The pyramids at Giza, Egypt. Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

Arguably, nothing today is more symbolic of the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians than the pyramids. Most of these pyramid-shaped structures are believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and around 1800 BC, a period between the old and middle kingdoms of ancient Egypt. Over 100 pyramids still survive today, though many more certainly existed before. It is believed that most pyramids were constructed as tombs for the Pharaohs and other members of the royalty.

The pyramids at Giza are the most known. The largest of these, the pyramid of Khufu (popularly known as the great pyramid of Giza), is the only remaining member of the “Seven wonders of the ancient world”.

All the pyramids are situated west of river nile, mostly in groups of several pyramids. While the Giza pyramids, not very far from Cairo, attract many visitors to Egypt due to their massive size, there are other pyramids in other locations with even richer culture and heritage. Other pyramid sites include:

• Abu Rawash
• Abu Sir
• Dahshur
• el-Lahun
• Hawara
• Mazghuna
• Lisht
• Meidum
• Saqqara
• Zawyet el-Aryan

Egypt is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destination in Africa. Its many historical sites attract millions of visitors to the country annually. These sites are a heritage from the ancient civilization dating back to the days of the Egyptian pharaohs. The great pyramids are top among the tourist sites and are what most people identify Egypt with.

There are however several other equally famous and interesting sites to visit in Egypt. Some of these are:

• The two temples at Abu Simbel
• The Karnak temples
• Valley of the kings
• The great pyramids at Giza
• The Sphinx

Egypt is located in North Africa, and is one of the most influential countries in the Middle East. As the map of Egypt shows, the country borders Sudan on the South, Libya on the west, the Mediterranean Sea on the north, Israel on the North East, and the Red sea on the East.

The river Nile is Egypt’s most important natural resource. The river banks of the Nile constitute the only regions in which Egypt people can practice agriculture. Most of the remaining land area has desert climate, and thus unsuitable for farming. Apart from agriculture, the nile is an important source for geothermal electricity produced at the Aswan High dam. The river is also an important tourist destination popular for the luxury nile cruises on board floating hotels.

Cairo, the capital city, is the main entry point to Egypt. Other important Egyptian cities and towns include Alexandria, and Sharm el Sheikh and Luxor.