Interesting Facts about Egypt

Exploring Interesting facts about Egypt : Egypt, one of the oldest countries in the world, invites travelers on a captivating journey through its rich history and modern realities.

While delving into the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids and the lives of the ruling pharaohs might take years, a collection of interesting facts about Egypt in 2024 can provide a snapshot of this remarkable country, allowing one to impress friends with newfound knowledge.

Below is the list of some Interesting facts about Egypt:

Pyramids Galore:

The Egyptian pyramids are undoubtedly the most popular attractions in Egypt, with the Pyramids of Giza being the poster child. However, contrary to common belief, there are a total of 118 pyramids in the country, and some estimates even suggest 138. These structures are scattered throughout Ancient Egypt, each holding its own historical significance.

The Oldest Stone Building:

The Pyramid of Djoser stands out as the oldest stone building visible today. With its unique six-step shape, it marked the beginning of constructing traditional tombs for pharaohs. Unlike later tombs, Djoser’s pyramid was not only for the king but also for his loved ones, featuring 11 burial chambers. The innovative use of limestone blocks contributed to its extraordinary durability over the centuries.

The Enigma of Cheops:

The largest Egyptian pyramid, that of Cheops, is a wonder of the ancient world. Its construction involved a large portion of the country’s population, causing widespread discontent. Interestingly, none of the expected treasures or the pharaoh’s mummy were found in the three burial chambers. The internal structure, with shafts, tunnels, and corridors, continues to baffle researchers. Remarkably, the temperature inside the pyramid remains a constant 20˚C, regardless of external heat.

Treasures in Cairo:

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts, housing mummies, sarcophagi, funeral masks, and household items. Contrary to popular belief, historical artifacts are not located inside the pyramids but can be admired in this expansive museum.

Abu Simbel’s Timeless Beauty:

The Abu Simbel temples, carved into rock during Pharaoh Ramesses II’s reign, hold intriguing facts. The large temple commemorates the king’s military achievements, while the smaller one is dedicated to his beloved wife, Nefertari. Twice a year, on significant dates, sunlight illuminates the pharaoh’s statue, a phenomenon that continues to defy explanation.

Hatshepsut’s Legacy:

The Temple of Hatshepsut stands as a testament to the pharaoh’s legacy. Queen Hatshepsut, the first woman to ascend the throne, ruled Egypt successfully for 27 years. The temple’s impressive architecture, adorned with columns, statues, and paintings, narrates stories from her life, tales of ancient gods, and significant religious events.

Mysteries of the Sphinx:

The Great Sphinx, shrouded in mystery for thousands of years, raises numerous questions about its creation, significance, and the architect behind it. The exact date of its construction, the reason for the missing nose and ceremonial beard, and the identity of its sculptor remain elusive.

Pyramids and Gods:

The pyramids of Egypt are deeply intertwined with the worship of gods, particularly Ra, the god of the Sun. It was believed that the edges of the pyramids could transmit rays to reach the sun, endowing pharaohs with power and strength. Ancient Egyptians worshipped around 5,000 gods, with altars and statues dedicated to their reverence.

Feline Adoration:

Interesting facts of Egypt culture include the worship of cats as sacred animals. Cats were revered, immortalized in various forms, and even mummified. Such was the respect for cats that the death of a palace cat led to the pharaoh shaving off his eyebrows and declaring a 70-day mourning period.

Modern Marvels:

Modern Egypt showcases a love for skyscrapers, exemplified by the cylindrical tower built in 1956 in Cairo. Standing 43 meters taller than the Cheops pyramid, it serves as a hub for broadcasting television and radio while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Ras Mohammed National Park

Venturing beyond the bustling markets, Egypt unfolds another intriguing chapter at Ras Mohammed, a local national park situated on the Sinai Peninsula. This natural haven reveals interesting facts about Egypt, drawing inspiration from its stunning underwater world.

Once acclaimed explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau was captivated by the park’s beauty and the diversity of marine life. The park features an extraordinary mangrove grove, known for its unique ability to transform saltwater into freshwater. At the park’s entrance, a historical monument stands tall, seemingly inscribed with the word “Allah” using colossal stone blocks.

13. The Nile River:

The Nile River, the longest in Egypt and Africa, holds fascinating historical facts. It served as a crucial transport route for building materials used in constructing the Egyptian pyramids. Stone blocks were transported along a now-dry river branch, humorously named “the tributary of Cheops.”

14. Ancient Egypt:

Ancient Egypt is the cradle of medical development. Archaeological findings reveal advanced medical practices, including surgeries and treatments for various diseases. Egyptians excelled in gynecology, surgery, and ophthalmology, establishing hygiene rules, such as daily washing. To prevent lice, people cut their hair, while the elite wore natural-material wigs. Notably, Ancient Egypt pioneered antibiotic use by employing moldy food products to treat infections.

15. Pyramids of Egypt:

Continuous archaeological research unveils new insights into the pyramids of Egypt. Recent findings on the Giza plateau suggest a burial site for those involved in pyramid construction, challenging the notion of slaves’ involvement. Pharaohs’ tombs, surprisingly, were often located outside the pyramids, in the nearby Valley of the Kings, listed by UNESCO. So far, 63 tombs have been discovered there.

16. Memphis:

Memphis, Egypt’s first capital founded over 3000 years ago, now lies in ruins, with limited surviving historical remnants. A small museum displays artifacts like the majestic statue of Ramesses II, sarcophagi, a small Sphinx, a mummification pedestal, and remains of a temple to the god Ptah. Although only about 5 percent of the city has been explored, ongoing research continues to uncover its ancient secrets.

17. Colored Canyon:

One of Egypt’s favorite natural spots is the Colored Canyon in the Sinai Mountains. A past earthquake broke part of the rock, and water and wind shaped it into a fascinating, 5-kilometer-long maze. The canyon walls, reaching tens of meters high, narrow from 10 meters to just one in some places.

The rocky surface, rich in various substances, sparkles with different colors in the sunlight. To enhance the experience, clever guides sometimes pour water on the sandstone, intensifying and brightening its colors with humidity.

18. Unique Shopping Experience in Egypt

When exploring life in the eastern state, you may notice that some shops and pharmacies don’t have price tags. Sellers can independently set the product price for each buyer, and buyers can suggest their own payment amount. It adds a personalized touch to the shopping experience.

19. Unfinished Roofs:

As you travel through Egypt, you might observe buildings, even seemingly wealthy ones, with unfinished roofs. This is a strategic move by residents to avoid property taxes. Unfinished buildings are exempt from these taxes, leaving reinforcement sticks and scattered bricks as a common sight.

20. Inherited Profession:

In Egypt, the profession of garbage collector is often passed down through generations. Even young children may join the family business. There’s a designated area on the outskirts of Cairo, housing around 40,000 people, dedicated to waste sorting and recycling. These workers, known as the Zabbaleen, play a crucial role in keeping the city clean.

21. Red Sea Delights:

The Red Sea, caressing Egypt’s shores, is teeming with over 1,200 fish species and vibrant corals, making it a diver’s paradise. Many tourists enjoy diving in its crystal-clear waters, while others opt for snorkeling right by their hotels. The Red Sea is renowned as the most beautiful in the world.

22. Language Surprise:

Contrary to popular belief, Egyptians don’t speak “Egyptian.” The most widely used and official language in Egypt is Arabic. While the ancient Egyptian language existed in the past, it’s now considered a dead language.

23. Egypt’s Vast Deserts:

A staggering 96% of Egypt’s territory is desert, including the massive Sahara and Libyan deserts. Despite the harsh conditions, people persist in living there, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

24. Ancient City of Heracleion:

In modern Egypt, there’s an ancient city named Heracleion that remained underwater for over 12 centuries and was only discovered in the 21st century.

25. Cleopatra:

Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, was the last ruler of the country. Contrary to popular belief, she was of Greek nationality, hailing from ancient Macedonia.

26. Egypt’s Dual Continent Location

While Egypt is primarily in Africa, it also spans into Asia. The Sinai Peninsula, part of Egypt, is considered to be in Asia.

27. Marriage Tradition in Egypt:

In Egypt, for a man to marry, he must pay a bride price to the bride’s parents. For many, earning this amount can take 10-15 years.

28. Birthplace of Belly Dancing:

Egypt is the birthplace of belly dancing. Initially, it was a religious dance performed exclusively at ceremonies honoring the goddess Isis. Over time, it gained popularity worldwide, losing its religious significance.

29. Kokshari:

The most important national dish in Egypt is kokshari, a blend of rice, lentils, and pasta.

30. Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics:

In ancient Egypt, both men and women used cosmetics. Oils served as sun protection, and Egyptians believed that using cosmetics pleased the gods. Red lead-based eyeliner was particularly popular.

31. Suez Canal: Connecting Two Seas

The Suez Canal links the Red and Mediterranean Seas. Its construction allowed flora and fauna from these seas, separated for millions of years, to mix. About 10% of the world’s cargo passes through the Suez Canal.

32. Egyptian Innovation: Spoked Wheels and Agile Chariots

Egyptians were pioneers in inventing spoked wheels. Their chariots were light and nimble, unlike the slower four-wheeled carts used by their main opponents, the Hittites.

33. Football Fever in Egypt

The favorite game of Egyptians is football. The Egyptian football team has won the African Cup of Nations seven times, achieving a remarkable three consecutive victories.

34. Egypt’s National Symbol:

The steppe eagle serves as Egypt’s national symbol, prominently featured on the state emblem and depicted on the western wall of the Cairo citadel. This historic citadel was constructed by Sultan Salah ad-Din in the late 12th century.

35. The Unfulfilled Plan for the Statue of Liberty in Egypt

Originally intended for Egypt’s Port Said to commemorate the Suez Canal’s opening, the American Statue of Liberty, named “The Light of Asia,” faced rejection by Egypt’s ruler, Ismail Pasha, due to the high transportation cost. As a result, the statue found its home in the United States.

36. Ancient Egyptian Origin of Wedding Ring Tradition

The tradition of exchanging wedding rings traces back to Ancient Egypt. People believed that the left ring finger, where the jewelry was worn, had a “vein of love” leading straight to the heart. This belief spread to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, eventually becoming a widespread tradition.

37. The Giant Statues of Memnon in Thebes:

The Colossi of Memnon are massive stone sculptures found in Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. According to old stories, people believed they represented the hero Memen and the Ethiopian king from the Trojan War. However, these statues were actually made to guard the entrance of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s palace around the 18th century BC.

38۔ Al-Azhar Park and Its Hidden Treasures:

Al-Azhar Park is well-known because it was built on what used to be a dump. While improving the area, they discovered ancient structures, adding an extra layer of history to the park.

39۔ Exploring the Unique White Desert:

The White Desert, situated 500 km southwest of Cairo, is a national park with extraordinary features. Its peculiar formations, made of chalk rocks, resemble bizarre shapes and are the remnants of ancient mollusks.

40۔ The Fascination of Egypt’s Pyramids:

Egypt’s pyramids hold mysteries that continue to captivate both scientific researchers and curious travelers. When visiting this eastern country, people are eager to connect with the past, uncover the secrets, and learn about its history. It’s delightful that modern Egypt not only preserves age-old traditions but also surprises its visitors with a blend of ancient charm and a vibrant spirit for ongoing development.  Share Your thoughts and views in the comments below regarding Interesting facts about Egypt.