You are probably aware that Egypt is famous for being the birthplace of the Great Pyramids of Giza and as the ancient cradle of civilization. However, there are some fascinating details about this Land of the Pharaohs that you may not be familiar with or have ever considered before. So, let's explore some intriguing facts about Egypt that might pique your interest. If you're planning a trip to Egypt, make sure to check out our exclusive Egypt Tour Packages and experience unforgettable Nile River Cruises.
Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, has held this esteemed title for over a millennium. Spanning across an area of 500 square kilometers, it boasts a staggering population of 22 million individuals, making it the largest city in the Middle East and Africa, and one of the most densely populated in the world. However, Cairo's persistent issue of overpopulation may soon be addressed with the government's plans to construct a new capital 45 kilometers away. This ambitious endeavor aims to alleviate the current capital's traffic congestion and tackle various other challenges.
The famous Queen Cleopatra VII was not Egyptian but Greek
Despite being born in Egypt, Cleopatra VII was not of Egyptian descent. She hailed from a lineage of Macedonian Greeks and received her education in Greece. As a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which began with Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra's connection to Egypt was through the conquest of the country. However, despite her non-Egyptian heritage, Cleopatra fully embraced the customs and language of the land, which played a significant role in gaining acceptance among the Egyptian people.
Egypt has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites
UNESCO recognizes seven sites in Egypt as world heritage sites. These include the necropolis of Memphis, the temples from Abu Simbel to Philae along the Luxor-Aswan route, the necropolis of Ancient Thebes, the remarkable Whale Valley with its fossilized remains of extinct whales, Historic Cairo, and the revered Saint Catherine Monastery.
Ancient Egyptians produced the world's first prosthetic limb
The Ancient Egyptians demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by inventing numerous items that continue to be utilized today. Their level of knowledge was undoubtedly impressive, with certain creations proving particularly astonishing due to their intricate nature. A prime example is the development of the world's first prosthetic limb, crafted from a combination of wood, leather, and thread, during the period between 950 and 710 B.C. Additionally, they constructed some of the oldest hospitals in existence. The Temple of Kom Ombo, which served as a sanctuary for the deities Sobek and Horus, also functioned as a medical facility. It is well-documented that surgical procedures were conducted within its walls, as evidenced by hieroglyphs depicting surgical instruments.
Egypt has 3451 hours of sun per year
With its abundant sunshine, Egypt is an ideal getaway for those seeking to escape the chill of winter and enjoy a splendid vacation. Boasting an impressive average of over 3400 hours of sun annually, Egypt truly lives up to its reputation as the land of the sun. For sun worshippers craving even more rays, Aswan, a southern city in Egypt, is the perfect answer. It proudly holds the title of the 3rd sunniest place on Earth, basking in a remarkable 3863 hours of sunlight each year. This equates to a glorious 10 hours of sunshine every single day!
Women in ancient Egypt enjoyed a great deal of freedom.
Across history, women have consistently faced the perception of inferiority and the need to advocate for their rights. Despite facing imperfections, women in Ancient Egypt experienced a significant degree of autonomy, including legal and financial independence. They possessed the privilege to initiate divorces and enter into prenuptial agreements, ensuring women received compensation in the event of a marital dissolution.
