Conveniently located in Maadi, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is the ideal urban destination for business and leisure travelers to Cairo.
Centrally located between city center and 20 – 30 min from New Cairo, or Giza district. A new modern designed hotel offering exceptional service to enhance Hilton hospitality in Egypt.
The hotel facilities include state of the art Meeting and Events spaces, Nile view fitness center, and a variety of dining venues from grab and go to fine dining.
Introducing the first Eforea Spa in the region, with elegant, designed treatment rooms, and fully equipped facilities ensure ultimate indulgence for our guests.
Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi Located in Cairo, our property offers a majestic Nile view, spacious accomodations and a wellness spa .
Enjoy beautiful views of the Nile, the Pyramids, and the historic city of Cairo from our rooms, suites, and two floors of meeting and event facilities. Our location blends convenience and hospitality, located within 5 km of popular attractions like the Museum of Egyptian Civilization and offering numerous dining options and a full-service spa.
Aquarium Museum in Alexandria Located in the heart of Alexandria, the Alexandria Aquarium Museum is a must-visit objective in Egypt tours for anyone with any interest at all in marine life and the sea. Opened in 1930, the Museum is home to a different assortment of marine creatures from the Mediterranean and Red Ocean, as well as different regions of the planet that you will discover during Egypt day tours. In this blog entry, we'll investigate the Alexandria Aquarium Museum, its set of experiences, the history of the Alexandria Aquarium Museum was established in 1930, making it one of the most seasoned aquariums on the planet. It was laid out by the Alexandria Establishment of Oceanography and Fisheries, which was established by King Fouad I of Egypt in 1929.
The exhibition hall was initially settled as an exploration place to concentrate on the marine existence of the Mediterranean and Red Sea. If you are an exploratory person and want to discover the depths of the ocean and its secrets, I advise you to add the museum to your Alexandria day tours. You will be amazed at its diversity and beauty.
Located near the scenic Corniche, the Aquarium Museum not only offers a visual feast but also an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a unique family outing, this museum has something to offer for everyone.
Watch as we explore the different sections of the museum, from the awe-inspiring aquariums filled with vibrant marine life to the informative exhibits detailing the history and significance of the Mediterranean Sea. Gain insights into the ecological importance of these marine habitats and the steps being taken to protect them. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to the Aquarium Museum in Alexandria, where history, education, and natural beauty converge. Subscribe to our channel for more exciting tours and educational content about Egypt's hidden gems.
The Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria is one of Egypt's principal museums, the oldest building in Egypt to be architecturally designed for the purpose of preserving and displaying antiquities. Furthermore, it is the only museum fully dedicated to the antiquities and civilization of Egypt during the Greek and Roman eras.
Since 1889, the Italian Giuseppe Botti sought to establish a museum for Alexandria that would protect its antiquities from displacement and destruction. He continued to work on that until the decision to establish the museum was issued on June 1, 1892. The museum began in a modest rented property, and Khedive Abbas Helmy II inaugurated it on 17 October 1892. Giuseppe Botti was its first director.
Since its inception, the museum has sparked a cultural renaissance about interest in the city’s archaeological activities. Discoveries increased, and there became a pressing need for a new spacious building. On September 12, 1894, Nubar Pasha laid the cornerstone for the new museum to be built on land owned and adjacent to the Municipal Council.
The new structure was designed by the architects Dietrich and Stenon in a neoclassical style. The construction process took one year, and it was inaugurated again by Khedive Abbas Helmy II on September 26, 1895.
After Botti's death in October 1903, the management of the museum remained Italian, Evaristo Breccia took charge in April 1904, and Achille Adriani succeeded him from 1932 to 1940. from 1940-1947, the museum was run by Alan Rowe. from 1948 to 1953, Adriani took over management once more. Egyptian archaeologists have been in charge of the museum since 1953 onward.
In 1982, a development project was implemented for the museum, during which a new wing was added connecting the western and eastern wings. In September 2005, a decision was made to close the museum in order to carry out a comprehensive project to expand and develop the museum. The project stalled for ten years until work was resumed in April 2015. By creating an upper floor, a new interior design, and a new display scenario are applied.
The Restoration and Upgrading of the Greco-Roman Museum
The idea of establishing the museum emerged in 1891, when the Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Botti thought of allocating a place to encompass the archaeological discoveries that were revealed in Alexandria, in order to preserve its cultural history. The current museum was built in the style of Greek buildings.
Graeco Roman Museum ground floor:
It contains 27 halls that house the artifacts, which have been arranged in chronological order from the pre-Alexander the Great era (5th century BC) to the Byzantine era (6th century AD). This is, in addition to artifact stores, organic and inorganic artifact restoration laboratories, and restrooms.
Graeco Roman Museum the Upper floor:
It includes 4 halls: The Museum Education Hall, the Archive and Registration Hall, the Egypsotica Hall, and the Study Hall.
Graeco Roman Museum the first floor:
The artifacts are displayed in this floord according to a thematic classification, including the Nile Hall, the Agora, the Red Land, Industry and Trade, Coins, Alexandrian Art, the Serapeum, the Kom El-Shuqafa area, and Alexandrian sculptures. The floor also includes cafes, restaurants, a library of rare books, a lecture hall, artifact stores, and restrooms.
The museum contains 6,000 artifacts. The themes of the exhibits in the museum halls have been diversified from the previous ones, and cover historical periods from the history of ancient Egypt in general and Alexandria in particular. This is done through the permanent display of the Greek-Roman Museum scenario, the re-display of the museum, and the introduction of new sections in the museum to serve the modern museum concept in a way that attracts Egyptian and non-Egyptian visitors. This aims to highlight the intellectual and artistic fusion between the ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Byzantine civilizations.
The Graeco Roman Museumproject also included raising the efficiency of services offered to visitors to improve their experience and makes it more attractive and convenient. Cafeterias and a gift house have been added to the museum. The museum was equipped to receive people of determination visitors, providing them with convenient bathrooms, elevators, and places for museum education.
Graeco Roman Museum opening hours all week from 9 am : 5 pm
The first king of the 4th Dynasty, Sneferu (c. 2613–2589 BC), chose Meidum as the site of his royal tomb. What we see today bears little resemblance to the original monument, which was a step pyramid that was then transformed into a true pyramid with smooth sides.
For this and several other reasons, Sneferu’s reign was a pivotal point of the Old Kingdom, and the site of Meidum is an integral part, representing the developments in pyramid-building know-how, technology, and techniques that would then lead to the building of some of Egypt’s most famous monuments.
At Meidum, Sneferu began building a seven-step pyramid that would have been 65 metres high. This was then enlarged, possibly before completion, into an eight-step pyramid. These two phases are called E1 and E2 by Egyptologists. In a completed state, the E2 pyramid would have been 85 metres high with a base length of 120.75 metres. It was at this point that Sneferu built the massive Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur. He then transformed the eight-step E2 pyramid into a true pyramid (E3) which stood between 92 and 95 metres high, with a base length of 144 metres.
Today, the pyramid has the appearance of a three-step structure emerging out of a massive mound of rubble and debris surrounding it. This tower is, in fact, most of the core of the pyramid. It was previously hypothesised that the rubble was the result of a sudden and catastrophic collapse that took place during the E3 construction phase. However, the debris consists of layers—strata—demonstrating that the erosion and destruction of the pyramid was, in fact, gradual.
According to earlier scholarship, the Meidum pyramid was constructed by Sneferu’s predecessor, the last king of the 3rd Dynasty, Huni (c. 2637–2613 BC). This is no longer the consensus. Sneferu’s name appears in texts in Meidum, and the ancient name of this site was Djed Sneferu ‘Sneferu Endures.’ During the reign of Thutmose III (c. 1479–1425 BC) in the 18th Dynasty, the scribe Ankhkheperreseneb visited Meidum and wrote an inscription, saying that he had come ‘to see the marvellous temple of Horus Sneferu. He saw it, as if heaven were in it and in it the sun rose.
The Interior of the Pyramid The entrance into the pyramid is in its north face, as was the standard, but it is unusually around 15 metres above the ground. A descending passage goes from the masonry of the pyramid down into the bedrock, turning into a horizontal corridor. Going past two niches, this leads to a vertical shaft that goes up to the burial chamber. Its corbelled ceiling distributed the tremendous weight of the masonry above, preventing it crushing the open spaces within the pyramid. It is for this same reason that the ancient Egyptians built corbelled weight-relieving spaces just above the two niches and the lower part of the descending passage. These were only discovered in 1998. It is here in Meidum that corbelling for a stone ceiling appears for the first time, a technique that would later be used to outstanding effect in the Grand Gallery and the burial chamber in Khufu’s tomb—the Great Pyramid.
What is the significance of the Meidum Pyramid?
Historical Significance: The Meidum Pyramid offers insights into the early experimentation with pyramid construction methods. Its collapse influenced the development of architectural techniques for later pyramids.
What is interesting about Meidum Pyramid?
The pyramid at Meidum is thought to be just the second pyramid built after Djoser's and may have been originally built for Huni, the last pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, and continued by Sneferu. Because of its unusual appearance, the pyramid is called el-heram el-kaddaab – (False Pyramid) in Egyptian Arabic.
What happened to the Meidum Pyramid?
2575–c. 2465). Late in its reconstruction under Snefru, the outer casing and fill of the pyramid began to collapse. The work was abandoned, and the mortuary chapel remained uninscribed.
Who built the Meidum Pyramid?
The pyramid of Meidum was built during the reign of King Huni and was completed later by his son King Snerfu. It was believed that King Snefru wanted to complete a special Pyramid to honor the ancient Egyptian gods & goddesses and his power and greatness.
Why is pyramid so special?
Pyramids today stand as a reminder of the ancient Egyptian glorification of life after death, and in fact, the pyramids were built as monuments to house the tombs of the pharaohs. Death was seen as merely the beginning of a journey to the other world.
The Meidum Pyramid seems never to have been completed. Beginning with Sneferu and to the 12th Dynasty, all pyramids had a valley temple, which is missing at Meidum. The mortuary temple, which was found under the rubble at the base of the pyramid, apparently never was finished. Walls were only partly polished. Two stelas inside, usually bearing the names of the pharaoh, are missing inscriptions. The burial chamber inside the pyramid itself is uncompleted, with raw walls and wooden supports still in place which are usually removed after construction. Affiliated mastabas were never used or completed and none of the usual burials have been found. Finally, the first examinations of the Meidum Pyramid found everything below the surface of the rubble mound fully intact. Stones from the outer cover were stolen only after they were exposed by the excavations. This makes a catastrophic collapse more probable than a gradual one. The collapse of this pyramid during the reign of Sneferu is the likely reason for the change from 54 to 43 degrees of his second pyramid at Dahshur, the Bent Pyramid.
The Serapeum at Saqqara is the tomb of the sacred Apis bulls that were associated with the god Ptah, whose cult center was in Memphis. An avenue of sphinxes leads to the Serapeum, which is composed of two long corridors that once housed the mummified remains of the bulls. The tomb was in use from the time of Amenhotep III in the New Kingdom through to the Ptolemaic Period.
Serapeum of Saqqara
Priests selected certain bulls based on their markings and divine birth. The bulls were treated with a lot of privilege during their life. Upon death, the bulls were mummified and placed in sarcophagi in an elaborate celebration.
Inscriptions record many kings who made offerings in the Serapeum. Two sons of Ramses II, Khaem-waset and Meren-ptah, donated several bulls, jewelry and shabtis as princes and High Priests of Ptah.
One of the Serapeum sarcophagus
The Serapeum from inside
One of The Serapeum sarcophagus
What is the mystery of the Serapeum?
The mystery surrounding the Serapeum of Saqqara primarily revolves around the construction and transportation methods used to create the elaborate underground tombs. Each sarcophagus in the Serapeum weighs an astonishing 60 to 70 tons and is carved from a single block of granite.
What was the Serapeum used for?
Serapeum, either of two temples of ancient Egypt, dedicated to the worship of the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis (Sarapis). The original elaborate temple of that name was located on the west bank of the Nile near Ṣaqqārah and originated as a monument to the deceased Apis bulls, sacred animals of the god Ptah.
Mereruka was vizier during the reigns of Kings Teti (c.2345–2323 BC). As vizier, the highest-ranking official, and husband of a daughter of Teti’s, Mereruka was a very powerful and wealthy man. It is all the more significant that he held this title during the reigns of the first two rulers of the Sixth Dynasty, a time when the elite’s power had grown substantially.
Mereruka was buried in a mastaba to the north of the pyramid of Teti in Saqqara. Reflecting his status, it is among the largest in the Teti cemetery, and among the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom (c.2686–2181 BC). The rooms inside the mastaba were often the venue for the performance of the cult for the soul of the tomb owner. Mereruka’s massive mastaba contains a total of thirty rooms, including six for his wife, and another five for his son.
Many beautiful scenes adorning the walls of this tomb provide insight into life during the Old Kingdom, such as the herding of cattle, the harpooning of hippopotami, and fishing and fowling scenes, all of which are shown in amazingly vivid detail. Also shown are scenes of animals being force-fed, although exceptionally hyenas are depicted among them. A unique scene depicts personifications of the three seasons of the ancient Egyptian calendar. The focal point of the entire tomb was the false-door. In Mereruka’s mastaba, a life-size statue of him steps out, ready to receive the offerings that were set on the offering table before him.
The Nile hippo was common in North Africa, in the Nile region in historical times, but was exterminated. Prove to this theory can be seen in the relief titled "Hunt for hippos" located in the tomb of Mereruka in Sakkara.
The term "mastaba" refers to the tomb's shape: a rectangular structure with a flat roof and outwardly sloping sides. The Mastaba Tomb of Mereruka is among the largest of its kind, featuring multiple rooms and chambers spread across a sprawling complex.
The Mastaba Tomb of Mereruka is a testament to the architectural ingenuity, artistic excellence, and cultural richness of ancient Egypt. It stands as a monument to Mereruka's significant role in the court of Pharaoh Teti and provides an invaluable glimpse into the life and times of the Sixth Dynasty. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an Egyptology scholar, or a curious traveler, a visit to the Tomb of Mereruka in Saqqara promises a profound and enlightening experience. The tomb not only honors the legacy of Mereruka but also preserves the heritage of a civilization that has fascinated the world for millennia.
The Black Pyramid was built by King Amenemhat III during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. It is one of the five remaining pyramids of the original eleven pyramids at Dahshur in Egypt. Originally named Amenemhet is Mighty, the pyramid earned the name Black Pyramid for its dark, decaying appearance as a rubble mound.
the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Dahshur stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity and ambition. Often overshadowed by its more famous cousins, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, this enigmatic structure holds a unique place in the rich tapestry of Egyptian history. Today, we're embarking on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Black Pyramid, delving into its construction, historical significance, and the mysteries that continue to intrigue archaeologists and historians alike.
The Black Pyramid's construction deviated from the typical use of limestone and granite, opting instead for a core made of mudbrick. This choice of material, while innovative, presented significant challenges. The mudbrick core was prone to settling and erosion, which ultimately contributed to the pyramid's partial collapse. Despite these challenges, the ingenuity involved in its construction remains a testament to the advanced engineering capabilities of ancient Egyptians.
The Black Pyramid Complex More Than Just a Tomb
While the Black pyramid itself is a fascinating structure, it is essential to consider the entire complex surrounding it. The Black Pyramid was part of a larger funerary complex, including temples, causeways, and subsidiary pyramids. These elements played crucial roles in the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife and the rituals conducted in his honor.
The Black Pyramid Mortuary Temple
A Place of Eternal Worship Adjacent to the pyramid was a mortuary temple, where priests performed daily rituals to honor the deceased pharaoh and ensure his safe passage to the afterlife. This temple was richly decorated with reliefs and inscriptions, depicting scenes of the king's achievements and divine interactions. The temple served as a hub for religious activity, maintaining the king's spiritual presence long after his death.
Amenemhat III
Amenemhat III, a pharaoh of the Twelfth Dynasty, reigned over Egypt during one of its most prosperous periods. Known for his innovative and ambitious projects, Amenemhat III sought to leave an indelible mark on history. The Black Pyramid, located in the royal necropolis of Dahshur, was one of his most significant endeavors. But what drove this powerful ruler to construct such an unusual and complex monument.
Amenemhat III's reign was characterized by economic stability and significant architectural advancements. His vision for the Black Pyramid was a departure from traditional pyramid designs, showcasing his desire to innovate and solidify his legacy. Unlike earlier pyramids, the Black Pyramid featured unique construction techniques and materials, reflecting the pharaoh's ambition and the architectural prowess of his era.
The pyramidion of Amenemhat III
Mystery of Bin Bin’s Black Pyramid derives its name from the dark limestone casing that originally covered its exterior. This striking choice of material not only gave the pyramid its distinctive appearance but also symbolized the pharaoh's connection to the afterlife. The dark stone was believed to represent the fertile soil of the Nile, linking the pyramid to themes of rebirth and regeneration.
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