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Overview

Introduction

Ancient ruins can be found throughout Egypt, especially along the Nile. The following are important sites:

Abydos—At Abydos you'll see the ruins of an ancient cemetery and the Temple of Seti I, which is one of the most ancient and finely preserved in Egypt. Also visit the cenotaph to Osiris, commonly called the Osireion—its wells of water are believed to have curative powers, and visitors to the site are allowed to dip their feet into the water. Abydos is located 7 mi/11 km west of the Nile and 85 mi/140 km north of Luxor.

Beni Hasan—Reached by boat from Minya or Abu Qurqas, Beni Hasan is on the eastern bank of the Nile. It has tombs with interesting carvings depicting scenes of Egyptian domestic life in 1900 BC. Many visitors stay in Minya. Beni Hasan is located 15 mi/25 km south of Minya.

Dendera—Outside the town of Qena, Dendera has the large, wonderfully preserved Temple of Hathor, built during the first century BC. Dendera is located 285 mi/460 km southeast of Cairo.

Edfu (Idfu)—Edfu has a long, narrow 2,000-year-old temple to the god Horus that is in excellent condition. Because the temple is covered, much of the original color has been retained. About 12 mi/20 km north are the ruins of El-Kab. Edfu is located 360 mi/580 km south of Cairo.

Esna—Esna features a well-preserved temple to Khunum (a ram-headed god) built during Roman times. Esna is located 35 mi/55 km south of Luxor.

Hermopolis—This ancient city has two statues of baboons and a reconstructed granite-columned Greek agora. Hermopolis is located 30 mi/50 km south of Minya.

Kom Ombo—A well-preserved (250 BC) temple to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus. Part of the temple is used to house several crocodile mummies. These have been moved to a nearby museum. Kom Ombo is located 25 mi/40 km north of Aswan.

Tanis—This area has the most important ruins of the delta region, but they're difficult to get to (ask directions from the tourist board in Cairo or Alexandria). A partially excavated royal cemetery is the main attraction. Tanis is located 100 mi/165 km northeast of Cairo.

Tell el-Amarna—The city built by Akhnaten, the first pharaoh to advocate a monotheistic religion, has ruined temples, palaces and rock tombs from the 14th century BC. You can get there from Deir Mawas by local bus or taxi. You can also rent a donkey for transport. Tell el-Amarna is located 7 mi/11 km south of Mallawi.

Tuna el-Gebal—The ancient catacombs at Tuna el-Gebal once contained thousands of mummified baboons and ibises. Many of the animals have been removed, but some can still be seen in the tunnels. Tuna el-Gebal is located 35 mi/60 km southwest of Minya.