Luxor
Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom, and the city of Amun, later to become the god Amun-Ra. The city was regarded in the ancient Egyptian texts as wAs.t (approximate pronunciation: “Waset”), which meant “city of the sceptre”, and later in Demotic Egyptian as ta jpt (conventionally pronounced as “tA ipt” and meaning “the shrine/temple”, referring to the jpt-swt, the temple now known by its Arabic name Karnak, meaning “fortified village”), which the ancient Greeks adapted as Thebai and the Romans after them as Thebae. Thebes was also known as “the city of the 100 gates”, sometimes being called “southern Heliopolis” (‘Iunu-shemaa’ in Ancient Egyptian), to distinguish it from the city of Iunu or Heliopolis, the main place of worship for the god Ra in the north. It was also often referred to as niw.t, which simply means “city”, and was one of only three cities in Egypt for which this noun was used (the other two were Memphis and Heliopolis); it was also called niw.t rst, “southern city”, as the southernmost of them.
The importance of the city started as early as the 11th Dynasty, when the town grew into a thriving city.[11] Montuhotep II, who united Egypt after the troubles of the First Intermediate Period, brought stability to the lands as the city grew in stature. The Pharaohs of the New Kingdom in their expeditions to Kush, in today’s northern Sudan, and to the lands of Canaan, Phoenicia and Syria saw the city accumulate great wealth and rose to prominence, even on a world scale.[11] Thebes played a major role in expelling the invading forces of the Hyksos from Upper Egypt, and from the time of the 18th Dynasty to the 20th Dynasty, the city had risen as the political, religious and military capital of Ancient Egypt.
The city attracted peoples such as the Babylonians, the Mitanni, the Hittites of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Canaanites of Ugarit, the Phoenicians of Byblos and Tyre, the Minoans from the island of Crete.[11] A Hittite prince from Anatolia even came to marry with the widow of Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun.[11] The political and military importance of the city, however, faded during the Late Period, with Thebes being replaced as political capital by several cities in Northern Egypt, such as Bubastis, Sais and finally Alexandria.
However, as the city of the god Amun-Ra, Thebes remained the religious capital of Egypt until the Greek period.[11] The main god of the city was Amun, who was worshipped together with his wife, the Goddess Mut, and their son Khonsu, the God of the moon. With the rise of Thebes as the foremost city of Egypt, the local god Amun rose in importance as well and became linked to the sun god Ra, thus creating the new ‘king of gods’ Amun-Ra. His great temple at Karnak, just north of Thebes, was the most important temple of Egypt right until the end of antiquity.
Later, the city was attacked by Assyrian emperor Ashurbanipal who installed a new prince on the throne, Psamtik I.[11] The city of Thebes was in ruins and fell in significance. However, Alexander the Great did arrive at the temple of Amun, where the statue of the god was transferred from Karnak during the Opet Festival, the great religious feast.[11] Thebes remained a site of spirituality up to the Christian era, and attracted numerous Christian monks of the Roman Empire who established monasteries amidst several ancient monuments including the temple of Hatshepsut, now called Deir el-Bahri (“the northern monastery”).[11]
Following the Muslim conquest of Egypt, part of the Luxor Temple was converted from a church to a mosque. This mosque is currently known as the Abu Haggag Mosque today.
The 18th century saw an increase of Europeans visiting Luxor, with some publishing their travels and documenting its surroundings, such as Claude Sicard, Granger, Frederick Louis Norden, Richard Pococke, Vivant Denon and others. By the 20th century, Luxor had become a major tourist destination.
enjoy in Abu Dabbab
Abu Dabbab, located in the Marsa Alam region of Egypt, offers a mix of natural beauty and lively activities. Here’s what you can enjoy in Abu Dabbab:
Snorkeling and Diving: The real treasure lies underwater. Explore the magnificent fringing reef that begins at the northern and southern edges of the beach. The coral reefs are particularly intact here, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Water Sports: For adrenaline junkies, Abu Dabbab Bay offers thrilling water sports such as kiteboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing. The wide stretch of open water and consistent winds make it an ideal spot for adventure enthusiasts.
Relax on the Beach: Sun worshipers can unwind on the calm and leisurely beach. With countless parasols, bars, and shops, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort: Stay at the beautiful Hilton Hotel, which overlooks the bay. The hotel and the nearby Blue Ocean diving center are impressive choices for your stay.
Remember, Abu Dabbab is both lively and beautiful, offering a memorable vacation experience
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exploring this fascinating Luxor city
Luxor is a captivating destination with a rich historical past. Here are some of the best things to do in Luxor:
Karnak Temple Complex: Explore the second-largest temple complex in the world, dating back to 2000 BCE. Marvel at the grandeur of temples, monuments, and buildings dedicated to various pharaohs. The Precinct of Amun-Ra and the Temple of Mut are must-see sections here1.
Luxor Temple: Visit this ancient temple located in the heart of Luxor. It’s beautifully illuminated at night, making it a magical experience. The Avenue of Sphinxes, a restored sphinx-lined road connecting Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, is also worth strolling along2.
Valley of the Kings: Cross the Nile River to the West Bank, where the ancient Egyptians buried their dead. Explore the hieroglyphic-painted tombs of pharaohs, including the famous Valley of the Kings. The sunsets here are particularly enchanting1.
Luxor Museum: For a crash course in Egyptian history, visit this museum. Admire mummies, artifacts, and exhibits that provide insights into Luxor’s past3.
Remember, Luxor is an open-air museum, and its giant-sized temples and tombs make it a truly remarkable destination for history enthusiasts4. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating city!
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Giza pyramids tours
The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx and a handful of smaller tombs, form one of the most iconic sights in the world. If you’re planning to visit Egypt, these pyramids are likely at the top of your list. Here’s what you can do at the Pyramids of Giza:
See the Pyramids: Explore the three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. These ancient wonders were built as tombs for pharaohs and are awe-inspiring to behold1.
Go Inside a Pyramid: Venture inside one of the pyramids. The Great Pyramid allows visitors to explore its chambers, including the King’s Chamber where the sarcophagus is located1.
Panoramic Point: Head to the Panoramic Point for breathtaking views of the entire Giza Plateau. It’s an excellent spot for photos1.
Selfie with the Sphinx: Don’t miss the chance to take a selfie with the Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh1.
Visit the Valley Temple: Explore the Valley Temple, which served as a mortuary temple for the pharaohs. It’s located near the Sphinx and offers insights into ancient Egyptian rituals1.
Sound and Light Show: Attend the Sound and Light Show in the evening. The pyramids come alive with colorful lights and narrations that tell their fascinating history1.
Practical Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.
What to Wear: Dress comfortably and wear sunscreen, as it can get hot.
Getting There: The Giza Plateau is near the city of Giza, and there are hotels with views of the Sphinx and pyramids1.
Enjoy your unforgettable journey through time at the Pyramids of Giza!
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Hurghada tours
If you’re visiting Hurghada, Egypt, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy. Here are some top recommendations:
Giftun Islands Boat Adventure: Embark on a boat trip to the Giftun Islands. These pristine islands offer crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent snorkeling opportunities12.
Dive the Straits of Gubal: Explore the underwater wonders of the Straits of Gubal. Divers can photograph shipwrecks, colorful marine life, and fascinating underwater landscapes2.
Desert Adventures: Get your adrenaline pumping with desert tours. Hop on a jeep or quad bike and explore the stunning desert landscapes around Hurghada3.
Dine at Hurghada Marina: Enjoy fine dining at Hurghada Marina. The marina area offers a variety of restaurants with beautiful views of the Red Sea3.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Discover the underwater world at spots like Gota Abu Ramada. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Hurghada has fantastic dive sites12.
Remember to soak up the sun on Hurghada’s beaches and make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal city!
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Other Trips
These are other trips.
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