|
Schedule at least two days. Drive
out from Cairo or Giza each day and enjoy the country
side. Two attractions on the way - Memphis (an open air
exhibit) and the rug making (and selling) shops.
We bought two rugs woven of
camel hair and have enjoyed them over the years. The
designs are fresh and naive.
Saqqara itself is
like the Disney World of Egyptology. There are so many
things to see there. The Penguin
Guide has a general map on page 219
which points to 32 seperate tombs, monuments and
pyramids. When nearby Memphis was established, Saqqara
became the burial place of choice for kings and nobles.
It is also the burial place of the Apis Bulls and Baboon
and Ibis mummies. The building at Saqqara was continuous
for 3000 years.
Absolute
"Must See" :
- The step
pyramid of Djoser;
- The tombs
around the pyramid of Unis;
- The pyramid
of Teti and the tombs nearby (Mereruka, Kagemni,
Neferseshemre, Ankhmahor and Neferseshemptah)
from the Fourth and Sixth Dynasties. These tombs
have beautiful reliefs.
- The Serapeum,
tomb of the Apis Bulls.
Archaeologic works
continue at Saqqara, and other tombs are probably open
now.
The Penguin
Guide covers Saqqara on pages 215 -
236. The Lonely Planet Guide
covers Saqqara on pages 220-226, including practice
guidance for how to get there and local providers of
tour.
|
Back to top of
page
