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The king Userkaf

The king Userkaf

Userkaf (known in ancient Greek as ξὐσερόςρης, Usercherês) was one of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt and the founder of the Fifth Dynasty. He ruled for seven to eight years in the early twenty-fifth century BC during the Old Kingdom era, probably descended from one of the branches of the royal family from the Fourth Dynasty. Although the name of his parentage is uncertain; it is more likely that he was the son of Queen khent Kaos. He had at least one daughter and probably a son named Sahu-RA by his consort Nefer hatbas and this son succeeded him in the reign.

 

Userkaf was probably one of the high priests of RA before his ascension to the throne where he built a temple of the sun known as the temple of nekhen-Ra located today between the villages of Abu sir and Abu ghrab in Egypt. In doing so, he established a tradition that was followed by his successors after him and for 80 years. The temple of nakhn-Ra was built to be a funerary temple for the worship of the sun at sunset. The rituals held in the temple were primarily concerned with the function of RA as the creator and his role as the father of the Pharaonic King. Considering the downsizing of the Royal funerary temple, this suggests that there is a more tangible separation between the function of the sun god and the king than in previous dynasties. After userkaf's death, his temple was rebuilt in four stages and a large obelisk was placed in it.
Userkaf built a pyramid in Saqqara close to Djoser's pyramid, the location of which forced the then architects to build the funerary temple associated with the pyramid in an unusual position somewhere south of the pyramid. In addition to his pyramid and Temple, userkaf built a smaller pyramid nearby for one of his Queens, most likely queen Nefer Hatab. And although userkaf was revered in posthumous funeral rites like other kings of the Fifth Dynasty, he was relatively unimportant, and his worship and veneration were abandoned after the end of the Fifth Dynasty era.
Little is known about his activities other than his construction of the pyramid and the temple of the sun. The royal chronicles of the Old Kingdom record that he made offerings of beer, bread and land to various gods, some of these offerings correspond to construction projects carried As for Beyond the borders of Egypt, it is believed that he made a military expedition to Canaan or the eastern desert, and trade communication with the Aegean civilization seems to have been active at that time.


Family

 Nicholas Grimal believes that her husband may be the (priest of RA, Lord of sakhbo) mentioned in the Westcar papyrus. scientists Aidan Dodson and Diane Hilton suggest that Queen neferhotep was buried in a Pyramid adjacent to the one where userkaf was buried, as this pyramid is believed to belong to a woman of the same name.
However, the location of the pyramid attributed to neferhotep strongly suggests that she may have been userkaf's wife rather than his mother. If this hypothesis is correct, then Nefer hatbas in this case would be the mother of Sahu-ra, who succeeded userkaf in the reign. an inscription was found in which King Sahu-Ra appears next to his wife the Queen and his mother, who was identified as Nefer hatbas, which again confirms that she is most likely the wife of userkaf.the scientist yaromir Malik supports the earlier conclusion of Nicholas Grimal that neferhotep is the daughter of King djedev Ra and Queen hatep Haras considering the validity of this hypothesis, the American Egyptologist Mark Lehner supported the idea that userkaf's mother may have betrayed Kaos, the same idea supported by the scientist Ariel Kozlov.
While Aidan Dodson and Diane Hilton argued that neferhotep was not given the title of King's wife in later documents related to the funerary cult, and noted the lack of a convincing reason for this,  they also suggested that the wife (consort) of userkaf may have been khent Kaos I, a hypothesis supported by the Egyptian historian Selim Hassan. scholars Clayton, Rosalie and Anthony David agree that khent Kaos I was the daughter of King Menkaure. scientist Bernhard gradsilov argued that userkaf as a descendant of Pharaoh djedev-Ra probably married a woman from the main royal dynasty-the line of Khafre and menqara - He was able to unite two rival factions within the royal family and end possible dynastic conflicts. alternatively, it is possible that userkaf was the high priest of RA before he ascended the throne, giving him enough influence to marry the widow of shepses Kaf who is believed to have betrayed Kaos I.


His children

Many Egyptologists believe that Sahu-Ra was the son of userkaf and not his brother as mentioned in the Westcar papyrus.confirming this is the finding of an inscription in which Sahu-Ra and his mother neferhotep 


Period of Reign

 Given the historical and archaeological evidence found the consensus among Egyptologists is that he reigned for seven to eight years at the beginning of the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt. the first evidence, a rough analysis of the royal records of the Old Kingdom, shows that the reign of userkaf was recorded in eight sections corresponding to at least seven full years, but not much more. the last readable year recorded in the records of userkaf is the year corresponding to the third livestock census, which was used in ancient Egypt to estimate the amount of taxes to be imposed on the population. It is believed that this significant event took place every two years during the period of the Old Kingdom, which means that the third livestock census marks the sixth year of his reign. The same conclusion was also reached when an inscription found on a stone from the temple of the sun built by userkaf was found. the second evidence is in the Turin papyrus (a document written during the reign of Ramesses II), which shows in the third column, row 17, that userkaf ruled for a period of seven years. the third evidence is the finding of very few small artifacts bearing the name of userkaf testifying to his short reign, these include an urn made of gold-plated diorite,  a piece of stone weighing 5 Deben  (an ancient Egyptian unit of weight measurement) and a stone cylinder seal found in elephantine, all of which today are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of art, as well as To an ivory cylinder seal preserved in the British Museum  and another seal in the Bulaq Museum.
The only historical source that mentions that userkaf ruled for a long time is the book (history of Egypt) written in the III century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II (283-246 BC) by the historian maniton. No preserved copy of this damaged and lost book has reached US and is known today only through the writings of some later historians such as Julius africanus and Eusebius of Caesarea. The Byzantine scholar George syncellus has quoted Julius Africanus as saying that a book (history of Egypt) In particular, the order of kings mentioned by the historian maniton about the Kings of the Fifth Dynasty is consistent with that given in the king list of Abydos and the tablet of Saqqara, two lists of Kings written during the reigns of Seti I and Ramesses II, respectively.in contrast to the Turin papyrus, Julius Africanus estimates that userkaf reigned for 28 years  a much longer duration than the modern consensus of historians.


Founder of the Fifth Dynasty

The historian maniton is considered to be the first to divide the ancient Egyptian kings into dynasties (families) and that in his lost book (history of Egypt), this division was intended to be as close as possible to the list of Greek rulers of Egypt in the Ptolemaic era. however, the prediction of the end of the Fourth Dynasty and the beginning of the Fifth Dynasty was probably noticed by the ancient Egyptians, who documented it as a narrative found by researchers in the Westcar papyrus.in this novel, King Khufu, a king of the Fourth Dynasty, predicted the demise of his dynasty and the rise of a new dynasty by the accession of three brothers of the Sons of RA to the throne of Egypt. This story dates back to the seventeenth dynasty or perhaps the Twelfth Dynasty.
Along with this historical evidence, the division between the fourth and fifth dynasties seems to reflect the actual changes that took place at that time especially in the Egyptian religion and in the role of the King. the preference of RA over the rest of the Egyptian gods, his reverence and worship more than others made him seem like a kingdom or family God,  a ritual that did not exist during the reign of the fourth dynasty, which was more focused on royal burial rituals.
Userkaf's post before his ascension to the throne is not known. The historian Grimal mentions that userkaf may have been a high priest of the god Ra in the city of Heliopolis or sakhbo which are the center of the cult of RA mentioned in the westkar papyrus.Egyptologist Flinders Petrie proposed the hypothesis of a connection between the origins of the Fifth Dynasty and the city of sakhbo, noting that , According to the scientist petri, the assumption that the Westcar papyrus documented a tradition mentioning the origins of the Fifth Dynasty is possible to explain the division of the lists (families) drawn up by maniton, especially considering that there is no particular relationship between the elephantine and the Pharaohs of the Fifth Dynasty.


His activities in Egypt

Little is known about userkaf other than about his creation of his funerary temple and the temple of the sun. scholar yaromir Malik says that his short reign may indicate that he was very old when he became pharaoh. while the scientist Miroslav Werner considers the reign of userkaf important because it marks the peak of the sun cult and in it the Pharaonic title "Son of Ra" became regularly used from his reign onwards.
In Upper Egypt, userkaf either built or expanded the temple of the God Minto in Al-Tod where he found the first evidence proving the existence of userkaf. Due to the modifications made to the temple, especially during the early Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and Ptolemaic eras, little remains of the original userkaf temple. There was a small mud-brick church with a granite column on which the name of the King was inscribed.
Further activities of userkaf can be inferred from the ancient state Chronicles, which were written during the reign of King Nefer-er-kar-Kakai or the reign of King ni-userkaf ra who recorded that userkaf made offerings to the gods of Heliopolis in the second and sixth years of his reign as well as to the gods of Putu in his sixth year. Also the chronicles mention the existence of a piece of land donated to Horus during the sixth year of userkaf's reign, this time explicitly mentioning the "construction of a temple [of Horus]".
Among the other gods honored by userkaf were the god Ra and the God Hathor, both of whom received gifts in the form of lands documented in the chronicles , as well as Nekhbet "gods of the divine Palace in Upper Egypt" and Wadjet "gods of the province of djebati" who received bread, beer and land as a kind of gift as well.a fragment of the text in The Chronicles suggests that the God Min may also have received gifts from userkaf. Further evidence of these religious activities taking place at that time was found in a royal decree in The Mastaba of the administrative official Nika Ankh buried at Tahna el-Gebel in central Egypt. userkaf, as mentioned in this decree, was making offerings or repairing temples in order to preserve the worship of the God Hathor,  and he also installed "nikankh" as a priest for this worship.
Excavations of the pyramidal Temple of Amenemhat I in the village of alasht resulted in the finding of a stone fragment decorated with an inscription with the surname userkaf. This piece was reused as a building material. The inscription mentions the King's journey to the temple of Bastet in a ship called " Who controls the subjects While userkaf chose the village of Saqqara to build his pyramid complex, the officials of that time, including the vizier "Heti", continued to build their tombs in the Giza Necropolis.

Statues

Several scattered statues of userkaf were discovered, including a bust of the goddess Neith with features similar to those of userkaf and a figure found in his Solar Temple in Abu Sir, which is today in the Egyptian Museum. The statue is 45 cm (18 in) high and was carved from gray stone. This statue is of particular interest because it is one of the very few sculptures from the Old Kingdom era that shows userkaf wearing the red crown symbolizing Lower Egypt. The statue was discovered in 1957 during a joint excavation trip between the German and Swiss institutes in Cairo. There is another head statue believed to also belong to userkaf in which he is shown wearing the white crown symbolizing Upper Egypt and was made of colored limestone and is preserved today at the Cleveland Museum of art.
In 1928  the British scientist Cecil Mallaby Firth found in the courtyard of a temple located in the funerary temple of Saqqara the head of a huge statue of userkaf, which is today in the Egyptian Museum. This huge head was carved from Pink Aswan granite and shows userkaf wearing a pharaonic headdress with an image of a cobra snake on his forehead , it is the largest surviving head statue dating from the Old Kingdom and the only huge royal statue from this period other than the Sphinx of Giza.many pieces of userkaf statues were made of diorite, slate and granite but no limestone statue has been found at the same site.some pieces show userkaf's cartouches and the name of Horus.
Some scholars believe that these are good indicators of his age, as he may have ascended the throne as a teenager and died in his early twenties.


The sun Temple

Userkaf is considered the first pharaoh who built a temple dedicated to the sun god Ra in the Memphite necropolis north of Abu Sir,on a promontory located on the outskirts of the desert south of the modern Abu ghrab district. the works may have begun during the fifth or sixth year of userkaf's reign.the only plausible precedent for the temple of the sun at userkaf was the temple associated with the Sphinx of Giza, which was probably dedicated to RA and therefore and may have been used for similar purposes. in any case, the successors of userkaf during the next eighty years followed what he had started. the temples of the sun were built by all subsequent pharaohs from the Fifth Dynasty up to menkau-Hur-Kai , with the possible exception of shepses KARE who Perhaps his reign was too short to build one. it is not known why userkaf chose Abu sir as the site for his Sun Temple as the site had no special significance even in that period. the choice of userkaf may have influenced the later Fifth Dynasty kings who made Abu sir a royal tomb until the reign of menkau Hur Kai.
The Egyptologist Hans Goedecke considers userkaf's decision to build a sunset temple separate from his funerary temple to be a manifestation of, and a response to, the social and political tensions that most likely arose at the end of the Fourth Dynasty. the construction of the temple of the sun allowed to distinguish between the personal afterlife of the king and religious matters related to sunset, which were closely intertwined in the Giza pyramid complexes and in the Pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty. thus, the pyramid of userkaf became isolated in Saqqara and was not even surrounded by a wider cemetery for the burial of his contemporaries, while the temple of the sun served the social need for sun worship which although represented by the king he would not exclusively embody. see some Scholars believe that the construction of the temples of the sun marks a shift from the royal cult, which was very prevalent during the early fourth dynasty, to the worship of the sun god Ra. The result of these changes was that the King came to be regarded with reverence and reverence as the son of the god Ra


Naming

The ancient Egyptians called The Sun Temple of userkaf the name nekhen-RA, which is translated in various meanings as" Castle of RA"," stronghold of RA"," dwelling of RA"," granaries of RA "and"hometown of RA". according to many Egyptologists, the name of the temple may refer to the city of Nakhon, also known as hierakonpolis. hierakonpolis was a stronghold and seat of power of the late Predynastic Kings who united Egypt. Scholars have also suggested that userkaf may have chosen this name to emphasize the victorious and unifying nature of the cult of RA or at least to show some symbolic meaning in relation to the monarchy. was also the name of an institution responsible for providing resources and wealth to the living King as well as his funerary cult after his death. as a result, the true meaning of nakhen-RA may be closer to "hierakonpolis Ra".


Career

The Solar Temple of userkaf first appeared in the list of pyramids by Karl Richard Lepsius in the middle of the XIX century and had the number seventeen. its real design was recognized by the scientist Ludwig Borchardt in the early twentieth century, while careful excavations began in 1954 and lasted until 1957 and were carried out by a team of scientists including "Hans stock","Werner Kaiser","Peter caploni","Wolfgang Helck" and"Herbert Reck".according to the royal chronicles, the construction of the temple began in the fifth year of userkaf's accession to the throne who on that occasion donated 24 pieces property for the maintenance of the temple The sun temple built by userkaf covers an area of 44 m × 83 m (144 ft × 272 ft) and was built towards the West.  it was mainly a place of funerary worship of the god Ra and was supposed to be associated with the funerary cult of the King. structurally, the temple of the sun and the funerary temple of the King were very similar ,as they included a valley temple close to the Nile River and a passage leading to another temple located at a higher altitude on a desert plateau. Architecturally, they had a different design, for example, the valley temple of the temple of the sun does not turn towards any of the four main directions (east, west, north, south) but mysteriously turns towards the city of Heliopolis ,and its bridge (called the procession road) was not built adjacent to the axis of the elevated temple . The Abu Sir papyri, a collection of administrative documents dating from a later period of the Fifth Dynasty, indicate that the religious activities that took place in the temples of the sun and the funerary temples were related to each other. in fact, the purpose of the sun temples built during this period was to show the greatness of the god Ra and is the same purpose for which the pyramids were built for the King . There were funerary temples of the sun god, where it was believed that he could do rejuvenation, which was necessary for him to maintain his rule of the world. Thus, the rituals performed in the temple were primarily concerned with the function of RA as the creator in addition to his role as the father of the King. During his lifetime, the king would appoint his closest officials to administer the temple, allowing them to take advantage of the temple's financial resources and thus ensure their loyalty. After the death of the Pharaoh, the entrance to the temple of the sun became associated with the hermetic complex, both of which supported the funerary cult of the King.
Construction work on the temple of nekhen-Ra did not stop even after the death of userkaf and continued at least four stages of construction, the first of which may have occurred during the reign of Sahu-Ra [97], and then under the leadership of his successors Nefer-er-kar-Kakai and NI-userre-Ra. by the end of userkaf's reign, the temple of the sun did not have the large granite obelisk on a pedestal as it was supposed to. Instead, it seems that the main Temple consisted of a rectangular wall with a high mast mounted on a hill in the center of which probably symbolized the Falcon of the sun god. to the east of this mound there was a clay-brick altar with shrines and statues on both sides. according to the royal chronicles, since his sixth year on the throne userkaf ordered two bulls and two geese to be sacrificed daily in the temple of nakhn-Ra. these animals seem to have been slaughtered in or around the high temple, as the passage was wide enough for live Bulls to drive on it. in addition to these sacrifices, userkaf endowed his Sun Temple with vast agricultural lands of 34,655 acres (14,024 hectares) from the Earth, which the scientist Klaus Bayer described as "a colossal, unparalleled gift to the ancient kingdom". scientist Ariel Kozlov sees these decisions as a manifestation of userkaf's young age and the power of the priesthood of RA and not the result of his personal devotion to the sun god.


The hierarchical complex

Unlike most pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty, userkaf built a modest pyramid in the north of Saqqara on the northeastern edge of the wall surrounding the Djoser pyramid complex.this (possibly political) decision  may have to do with the return of the city of Memphis as the center of government ,since the west of the city was considered its Necropolis ,as well as userkaf's desire to rule according to the same principles and methods as Djoser.in particular, the funerary temple of userkaf is not surrounded by a cemetery for his followers, just like the funerary temple of Djoser, and unlike the pyramidal complexes in Giza. scientist Hans Goedecke argues that the wider religious role played by the pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty became It is now played by The Sun Temple while the King's funerary temple has come to serve only the personal funerary needs of the King. hence, userkaf's choice of Saqqara is an expression of manifestations of a return to the concept of "harmony and altruism" of the king that Djoser seemed to symbolize, as opposed to those represented by Khufu who personified the sun god almost personally.


Architecture

The userkaf pyramid complex is named after (Wap-ESOT) which means " the Immaculate places of userkaf "or"the pyramid of userkaf the holiest places".the height of the pyramid was originally 49 meters (161 ft) and the width of the base is 73.3 meters (240 ft). in terms of size, this pyramid is the second smallest pyramid after the pyramid of Unas, which was completed during the Fifth Dynasty. this small size of the pyramid compared to the pyramids of the previous Fourth Dynasty probably indicates that spiritual and financial resources were directed to the construction of the temples of the god Ra instead of being used in the construction of the huge pyramids for the burial of the King. the pyramid was built according to the techniques developed during the fourth dynasty using a heart made of stones Instead of using ruins that are irregular in shape and size as in the later pyramids of the fifth and sixth dynasties . The center of the pyramid was built very poorly, however, as soon as the outer shell consisting of fine limestone was stolen, the pyramid collapsed into a pile of rubble. the burial chamber was lined with large limestone blocks, and its roof was made of limestone gabled beams.

The funerary temple

The funerary temple of the userkaf pyramid is a bit strange in its design, it is located on the south side of the pyramid instead of the usual East Side. The reason for its construction in this form was undoubtedly due to the presence of the large moat surrounding the pyramid complex of Djoser and extending towards the East, or because of the general topography of Saqqara and the presence of the oldest tombs in the vicinity .In any case, this may mean that userkaf chose to be buried near Djoser, which means that userkaf could not use all the space of his temple. The German scientist Rainer Stadelmann believes that the reason for choosing the location and layout of the pyramid was practical and due to the presence of the administrative center of the necropolis in the north-eastern corner of the Djoser complex. Instead, the scientist Werner stated that userkaf wanted to take advantage of the religious significance of the Djoser complex by building his funerary temple nearby.
Userkaf's decision to locate the temple on the south side of the pyramid may have been motivated entirely by religious reasons, as Egyptologists Herbert Reck and Richard Wilkinson suggested that with this design the temple would be exposed to the sun throughout the year, while the German scientist Hartwig altenmuller suggested that the funerary temple was built adjacent to an obelisk that could have previously been found nearby.
The walls of the funerary temple are extensively decorated with bas-reliefs of exceptional quality . A few remnants of pigments were found on some of the inscriptions indicating that they were originally colored. The pyramid temple of userkaf represents an important innovation in this regard; he was the first Pharaoh to show scenes of nature in his funerary temple, including hunting scenes in the marshes that later became popular. The carvings are very detailed and there is one inscription showing at least seven different species of bird and a butterfly. The hunting scenes symbolized userkaf's victory over the forces of chaos, and thus may have explained userkaf's role as Eri-Maat, that is, "the one who believes in Maat", one of userkaf's nicknames.
Researchers were able to get to the funerary temple of userkaf from the Nile River by crossing to a valley temple connected to the funerary temple with a bridge (called the procession road). This valley temple is still today in the process of discovery and excavation .

The pyramid complex of Nefer hatbas

About 10 meters (33 ft) to the south of the mortuary temple of userkaf, there is a separate pyramid complex built, most likely, for one of his Queens. This pyramid built on the east-west axis is almost destroyed today and only a small pile of ruins remains of it . It is not known exactly to whom this pyramid belongs, however, many Egyptologists believe that it is for neferhotep to imprison the mother of Sahu-RA or the consort of userkaf.
The height of the pyramid was originally about 17 meters (56 ft) with a slope equal to 52 degrees similar to the pyramid of userkaf, and the length of its base is 26.25 meters (86.1 ft).the core of the main pyramid and the place of worship was built in the same technique, consisting of three horizontal layers of local limestone quarried rocks and gypsum mortar. the core of the pyramid was covered with an outer shell of soft limestone, which has been removed today. The pyramid was widely used as a quarry and even its inner chambers are exposed. These rooms are a miniature copy of those in the main Pyramid of userkaf, but they do not contain storage rooms.


The funerary temple

The Queen's pyramid complex had a separate mortuary temple located on the eastern side of the pyramid. The entrance to the temple leads to an open colonnaded courtyard running from East to West in which offerings are prepared and prepared . There is a sacrificial chapel adjacent to the side of the Pyramid, three niches, statues and a few warehouse rooms for storing offerings. the halls of the temple are decorated with carvings showing animal processions and sacrificial bearers heading towards the shrine of the Queen.


Legacy

Userkaf received a posthumous funerary cult like other pharaohs of the fourth and fifth dynasties . This cult was sponsored by the state and depended on the offering of offerings produced in dedicated agricultural areas established during his lifetime, as well as other resources such as fabrics brought from the "House of silver" (Treasury).
This cult flourished in the early to mid Fifth Dynasty, as evidenced by the tombs and seals of the priests and officials involved in it, such as (nikor) who served in the cult of userkaf and Nefer-re ; (nikankh and Khnum-hateb) who served in the hierarchical complex of userkaf ; (Ptah-hateb, a priest of the temple of nakhen-Ra and served in the mortuary temple of userkaf ; (tepmanakh, ninkhvetka, and sinuankh)who served in the worship of userkaf and Sahu-Ra ; (bahinukai) who was a minister during the reign of Sahu-ra and Nefer-er-kar-Kakai ; and finally (nikohor) who was a judge, inspector of the book, special adviser and priest of the funeral cults of userkaf and Nefer-Ra.


Middle Kingdom

The cult of userkaf was officially abandoned in the long term at the end of the Fifth Dynasty. by comparison, the official funerary cult of at least one of userkaf's successors, the King (ni-userre-Ra), probably lasted until the Middle Kingdom. by the Twelfth Dynasty The Mortuary Temple of userkaf was probably in ruins or dismantled, as stone tablets showing userkaf performing religious rituals were found and were reused as building materials in the pyramid of Amenemhat I. userkaf was not the only king whose funerary temple met this fate, the temple of NI userre Ra was also vandalized, although priests were serving in it at that Time . These facts indicate the demise of the Royal interest in the state-sponsored funeral cults of the rulers of the Old Kingdom In the cemetery of Saqqara, an inscription was found on the grave of the priest Miho, who lived during the Ramesside Period (1292-1189 BC), in which userkaf appears. Early in this period, during the reign of Ramesses II, Ramesses ' fourth son khaemwas (C.1280-1225 BC)ordered restoration work to the pyramid of userkaf, as well as to other pyramids dating back to the Fifth Dynasty. Inscriptions were found on the stone cladding of the userkaf pyramid showing khemwas with the sacrificers, which was considered evidence of the restoration of the userkaf pyramid.
The inscriptions were copied from the funerary temple of userkaf during the twenty-sixth dynasty in the late era. An inscription was also found showing userkaf wearing a round crown with ornate bands and a pharaonic link with what looks like the horns of the crown of Atef, an art that later disappeared from Egyptian arts since the time of userkaf.
In contemporary culture

Naguib Mahfouz, winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, published a short story about userkaf in 1945 entitled "The pardon of King userkaf, an Egyptian short story". The American writer and translator Raymond stock translated this short story entitled"The forgiveness of King userkaf". The collection of stories published by Naguib Mahfouz, entitled "Voices from the other world", was translated as "voices from the other World: Ancient Egyptian tales


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 



 

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All travelers to Egypt must have a valid passport and a travel visa. The visa can be easily purchased at the airport upon arrival. The cost of a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is $25, must be paid in cash (no credit or debit cards are accepted), and the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave Egypt. Citizens of all European countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Ukraine and the United States can obtain visas upon arrival. (Egypt allows visa-free access to some countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.) Visas can also be purchased in advance through Egypt's electronic visa portal, but it is much easier to purchase them at the airport. If your country is not listed above, you must apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country.

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At Cairo Top Tours, we take great pleasure in providing our valued clients with a variety of safe and secure payment options. We understand that payment plays a crucial role in the preparation of your trip, and our goal is to ensure that your experience is one of utmost satisfaction. As a result, we offer a wide range of payment methods for you to choose from. You can pay 50% of the total trip amount using one of the following methods, and the remaining balance can be paid in cash or with a POS upon arrival, with an additional commission fee if requested. -In case you select to pay by credit card, our dedicated tour consultant will provide you with a safe payment link, where you can enter your details without any worries. -Bank transfers are also accessible if you book your trip at least 30 days in advance, however the transfer must be completed within two working days of purchase. - You can pay by phone for last-minute bookings, however this option is only available for day trips, half-day excursions, and activities lasting less than one day.

Cairo Top Tours offers a distinguished collection of exciting safaris that will enable you to visit the most famous Egyptian oases and deserts to have the opportunity to relax, meditate, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The most famous Egyptian oases and deserts that you should visit are Siwa Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, Kharga Oasis, Farfara Oasis, Black Desert, White Desert, and Bahariya Oasis.

If you are thinking of spending a special holiday in Egypt, Cairo Top Tours will organize the best program for you and your family. We will help you visit the most important religious shrines where the Holy Family resided during their visits to Egypt, such as the Church of Abu Serga and the Hanging Church.

Egypt is considered one of the safest countries in the world for tourists because, despite the current conflict between Egypt and Israel, which Egypt is trying to stop, Egypt keeps its security and its borders away from this conflict. The Egyptian government takes all necessary security measures to protect tourists, so you do not have to worry about traveling to Egypt anymore.

The Hot Air Balloon Ride is one of the best and most enjoyable experiences that you should not miss while you are in Egypt to see the splendor and beauty of the charming city of Luxor. You will be able to see the magnificent temples and stunning landscapes from the sky above Luxor.

When booking tours, including your mobile phone number can improve the entire experience for both you and the tour operator by permitting quick contact and keeping you informed of any trip updates. When making a reservation, remember to specify your country code to guarantee smooth communication. Emails may go unopened during vacations, thus adding your mobile number is critical.

There are a number of troubleshooting procedures you can use to address any problems you may have accessing a link on our website, Cairo Top Tours. Make sure your internet connection is strong before refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, try clearing the cookies and cache in your browser before trying to access the website again. We urge you to get in touch with our customer service team right once if none of these solutions work. Our qualified experts will examine the problem right away and take immediate action to fix it.

The trips offered by Cairo Top Tours are the best in Egypt. The tours we offer you are private and can be organized according to your interests, budget, and schedule.

Tipping is highly subjective, and while the local hosts enjoy any tips they receive, tips are not required, and the level of excellent service is not dependent on the expectation of a good tip. If you were satisfied with the service provided during your tour, a tip for the guide is appropriate but not required. While it may not be customary for you, it is critical for the individuals who will look after you throughout your trip, inspires outstanding loyalty, and is a well-known practice in many nations' tourism industries.

TThere are many wonderful Egyptian coastal cities where you can spend the Easter vacation and make the most beautiful memories with your friends and family. Cairo Top Tours will help you spend a very special holiday through the wonderful programs that we will organize for you in Egypt.

Cairo Top Tours is one of the best and most famous tourism companies in Egypt and in the Middle East because it provides you with a range of services that you will need from the beginning of the trip to its end, such as transportation services, domestic airline tickets, accommodation that includes hotels and cruises, meals, meet and assist services at the Airports, and many other services that will make your trip to Egypt more than wonderful.

Egypt has taken measures to ensure the safety of tourists, and many popular tourist destinations are considered safe to visit. However, it's always a good idea to stay updated on travel advisories and follow local guidelines.

The pyramids are considered supernatural engineering buildings because even though they were built thousands of years ago and were subjected to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and demolition attempts by other peoples who invaded Egypt, they are still standing proudly and steadfastly until our present era.

Egypt is the most beautiful country to spend your Christmas because Egypt has a mild and cool weather throughout the year. The extreme cold will not prevent you from going out, hiking, and exploring this wonderful country. Cairo Top Tours offers you a wide range of Egypt Christmas Tours that will enable you to celebrate the New Year in many charming Egyptian cities.

Yes, generally, Egypt is considered a safe tourist destination, but it's important to take basic precautions and follow the local authorities' guidelines.

The pyramids are considered a scientific and astronomical miracle up to the present time. They are also a mystery that scientists cannot explain, despite the scientific progress and modern theories that they have come up with at the present time. The pyramids are located under the three largest stars in the galaxy. The height of the pyramid from the ground is the same as the distance between the sun and the earth. The weight of the granite stone at the top of the pyramid is 70 tons, and scientists were unable to explain how a stone of this size was placed on top of the pyramid.

The Egyptian civilization is considered one of the oldest and most famous civilizations in the world because the ancient Egyptians excelled in many sciences and were able to discover technologies that fascinate scientists in our current era, such as medicine, pharmacy, and astronomy. The documents left by the ancient Pharaohs about these sciences are still being studied until now.

The most important monuments of Sinai's religious tourism in Sinai, Egypt, known as the Sinai Development, are the information and secrets of the holy place where our master Mossi received the Ten Commandments as mentioned in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions
The viewer from the top of the mountain is able to see beautiful scenes of the surrounding mountain range, especially in the sunrise and sunset periods, located near Mount Catherine (Mount Taur Sinai), where St. Catherine monastery is located, and surrounds the mountain with a range of South Sinai mountain peaks.
Are you ready to visit this holy mountain!

 

 

Cairo Top Tours is one of the most famous Egyptian tourism companies whose trips cover all the important Egyptian cities from northern to southern Egypt, including the most famous archaeological cities such as Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo, coastal cities such as Alexandria, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada, and picturesque Egyptian deserts such as Siwa Oasis and the Dakhla and Kharga Oasis and Farafra.

If any tourist from all over the world wants to visit the Middle East, Egypt is the first country that will come to mind because Egypt enjoys many rare cultural and recreational factors that you will not find in any other country. For example, Egypt enjoys a moderate and pleasant atmosphere throughout the year. Egypt enjoys many picturesque natural landscapes. During your stay in Egypt, you will be able to visit many amazing temples and archaeological sites, and the pyramids are the most famous of these landmarks.

The Red Sea is one of the longest and most beautiful seas in the world and extends over several countries. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea and to see the rare marine creatures. There are many charming coastal cities overlooking the Red Sea, such as Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab.
 

Egypt is one of the most famous and largest countries in the Arab world in the field of tourism because it has a history and civilization that exceeds seven thousand years. Egypt is the land of the great Pharaohs, where you will be able to see two of the most famous Seven Wonders of the World, which are the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Egypt combines the aspect of its culture and history with the entertainment aspect that you will find in many coastal cities such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Alexandria.
 

Egypt is considered one of the most famous countries that has many antiquities and monuments in the world, and you can see these famous antiquities in Egyptian museums such as the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. There are also many other Egyptian antiquities that have been transferred to foreign countries. During the foreign invasion of Egypt, such as the Hall of Egyptian Antiquities and Monuments was located in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Among the most famous artifacts in Egypt are the treasures of King Tutankhamun: King Tutankhamun’s mask made of gold weighing 150 kilograms, his golden throne chair made with unprecedented precision, and the king’s sword made of a stone that does not exist on planet Earth. Scientists explain This is because it was probably made from a meteorite that fell on Egypt in that era.

Just outside of Cairo, Egypt, on the Giza Plateau, is where you can see the Sphinx. It is situated close to the Giza Pyramids.
 

Many Cairo Day Tours offer opportunities for shopping as part of the itinerary, allowing travelers to explore local markets and purchase souvenirs, crafts, and other items. Here are some common shopping options you might find during a Cairo day tour:

Khan el-Khalili: Khan el-Khalili is one of Cairo's most famous markets and a popular stop on many tours. It's a bustling bazaar where you can find a wide range of goods, including jewelry, textiles, spices, clothing, antiques, and souvenirs. This is an ideal place for shopping for traditional Egyptian products.

Local Markets and Bazaars: Beyond Khan el-Khalili, some tours may include visits to other local markets and bazaars, allowing you to explore a variety of unique items and engage with local vendors.

Papyrus and Perfume Shops: Some tours include stops at papyrus and perfume shops, where you can learn about the making of traditional papyrus artwork and sample Egyptian fragrances. These shops often offer items for purchase.

Craft Workshops: Certain tours may take you to craft workshops or artisan centers, where you can see traditional handicrafts being made and purchase these handmade products.

Spice Markets: Egypt is known for its aromatic spices, and tours may include visits to spice markets where you can buy spices to take home.

Local Souvenirs: Throughout your tour, you'll have opportunities to purchase souvenirs such as keychains, scarves, and small decorative items.

Egypt includes a number of unique museums and palaces that are gaining wide fame around the world. The most prominent of these museums is the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, whose opening is eagerly awaited by tourists from all over the world. These museums contain a distinguished collection of dazzling Egyptian monuments that the world still cannot explain how they were manufactured. There are also many other palaces that serve as wonderful museums from different eras, such as the Baron Palace, the Palace of Mrs. Aisha Fahmy, and the Abdeen Palace. These palaces contain a huge collection of artistic artifacts.

Egypt is one of the most beautiful countries in the world because it has many picturesque natural landscapes, which will make you feel that these areas are imaginary, such as the white desert, Cleopatra springs, salt lakes, and the view of the stars in Wadi El Hitan.
 

There are many famous and beautiful cities that you must visit while you are in Egypt. Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are three of the most famous archaeological cities that you must visit to learn about Egypt’s history and civilization. If you want to relax and spend a good time on the Egyptian beaches, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are a great choice for you.

Cairo Top Tours is interested in providing many diverse long- and short-term trip programs to suit all types of travelers, their interests, and their budgets. Therefore, you only have to browse the distinguished programs that we offer you on our website.

There are all types of tourism available in Egypt that you could desire, such as medical tourism that you can enjoy in the Bahariya Oasis and Siwa Oasis, cultural and educational tourism in Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo, recreational tourism in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, safari in Siwa, the White Desert and many other oases. 

Egypt is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world and has a civilization exceeding seven thousand years and its history is still being studied in many countries. Egypt has many of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, such as the Pyramids, which are internationally famous, not just at the level of the Arab world, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Yes, generally, Egypt provides good healthcare services for tourists. There are many hospitals and specialized clinics in tourist areas. It's always essential to have health insurance to cover any emergencies and to check health requirements before traveling.

The Pharaohs constructed the temples, which you can visit to spend your vacation. One option is to travel to Luxor, a monument-rich city. You can travel to the Red Sea during the summer. Our organization provides a cost-effective way to travel to Egypt.

The word "oasis" originally came from Latin and Ancient Greek, which borrowed it from the Demotic Egyptian language. In a later form of Egyptian called Coptic, the word for oasis is "wahe" or "ouahe," which means a place where people live.
 

Yes, there are sound and light shows in Karnak Temple in Luxor. These shows are exciting experiences that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history of the site and ancient Egyptian civilization in a fun and impressive way.

These shows usually take place at night and use lighting and sound effects to show archaeological sites and introduce their history and stories. These offers add a special character to visiting the Valley of the Kings, as visitors can enjoy a unique and interactive experience that tells the history of the region in a different way

Luxor and Aswan are renowned for their rich historical and archaeological significance in ancient Egypt. Luxor is often called the "world's greatest open-air museum" due to its numerous temples, tombs, and monuments. Aswan is famous for the High Dam and the Philae Temple.

Seafood is a highlight, given its coastal location. You'll find a variety of international cuisines in the city, including Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and European options.

The Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, Pavillon Winter Luxor, and Spirit Luxor Luxury are a few of the greatest upscale accommodations in Luxor that are close to the Luxor Temple.
 

Go see the dark and fiery Black Desert and the special White Desert made of a different kind of rock. After that, go for a fun swim in the oasis in the middle of the desert, and it's all included in the tour!

Khan el-Khalili is a very popular market in the old part of Cairo, Egypt. It's a place where people can go shopping and find lots of interesting things to buy.

KV2 is a special place where the body of a pharaoh named Ramesses IV is buried. It is like a big underground house for the pharaoh's body. This tomb was the one we liked the most in the Valley of the Kings. It's included in the main ticket. The hallway is long and has lots of pretty things to look at. Inside the tomb, there are lots of colorful pictures on the walls and ceiling.

Yes, many hotels in Luxor provide services and facilities that suit the needs of families. These hotels often include spacious accommodations, children's entertainment programs, and facilities for families. Here are some hotels that might be suitable for families in Luxor:

El Mesala Hotel
Nefertiti Hotel
Pyramids Luxor Hotel
Sofitel Luxor Luxor Hotel

The idea of an all-powerful god changed during the course of ancient Egyptian history. The sun god Ra was regarded as the most significant divinity in the Old Kingdom. Amun-Ra was identified during the New Kingdom with the concept of an all-powerful creator god. It's crucial to remember, though, that polytheistic ancient Egyptian religion placed a strong emphasis on the worship of several gods and goddesses.

Yes, you can visit some of Luxor's temples in the evening to see these historic places in a different atmosphere. Particularly the Luxor Temple is well-known for its captivating light and sound spectacle that happens after sundown. An engrossing environment is produced by the lit structures and told stories. When you visit the temples, it's a good idea to inquire about the precise times and whether night visits are available.

Yes, Egypt Classic Tours includes visits to famous historical sites. Tours are designed to include many of Egypt's notable historical attractions and places, such as the Pyramids in Giza, Karnak Temple in Luxor, Philae Temple in Aswan, Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and more.

Destinations are carefully selected to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors, with opportunities to explore Egypt's rich culture and history.

For locations like Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum, where local narrative and knowledge add significance, depth, and even friendship to your experience, think about hiring a guide. You can enjoy Jordanian hospitality, learn from the people who know the country best, and support the local economy by spending time with local guides. 

 

Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, offers a wide range of excellent hotels to suit different preferences and budgets. Here is a list of some of the best hotels in Cairo:

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: This luxury hotel offers stunning Nile River views, spacious rooms, world-class amenities, and multiple dining options.

Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo: Situated on the banks of the Nile, this five-star hotel boasts elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, a relaxing spa, and several dining outlets.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton: Located in the heart of downtown Cairo, this iconic hotel offers luxurious accommodation, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and direct access to the Egyptian Museum.

Marriott Mena House, Cairo: Situated near the Pyramids of Giza, this historic hotel offers a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, along with stunning views of the pyramids.

InterContinental Cairo Semiramis: Overlooking the Nile River, this upscale hotel features well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, multiple restaurants, and a casino.

ONLY THE MAIN ONES IN EACH DYNASTY WILL BE DESCRIBED, AS THERE WERE AT LEAST 7 FEMALE PHARAOHS (CALLED QUEENS) AND 163 MALE PHARAOHS (CALLED KINGS) DURING THE 3,000 YEARS.

 

Wheelchair accessibility is not available for the excavations and opened chambers within the pyramids, however these are nonetheless accessible to physically fit travelers. Wheelchair users can only see the exterior of the pyramids, but they can still get a good idea of Khufu and Khafre via the streets and certain wheelchair-accessible pathways. 

The winter months of November through February are the ideal times to visit Luxor because of the pleasant, moderate weather that makes them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor sports. Summertime temperatures in June, July, and August can reach over 40°C (104°F), making them exceptionally hot. It's crucial to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and schedule your activities appropriately. Both the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) have comfortable temperatures.

Secluded and close to Egypt's border with Libya, the Siwa Oasis is situated in the Western Desert. Notable features include its ageless history, distinct culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Sand dunes, salt lakes, and palm groves surround the oasis, which provides guests with a serene and picturesque haven.

 Families may find Egypt Classic Tours appropriate. Numerous travel companies provide family-friendly itineraries and age-appropriate activities. The tours frequently feature interactive activities, educational components, and flexible itineraries to meet the needs of families taking trips with kids. It is a good idea to confirm with the tour operator that the itinerary meets the needs of your family.
 

Sharm El Sheikh is one of the largest and most famous tourist cities in Egypt. It is located on the Red Sea coast at the confluence of the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba. It is the largest city in the South Sinai Governorate with an area of 480 square kilometers. It is characterized by a desert climate, as it does not experience much rainfall, and the average temperature in winter reaches 23 degrees Celsius.

This romantic retreat offers leisurely moments, cultural explorations, and breathtaking natural encounters. Couples can visit historic locations like the remains of Karanis, explore the well-known natural areas of Fayoum like Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan, and spend a romantic evening in a quaint eco-lodge or a desert tent beneath the stars.
 

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