Saqqara & Memphis

Overview

🏺 Saqqara & Memphis: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Discover two of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites — Saqqara and Memphis — where history, archaeology, and mystery come together. These two destinations are not only close in location but deeply connected through their ancient past: Memphis was once the capital of the Old Kingdom, and Saqqara served as one of its most important necropolises.

Alongside these two, nearby Abusir and Dahshur also form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site: “Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.”

📍 Location & Climate

• Located just 20 km south of Cairo, Saqqara and Memphis lie on the west bank of the Nile, within Giza Governorate.

• Today, Memphis is known as Mit Rahina, a modern village built over the ancient ruins.

• Nearby sites include:

  • Abusir – 18 km from Cairo

  • Dahshur – 30+ km away

• Climate: Similar to Cairo and Giza — hot summers, potential khamsin winds, and strong sun exposure, so bring sun protection, water, and comfortable clothing.

🏜 Saqqara: The Ancient Necropolis

Saqqara (also written Sakkara) is an open-air archaeological treasure filled with pyramids, mastabas, tombs, and sacred complexes.

Key Highlights:

• Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser)

  • The first pyramid ever built (c. 2650 BC).

  • Designed by Imhotep, this stepped structure marks the transition from mastabas to true pyramids.

  • Surrounded by a 10-meter wall, courtyards, and ritual spaces including the Heb-Sed court.

• Pyramid of Unas (Dynasty V) – Interior walls adorned with ancient hieroglyphic texts.

• Pyramid of Teti (Dynasty VI) – Features litanies and funerary inscriptions.

• Tomb of Mereruka – Over 30 chambers with detailed polychrome reliefs.

• Unfinished Complex of Sehemjet – Contains an empty alabaster sarcophagus of great archaeological interest.

🐂 The Mysterious Serapeum

One of Saqqara’s most intriguing sites, the Serapeum, is a burial ground dedicated to the sacred Apis bull, symbol of fertility.

• Features massive stone sarcophagi in over 20 chambers.

• Contained votive steles, sculptures, and offerings.

Saqqara also revealed a remarkable discovery: over 8 million mummified animals, including dogs (linked to Anubis), cats, and mongooses.

🏛 Memphis: The Ancient Capital

Memphis was the heart of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, serving as a political and cultural hub. While much remains buried beneath Mit Rahina, excavations continue to reveal its hidden treasures.

📝 Quick Facts for Visitors

• Distance from Cairo: ~20 km

• Best time to visit: October–April (cooler weather)

• Bring: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and camera

• Part of: UNESCO World Heritage Site