Posts Tagged With: egypt sightseeing

A New Children’s LEGO Exhibition opens at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Egyptian Museum, Egypt

The Egyptian Museum, Egypt

A Children’s LEGO Exhibition has recently opened at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, inspired by a Lego exhibition entitled “The secrets of the Pharaohs,” which toured Europe years ago. The exhibition has been recently inaugurated in a special ceremony at the Egyptian Museum by His Royal Highness Prince Henrik, Dr. Zahi Hawass, Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Wafaa Al Saddik and the Danish Ambassador to Cairo. The Lego pieces are properly displayed together with authentic monuments dating back to different Ancient Egyptian eras. The museum alsoincludes a small workshop area for children to design different Lego shapes. The models includes a statue of a sphinx, a model of the mask of the boy pharaoh King Tutankhamen and a model showing the pyramids construction, and a statue of Ramses II. Introducing Lego to Egypt is such a great and creative initiative, which will certainly encourage children to know more about their ancient history in a simplified way. Displaying authentic pieces along Lego ones, will surely help children visualize how these statues originally looked like.

If ‘off the beaten track’ Egypt appeals to you more I would highly recommend the western desert which is much less visited and is home to a host of less famous but no less impressive historical finds. Most recently has been the discovery of 14 New Graeco-Roman Tombs in Bahariya Oasis. Dating back to the third century BC these include one with a female mummy adorned with jewellery. The Greco-Roman tombs were found in a cemetery in the Ain El-Zawya area of Bawiti, a town in the Bahariya Oasis. This site was initially intended for the construction of a youth centre, but has now been turned over to Egypt’s antiquities authority.

“Within the tombs we have uncovered four masks made of plaster, a gold chip with engravings of the four sons of Horus, a collection of metal coins, as well as clay and glass vessels,” said Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA)

Another discovery within the tombs was a 97 cm tall female mummy with jeweled eyes that was cast in coloured plaster dressed in Roman attire and wearing jewellery.

Bahariya Oasis is well known as home to Egypt’s Valley of the Golden Mummies, where a collection of 17 tombs with about 254 mummies was discovered in 1996. I visited this on my last trip and it was amazing, particularly as the so called museum is more like a warehouse and I was the only person there!

Reference: friendfeed.com

Posted by: Yasmine Aladdin

Memphis Tours Egypt since 1955.

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Tutankhamun DNA shows family tree history

The pharaoh Tutankhamun was discovered in his tomb in Egypt in 1922, by the British archaeologist Howard Carter.

Since then his real identity has remained a mystery.

In recent years the advance in DNA profiling has given hope that the king’s family connections could be revealed.

The results of important DNA tests, carried out over the past two years in Cairo, have now been announced at the TutankhamunExhibition in Dorchester.

Although Dorset has no direct link to the pharaohs, the exhibition has been in existence for 21 years, and is internationally acclaimed.

It is also one of the few exhibits of its kind, outside of Egypt.

Tim Batty, the General Manager of the exhibition, said: “The research has helped to establish a family tree for Tutankhamun, which is something we didn’t really know before.”

The report, which is on display in the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester, traces back to the pharaoh’s great grandparents.

Tim said: “It’s firmed up some of the things we already suspected.

“It’s proved that the mummy in ‘Tomb 35’ [in the Valley of the Kings – a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom] was Tutankhamun’s mother, but archeologically it hasn’t been proved who that person was yet.

“The tests have also shown that Tutankhamun’s father was buried in ‘Tomb 55’ – again it still hasn’t been proved exactly who this person was, but it has always thought to have been Akhenaten [a pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt, he ruled for 17 years and died in 1336 BC or 1334 BC].”

DNA sequencing has also shown that Tutankhamun’s mother and father had a sibling relationship.

Tim said: “Ancient Egyptian relationships are fairly complicated in that there was quite a lot of intermarriage between brothers and sisters.

“Marriage was very different compared to what we know today.”

More about disease and possible causes of death have been revealed in the report too.

Tim explained: “The cause of death of Tutankhamunhas never been known.

“Originally, due to a mark on the back of his skull, it was thought that he had been hit over the head, or had fallen off his chariot and hit his head.

“However a CT scan [brain scan using x-rays] was done about two or three years ago and it was proved that the blow to the back of his head wouldn’t have been severe enough to cause death.

“Later a break on his leg was discovered and it was then put forward that septicemia [the presence of bacteria in the blood] may have caused his death, if the break hadn’t healed properly.

“That was the current theory until now – it’s now been proved through this latest report that he had malaria as well.

“So we’re getting a picture of quite a frail king, despite the fact he was young – he was only 19 when he died.

“He obviously had malaria, but whether this is what killed him is yet to be proved.

“It was quite prevalent in those days, because of the marshland near the River Nile [in Egypt], which attracted the mosquitoes – so it would have been possible to live with the disease, but not actually die from it.”

Reference : news.bbc.co.uk

Posted by : Yasmine Aladdin.

Categories: Adventure Tours, Budget Tours, Classical Tours, Combo Tours, Cultural Tourism, Dahabiyas in Egypt Nile, Events In Egypt, Family Tours, Honeymooners, Luxury Holidays (VIP), Nile Cruise, Sightseeing Tours, Special Offers in Egypt | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Summits of Sinai

Uncovering Egypt’s best-kept sporting secret

Sinai is known for many things — biblical history, world-class diving, posh resorts and conflict with Israel to name but a few. Just a few hours north of the perennially popular tourist retreat Dahab is Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have carried down the Ten Commandments. Mountains, it seems, have figured prominently in the region’s identity. And though adventure sports from kitesurfing to free diving draw thrill seekers from around the globe, few are aware that the mountains of Sinai offer the potential for world-class rock climbing.

That lack of awareness doesn’t come as a total surprise. Climbing is largely undeveloped throughout the Middle East, particularly when compared to nearby climbing destinations on the European side of the Mediterranean. Globally, the sport is rising quickly in popularity and recent years have seen small but highly active climbing communities emerge in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Turkey. In Egypt, however, the sport is virtually unknown.

One group in Sinai is trying to change that. “At the moment, I’m the only climbing instructor in Egypt,” says Jenny Lord, who leads climbing expeditions for the Dahab outfitter Desert Divers.

Desert Divers runs a dive center on the corniche, but has been a pioneer in Sinai climbing, heading inland and scouting locations, bolting routes and developing climbing areas since 2005. Countless hours exploring the canyons just half an hour by car from Dahab’s main strip revealed rock faces and boulders that many climbers only dream of.

One of those areas is Wadi Gnai. Overlooking a lush oasis, the valley is home to over 35 bolted sport-climbing routes, with more being developed. The diversity of climbing here is impressive, varied enough to accommodate first time climbers and long-time enthusiasts. (On the French rating system for difficulty, the routes here range from 3a to 7a.) It’s an easy place for climbers of any level to pass a few days, with enough challenging lines to keep people coming back.

Not far from Wadi Gnai is a bouldering area affectionately known as “Little Hampi,” named after India’s bouldering paradise in Karnataka. In the base of a dry riverbed, boulders sculpted and smoothed by thousands of years of erosion and flash floods pose endless technical challenges sure to keep climbers puzzled. They extend deep into the canyons, ripe with possibility for honing advanced climbing technique just a few feet off the ground.

St. Catherine is yet another option for Sinai climbers. At the base of the epic, sloping granite are bouldering problems, a preview for the challenges that await traditional or ‘trad’ climbers on multi-pitch ascents. Due to the historical importance of the area, drilling permanent protective bolts is strictly prohibited in St. Catherine, so climbers should bring full racks of trad gear.

Saint Catherine has already earned an international reputation for its difficult pitches, most ranging between 6a to 8b, but with plenty of lines that go off the chart. It has been featured in a few British climbing magazines in recent years and has seen a steady increase of traffic since. And although the site is rising in popularity, much of the area remains unexplored.

“There are loads of opportunities for new routing,” says Lord. That alone should be enough to draw serious climbers with visions of making first ascents to the site.

But for those without the experience or gear to take on St. Catherine’s technical climbs, sport, top-roping and bouldering options are needed to build a following.

Fortunately, Sinai has all of that.

In 2005 the European Union launched the South Sinai Regional Development Program (SSRDP), which, according to its mission statement, is intended for “the development of local economy and activities, and the preservation and support of the social, cultural, and natural resources of South Sinai.”

After the 2006 bombing in Dahab, tourism waned. At the time, Tanis Newman and her husband Said Khedr, who together own and operate Desert Divers, were just beginning to realize the climbing potential that awaited inland. But with sinking revenues and expensive equipment needing to be shipped from Europe or the US, developing climbing sites was simply impractical.

“After the bombing, to dig into your own pocket for $5,000 [LE 27,877] in climbing equipment — it just wasn’t going to happen,” says Newman. So she and Khedr applied for an SSRDP grant to fund, among other things, further exploration and development of nearby climbing sites. The following year, Desert Divers received a 74,000 (LE 548,750) grant from the EU.

Newman and Khedr, a Sinai Bedouin, have more in mind than simply developing a sustainable climbing scene in the region. For them, climbing is a way to preserve Bedouin culture in Sinai, which has been marginalized as a result of the Western-oriented development that has taken place along the coast.

“Bedouins don’t have access to traditional jobs,” says Newman. By creating employment opportunities in eco-tourism and adventure sports, Desert Divers is attempting to create opportunities and share an integral piece of the peninsula’s identity.

And it makes perfect sense. Nobody knows the local canyons better than the Bedouin, who have been free soloing the region’s granite chimneys for hundreds of years. Their help has been integral in developing the climbing sites that exist today.

Reference: Egypt Today

Posted by : Yasmine Aladdin

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Dahabiya Nile Cruise In Egypt, the best trip you can get

Dahabiya Nile Cruise in Egypt

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Sail in the charming River Nile and discover its East and West banks while you are boarding the Dahabiyas. The Dahabiyas allow you to have a closer look and visits to all the unique, well preserved pharaonic monuments. You will also have the ability to sail into smaller branches of the River Nile. In Luxor, you will visit the East Bank where you will see the gigantic Karnak Temples, Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum.

On the West Bank, visit the legendry Valley of the Kings where Kings of the Pharaohs are entombed Gorgeously adorned with gold and jewels and surrounded with treasures and replicas of all they would need in the afterlife. Visit the Valley of the Queens, Temple of Queen Htshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. Visit Kom Ombo and Edfu. In Aswan, see Philae Temple, The Granite Quarries,The High Dam and Kitcheners Island..

Memphis Tours Offers different kinds of Dahabiya, choose your Dahabia Cruise and enjoy your holiday in Egypt.

Sonesta Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Rihana Dahabyia Nile Cruise

Om Kolthom Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Agatha Christie Dahabiya Nile Cruise

For More Dahabiyas please visit this link

http://memphistours.com/egyptian-nile-cruise/Egyptian-Dahabiya-private-cruise.php

Posted by Fatma

Memphis Tours Egypt

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Enjoy Easter Holiday & Vacation in Egypt

Happy Easter in Egypt

easter

Don’t waste time and book our Easter holiday offers with Memphis Tours to enjoy the best time in Egypt within the Egyptian Pharaonic atmosphere. Wander among the most awesome places in Egypt. Experience our luxurious Nile Cruise in the charming Nile River between Luxor & Aswan to enjoy the festival aspects of the Egyptian people.

Enjoy our programs in Egypt during Easter Holiday

Happy Easter with Royal Lilly Nile Cruise

Easter Holidays & Tours in Egypt

Budget Holidays & Tours During Easter

For more offers & programs visit our website:

www.memphistours.com

Posted by Fatma

Memphis Tours Egypt.

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Christmas & New Year Holidays in Egypt.

Christmas and New years' offers and deals to egypt

Christmas and New years’ offers and deals to egypt

Enjoy great entertainment and have a fantastic Christmas & New Year holiday in the Egyptian Pharaonic atmosphere. Get excited with Memphis Tours Egypt Christmas Eve Tours to Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor. Experience a luxurious Nile Cruise trip on the charming Nile River and enjoy the sunshine in that festive season during Christmas and New year in Egypt. Aswan and Luxor for Christmas & New Year are always warm, charming and mysterious. Memphis Tours offers you wide selection of Christmas Eve & New Year travel packages holidays in Egypt.

Click here for Christmas and New Years’ Tours and Travel Packages !

Posted by : Yasmine Aladdin

Memphis Tours Egypt since 1955.



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Sahl Hasheesh Red Sea, Hurghada Egypt

id6146_foto1_The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh1

While driving on the Hurghada-Safaga highway, about 20 km south of the airport, one can admire the pristine wa­ters and sandy beaches of Sahl Hasheesh. In three years, however, travelers will be able to admire the exquisite architecture of Veranda, one of Egypt’s latest real-estate projects. Passerbys will long to be part of the picture perfect community that will soon spend lavish weekends relaxing in the area.
This is the vision of renowned archi­tect and project developer Eng. Saleh Hamdy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Veranda.
“Veranda is a village,” Hamdy says. “We wanted to keep it small, sweet and comprehensive, with only 669 units to ensure the quality of services.”
Instead of building rows of houses, the project is designed on four levels, with narrow streets and roundabouts designed to enhance the village’s flair.

The architecture is based on a tradi­tional Spanish theme with a modern twist, without too many decorative features. The colors are shades of off-whites and beiges.
The complex is designed to house a few thousand people and will offer a wide variety of services in order for them not to be forced to leave the gated community’s grounds. All the basics will be available, including a pharmacy and food court.
So far, Veranda’s clientele is part of the same niche that already own houses in Hacienda on the North Coast and neighboring project El-Gouna, says Hamdy.

“Sahl Hasheesh is not Hurghada,” he stresses. “It is a new town. On comple­tion, it is expected to be 40 million square meters, which is larger than Hurghada.”
Another Sahl Hasheesh project is be­ing developed into a high-end resort by New Egypt Tourism headed by Richard Turner.
But Hamdy isn’t afraid of competi­tion.
“The stretch of beach we have is unrivaled, and we have the proper infrastructure from state-of-the art de­salination plants, sewage and electric­ity,” he says.

Villas in Veranda, which will be c0mpleted in March 2011, are woven within water cascades, lagoons and an 18-hole golf course, providing each house with a view.
“We have a range of accommodations so that young and old, those who cher­ish privacy and those who don’t, car mix within the development,” he says.
For young couples, 67 square n one-bedroom flats are available in the Julietta and Margherita designs located in the town’s center. For small families, the 110-square meter Alexandra is slightly bigger with two bedrooms. Elder folks may be more interested in the Isabella design, a three-floor town-house, or the 270-square meter Sophia villa.
After working in the United Kingdom for 16 years, Hamdy is used to fulfilling high-maintenance demands.  “They want no faults and this is where I bring the English experience into the Egyptian market,” he says.
Owners receive the houses once they are fully finished, and benefit from fit­ted kitchens, air conditioning, mainte­nance and housekeeping services.

To cater to different clientele, the town   offers   a   wide   variety   of activities.   For   the   sports-oriented,  a fully-equipped gym, tennis court, golf course and lap-pool are being devel­oped. An unexpected addition are the croquet courts – Veranda will boast two, just in case one is filled to capacity. As for those who enjoy the nightlife, bars,  alfresco   dinning   and   cocktail lounges are part of the plan. For re­laxation and rejuvenation, a spa which will offer a wide variety of services is also being developed.

Taken from Egypt Today

Posted by Fatma

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Pharaonic Port Of Mersa Gawasis

Pharaonic Port Of Mersa Gawasis

Mersa Gawasis is the only recorded Pharaonic coastal site on the Red Sea. The site is located at the mouth of Wadi Gawasis, 25 km to the south of Safaga and 50 km to the north of al-Quseir. The site occupies the top and slopes of a coral terrace, which is bordered by the seashore to the east, the wadi to the south, and a playa to the west.

The site was discovered in the mid-1970s by Abdel Monem Sayed from the University of Alexandria who conducted excavations and recorded some shrines associated with anchors and inscribed stelae dating to the 12th Dynasty 3.1985—1773 BC). He identified Mersa Gawasis with the port of Sawu from where seafaring expeditions were sailing south to Punt during the Middle Kingdom.
In 2001 the University of Naples, ‘L’Orientale’ (UNO), Naples, and the Italian Institute for Africa and the Orient (IslAO), Rome (Italy), in collaboration with Boston University (BU), Boston (USA), begun a systematic excavation of the site, under the direction of Rodolfo Fattovich (UNO/lslAO) and Kathryn Bard (BU), in order to understand the organization seafaring expeditions in Pharaonic times.

Fieldwork between 2001 and 2004 recorded a ceremonial area with votive shrines close to the seashore; a settlement with small semi-subterranean huts in the western sector of the site; and an industrial area with kilns for copper-working along the western slope of the terrace, dating back to the Middle Kingdom. Potsherds and obsidian flakes from southern Red Sea, as well as fragments of Nubian pottery, where collected.

The timbers, together with limestone block-anchors, curved cedar steering oars, rigging ropes, and other items, are from ancient Egyptian ships. In addition to the nautical items in the second cave, and the two antechambers discovered to branch from it, the archaeologists found limestone tablets with hieroglyphic inscriptions that detail long-ago trade expeditions to the Red Sea region known as Punt.
Excavations at Mersa / Wadi Gawasis in 2006-07 uncovered a new stela with the cartouche of Senusret III, and two wooden cargo boxes with the cartouches of Amenemhat IV. Seven man-made caves, which were used as storerooms, were located, where remains of large timbers of seafaring ships continue to be found. Geological and archaeological investigations have also located the probable area of the beach of the ancient harbour. In the production area below the caves, where hundreds of bread moulds have been excavated, a lithics workshop was also excavated.
All the organic materials which were found inside the sealed caves are now the focus of conservation efforts.  With all this archaeological nautical evidence the “Min of the Desert” project was conceived.

Taking From Red Sea Bulletin

Posted by Fatma Sayed.

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El Gouna on Red Sea, Hurghada Egypt sightseeing tours

top-abu-tig-marina-el-gouna

The city is the result of the creative diversity of a local community of entrepreneurs, artists, and environmentalists’ who made El Gouna their home.

Offering wonderful accommodation from intimate guest houses to deluxe five-star hotels. Modern arabesque architecture and unique interior design transport you to another time and place. Meanwhile, the various activities and entertainment, world class cuisine and exciting nightlife make El Gouna the Red Sea’s premier leisure destination. El Gouna offers countless opportunities for fun on land or the beach, lagoons or the sea. Aqua Centers and dive centers offer equipment for catamarans, banana boats, snorkeling and diving etc. Fishing boats and equipment are available to rent from Abydos Marina.
There is a daily trip or you can arrange your private trip and multi-day diving and non-diving cruises with options such as beach and island stops, all of which are offered by several specialized boat charter companies in El Gouna. The Kite boarding Club and Kite surfing at Mangroovy beach offer multi language lessons for beginners and advanced kite surfing courses.

Horse and Camel riding is available at the Movenpick, beech and Yalla Horse stables who both offer a professional service and trained staff to assist you in enjoying their Arabian cross horses and Ponies for kids.

Mini Golf, Quad Runners, Tennis & Squash are also available in El Gouna. Shopping is one of the resort’s secrets, from the typical Egyptian souvenir shops, art and antiques and hand-made Turkish lamps, Oriental Furniture even international brands and classy boutiques,  Ethnic, Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry are all within you reach.

On land you can zoom around town by scooter or bicycle, both available to rent, and for those who like to live on the edge you can burn rubber on the Sun-Cart carting circuit on the road between the downtown area and the marina.

Golfers are in for a treat at El Gouna’s stunning 18 hole USPGA professional golf course designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The Golf Club offers high quality equipment and professional trainers.

The nightlife in El Gouna is full of excitement and entertainment, you can try your luck at Aladin Casino or BBQ and great music every Wednesday & Sunday at the ceach party at Mangroovy Beach or you can live your dream of being a karaoke king at Palma Karaoke Cafe where you can choose from 3000 songs in 9 languages. There are many other places to visit such as Smugglers, studio 52, Tambel Irish Pub, The Cave, Sand Bar, Barten, Le Tabasco, Moods, Mirage Open Air Disco, Billiards Bar, Dunes, El Gouna Oasis and the Marina Party every Friday in Abu Tig marina.

There is always a place for you in El Gouna whether you come alone or with your friends and family. There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer, choices to suit your mood, guesthouses, villas, apartments and waterfront elegance or the Marina hotels are available. Each and every hotel in El Gouna will make your holiday the best it can be, Movenpick, Rihana Resort, Ocean View, Sultan Bey, Ali Pasha, Turtle’s Inn and much more…!! Most of the hotels have their own Spa and beauty centers as well as diving centers. So enjoy your time in El Gouna! .

For more sightseeing tours to Red Sea visit our link

http://memphistours.com/Sightseeing/Hurghada.php?&page=3

Taking  From Red Sea Bulletin

Posted by Fatma Sayed.

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New Discoveries in the Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings in Western Thebes

Valley of the Kings in Western Thebes

In November, 2007, a new chapter in the history of the Valley of the Kings began when the first all-Egyptian team ever to work at the site began excavations under the direction of Dr.Zahi Hawass. Hawass announced the team has recently made many important and exciting discoveries, which are revolutionizing our understanding of one of the most mysterious and fascinating places in Egypt. There are still a number of kings and other royals who were probably buried in the Valley of the Kings, but whose tombs have not yet been found. The resting places of Ramesses VIII, Thutmose II, and the queens and princes of the 18th Dynasty are still unknown. Hawass believes that there are still many treasures left to be discovered in the valley.

The Valley of the Kings is one of the richest and most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. It was here that in 1922, Howard Carter found the tomb and treasures of Tutankhamun (KV62), perhaps the most sensational discovery in the history of archaeology. In 2005, a team from the University of Memphis in the United States located the first new tomb found in the valley since Tutankhamun. bringing the number of known tombs to 63, of which 26 belonged to kings. Although explorers and archaeologists have been combing the Valley of the Kings for centuries, not a single tomb has been found to date by an Egyptian. Dr. Hawass and his team hope to change this statistic. They are working in three different areas: between the tombs of Merenptah and Ramsses II on the northern side of central valley; in the area to the south of the tomb of Tutankhamun; and in the Western Valley, where the tombs of Amenhotep III and Ay are located. Each of these excavations has revealed important information.

In the area in the cliffs between the tombs of Ramesses 11 and Merenptah

Hawass  and his team have found a man-made drainage channel that probably helped prevent, the flooding of the royal tombs in the vicinity.

Masses of stone piled near a manmade wall at the base of the cliff represent a collection area for run off from the occasional rains in the high desert that have inundated the Valley of the Kings since ancient times. The area at the base of the channel is probably the location mentioned in an ostracon as the site where a sacred tree once grew, and the “tears of the gods” were collected. A small, sheltered area off to the side of the channel, where the team found a stone basin that may have held food and water, probably served as a resting place for the workmen.

In the central valley to the south of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the team has found the remains of small structures made of stone. These buildings were probably used for storage, perhaps of food and other items intended for offerings or, of embalming materials. The team also uncovered a number of workmen’s huts, which were  identified but never excavated by Howard Carter, and a cave cut into the rock to the south of the tomb. This cave was probably used as a shelter by the workmen. The excavation area is in the vicinity of the Amarna Period tombs KV63 to the southeast and KV55 to the northeast. It is possible that if important figures from this era, such as  Nefertiti, for instance, were reburied in the Valley of the Kings after the city of Akhetaten was abandoned, their tombs would be in this area. Hawass’ team is working not only in the area immediately to the south of the tomb of Tutankhamun, but also in the area north and east of the tomb of Seti I. They have found traces of cutting in the bedrock underneath the modern rest house, which may lead to a previously unknown tomb. Unfortunately, it would be necessary to remove the entire building to explore this area, so they will not be able to do so in the imme­diate future. A radar survey of the central valley was recently conducted in co-operation with an American team. The radar identified a number of areas of interest, and further analysis of the data may reveal features that warrant archaeological investigation.

Hawass’ team have made a number of remark­able finds. They have found hundreds of graffiti, most of them previously unknown. One unique example tells us that the vizier Userhat built a tomb for his father, the vizier Amonnakht, in the place known as set-maat, or “place of truth”. An inscription mentioning a previously unknown queen, the first part of whose name reads “Weret”. This woman bore the title of “god’s wife”,  an important religious office held by royal women beginning in the early 18th Dynasty. A beautiful painted ostracon showing a queen presenting offerings was also discovered, in addition to inscriptions of the cartouches of Ramesses II and Seti I. In addition, the team has discovered pieces of beautiful painted pottery dating to the New Kingdom

Finally, the team is working in the Western Valley, known in Arabic as the “wadi el-quroud,” or “valley of the monkeys”. The tombs of Amen-hotep III and Ay are both located in this area. Queen Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten, was the wife of Amenhotep III and possibly the sister of Ay. If she was buried in the Valley of the Kings, her tomb might have been carved out near that of her husband, and if Ay were in fact her brother, it would be all the more appropriate for her tomb to be near his as well. It will be interesting to see what excavations in this area will reveal. The Valley of the Kings still holds many secrets. Hawass and his team will continue to explore this fascinating site in order to add to our understanding of Egypt’s past

For more Sightseeing Tours in Luxor check this link

http://memphistours.com/Sightseeing/Luxor.php

Categories: 1, Classical Tours, Cultural Tourism, Events In Egypt, Luxury Holidays (VIP), Safari Travel, Sightseeing Tours | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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