resort in the east of the Sinai Peninsula. Fans of windsurfing and diving will be able to indulge in their favorite sports. Canyons with colored sand and Bedouins add color.

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Books

  • Gods of Egypt, Pavlishcheva Natalya Pavlovna. To the premiere of the film "GODS OF EGYPT" - the main Hollywood blockbuster of this spring! The god of darkness Set goes to war against the gods of light. The epic battle of the Immortals threatens to wipe out Ancient Egypt from the face...
  • Gods of Egypt, Pavlishcheva NP. For the premiere of the film 171; GODS OF EGYPT 187; - the main Hollywood blockbuster of this spring! The god of darkness Set goes to war against the gods of light. The epic battle of the Immortals threatens to wipe out the Ancient...

They were located on natural or man-made hills to protect buildings from flooding with water during the Nile floods.

Strabo, wrote about the nature of the Delta, that during the flood of the Nile, all the surrounding lands are covered with water, and the Delta turns into a sea, and cities and villages stand in the middle of this sea like islands.

Naturally, there was very little land suitable for construction on these hills, so all buildings in cities ancient egypt were quite dense with very narrow streets. The houses were built close to each other, practically the windows of one house looked into the windows of another, and the children, playing on flat roofs, calmly jumped onto the roof of the opposite house. Houses in the ancient Egyptian city reached a height of 4-5 floors. In those days, sewerage did not exist, it was the business of the hostess to take care of it. Slops were often poured directly onto the street. The Egyptians preferred not to be at home, where it was very stuffy, but sat on the roofs, where Fresh air and in the evenings a cool breeze blows, and the smells that fill the Egyptian streets do not reach there. Sometimes they slept on the roof.

To this day, only the ruins of temples and religious buildings have survived from Thebes. Today we call its ruins " city ​​of the dead". Photographs of Thebes partly convey the charm of the ancient city.

This is how Cyril Aldred describes Thebes in his book The Egyptians. The Great Pyramid Builders":

... the modern city of Luxor, which, together with the adjacent village of Karnak and other places, occupies the place where Thebes once stood, southern capital period of the highest prosperity of Egypt during the New Kingdom. Numerous antiquities have emerged from the local tombs and temples, decorating the collections of Europe and America, as well as a large number of documents about the past of Egypt. Now there is a danger that we will perceive his story biased, from the point of view of the inhabitants of Thebes.

Near the city, the hills bordering the riverbed give way to a wide strip of cultivated land, which even the dry reference book Baedeker makes to express a kind of lyrical approval: “Green shoots and palm trees everywhere make the traveler, who has just left the desert, cheer; bright colors give the valley of the Nile every morning and every evening an irresistible charm; the pure light of the sun, not obscured by clouds, washes every object even in winter and makes ancient Thebes look like a magical land generously showered with gifts of eternal prosperity.” Perhaps the same feeling during the reign of Ramses II led the unknown poet to write a series of works in honor of the city and its god Amun, although he was too carried away by the chosen topic and made unsupported claims to consider Thebes the oldest city in the world. The city gained its fame during the Middle Kingdom, when local rulers made their way to supreme power and became pharaohs ruling the newly united Egypt. Throughout the history of its existence, Thebes remained the center of resistance to alien rule from the north. After their overlords expelled the Hyksos, the city gained high prestige and wealth as the main seat of government. There, the pharaohs were carved into a tomb in the rock on the western bank, and his temple was built at a distance on the plain. Only one tomb belonging to Tutankhamen was found there in complete integrity; the rest were plundered several times in ancient times. Their illustrious inhabitants were hurriedly transferred several times from one hiding place to another, until most found a more permanent, if unworthy refuge in two mass graves. Their courtiers, who filled the nearby hills with their tombs, experienced not the best fate, but the painted walls of their tombs have preserved for us the names and many picturesque scenes from the life of that time.

Of course, the rise of Thebes increased the influence and wealth of the god Amun, whose temple at Karnak became a kind of national shrine, to which the pharaohs of subsequent times added extensions and for the prosperity of which they did not skimp on donations. The short but memorable reign of the so-called heretic pharaoh Akhenaten at the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty, who moved the capital of Egypt to Amarna, dealt a severe blow to the power of Thebes and their patron god, from which they eventually recovered, but never regained their entire departed greatness . After that, the city ceased to be the residence of the pharaohs, although until the end of the New Kingdom, the tradition of burying them in these places was zealously observed. Gradually Thebes became holy city Amun, who first ruled the area through his high priest, and later through the daughter of the pharaoh and her steward. The decline of the city was long and bloody. In the 7th century BC e. it was sacked by the Assyrians. A century and a half later, Thebes was attacked by the Persians, led by Cambyses. Under the Ptolemies, its influence almost disappeared, and then partly returned after a revolt against Ptolemy V. Under Ptolemy X, the city revolted again and was captured after a long siege that caused great damage to it. Despite their unfortunate fate, Thebes resisted the cruel rule of the Romans in 30 BC. e. and for this they were almost devastated. Now, from the "hundred-gate Thebes" described by Homer, there are only a dozen badly damaged pylons among the ruins of the temple.

(modern Tell el-Amarna) is the best preserved, representing a single and integral composition of the ancient Egyptian city. The city is located on east coast Nile, halfway between Memphis and Thebes. It is the capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten. This name was adopted by the pharaoh of the XVIII dynasty Amenhotep.

Amenhotep IV ascended the Egyptian throne in 1353 BC. e. In the sixth year of his reign, he broke with the former official religion and the Theban priesthood, which at that time constituted the largest and most influential stratum in society. Instead of the old beliefs, Amenhotep IV introduced the cult of the god Aton - "the single all-illuminating life-giving Sun", and declared himself the high priest of the new god. The pharaoh changed his name from Amenhotep ("Amon is pleased") to Akhenaten ("Pleasant to the Aten").

The possessions of the priests were confiscated, the pharaoh forbade worship in honor of Amun and all the former gods, the names of the gods were scraped off the walls of public buildings, temples were closed throughout the country. The pharaoh himself, along with his family, new priests, warriors, artists, sculptors, artisans and servants, left Thebes, the state capital and the center of the cult of the god Amun.

The erected city with palaces, temples, rich quarters of nobles, gardens, parks and ponds was declared "the land of the god Aton." Even the type of ancient Egyptian temple in this city has become completely different.

However, Akhenaten in 1336 BC. e. died. After his death, the capital was returned to Thebes, the cult of Aton was destroyed, and the city of Akhetaten was abandoned and forgotten.

Then the ruins of Akhetaten were gradually covered with sand, and the desert covered them for several millennia. The city existed for a total of about 17 years.

No new settlements were built on the site of Akhetaton, and therefore, when archaeologists unearthed its ruins, ancient city almost untouched appeared before their astonished glances.

Its buildings stretched for 10 km from north to south.

Passed through all parts and districts of the capital the main street Akhetaten, the so-called royal road. In the center, next to the temple of the Aten, at right angles to it, was the main palace. Its area was 700x300 meters. In the central quarter there was an office, from which numerous cuneiform tablets have survived to our time - the Tel el-Amarna archive. In the southern part of Akhetaten there were houses of courtiers, a quarter of sculptors. Sculptures of Akhenaten and Nefertiti were found in the workshop of the chief sculptor Thutmose. In the western part of the city there was a police quarter, an arsenal and a square for parades. The house of Nefertiti, the wife of the pharaoh, was in the north, in one of the residential areas. It was called the Silver Palace. In the north of Akhetaten were the dwellings of officials and merchants. There were barns along the banks of the Nile, in the mountainous part there was a royal necropolis.

And again, a quote from Cyril Aldred's book “The Egyptians. The Great Pyramid Builders":

...modern Tel el-Amarna, the ancient capital of heresy. At this point, the cliffs surrounding the coast recede, creating a great amphitheater eight miles long. One of the most impressive dramas played out here ancient world, when the young pharaoh Akhenaten, by inspiration, chose this place for his "horizon of Aten" - the capital dedicated to the new single god. Fourteen huge rock-cut stelae still mark its borders, and the half-finished tombs on the eastern cliffs and the pharaoh's empty tomb in the valley nearby still show a glimpse of the fading light. Thanks to these reliefs and inscriptions, many of our ideas about the events of those distant times of crisis and innovation, about the family life of the pharaoh, public ceremonies for taking office, receiving foreign ambassadors, generous sacrifices to the Aten, hymns and liturgies of the new faith, were formed. The evidence buried underground speaks no less loudly. Amarna is an archaeologist's paradise, where a huge capital was built, inhabited and abandoned on virgin soil - all this happened within two decades. The past in Amarna has been preserved to such an extent that we can still see on the surface of the sand in the evening reflections the path that was trodden during the daily transition between the house and the temple of Penhazi by the high priest of Aten. During the excavations, scientists learned a lot about the layout of the city and the architecture of the houses of Ancient Egypt. At Amarna, two of the most spectacular discoveries were made in a land already rich in sensational finds. One of them happened during the work of the German expedition in 1911-1912: archaeologists discovered the ruins of the sculptor's studio with many statues, plaster casts, portrait heads, including the famous bust of the pharaoh's wife, which gave us a new look at Egyptian art and the technique of making works. An earlier discovery was made in 1888, when an elderly woman unexpectedly brought to light from the ground the forgotten archives of the analogue of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the form of three hundred clay tablets, mostly filled with Akkadian cuneiform - international language diplomats of those times. These tablets, markedly damaged by the passage of time from one dealer to another, turned out to be copies of correspondence between the Egyptian court and the ruling houses of Assyria, Babylonia, Anatolia and Cyprus. However, the bulk of these records concern the relationship between the pharaoh and his vassal city-states of Palestine and Syria. When examining these, unfortunately, damaged pieces of dried clay, an incredibly lively and unexpected picture opened up to the eyes of archaeologists. We see the world of educated people of the 2nd millennium BC. BC: privileged officials, diplomatic couriers, ambassadors and ambassadors extraordinary, traveling from one palace to another with documents according to which marriages were concluded, trade was conducted, requests for the extradition of criminals were received, diplomatic alliances were discussed, protests were expressed, demands, warnings and requests for help. Here was the whole complex system of international relations with its own protocol, which is not much different from the diplomatic protocols of modern Europe. It is felt that long centuries of gradual development stand behind it.