News — Ancient Egypt

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, is one of history's most famous figures. Cleopatra was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was of Greek origin and ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great.She became co-regent with her brother Ptolemy XIII when she was about 18 years old, but she eventually took full control of the throne. Cleopatra is known for her intelligence and political acumen. Cleopatra is famous for her relationships with powerful Roman leaders, including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. These...

In ancient Egypt, the "sa" symbol was a hieroglyph that represented protection, particularly magical or divine protection. It was shaped like a life preserver or a knot and was often depicted in amulets, jewelry, and carvings. The "sa" amulet was believed to provide safety and ensure well-being for both the living and the dead.The symbol was closely associated with deities like Taweret, the goddess of childbirth and fertility, and Bes, a protective god who guarded households. Both deities were seen as protectors, particularly of women and children. It was common to see the "sa" symbol in funerary art, alongside other...

The Tomb of Irukaptah, also known as Khenu or Iru-kaptah, is located in the necropolis of Saqqara and dates back to the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (c. 2494–2345 BCE). Irukaptah held the title of the "Butcher of the King" and "Overseer of the Butchers of the Great House," which reflects his high-status role in providing for the royal household, especially in matters related to food supply and offerings.Irukaptah's tomb is designed as a mastaba, a traditional flat-roofed tomb common for the nobility during the Old Kingdom. The tomb is renowned for its detailed and well-preserved reliefs, particularly those...

The step pyramid of Djoser is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt and is considered the precursor to the later smooth-sided pyramids. It is located in Saqqara, Egypt, and is part of a larger mortuary complex that includes courtyards, temples, and shrines, surrounded by a massive wall. The entire complex covers an area of approximately 15 hectares (37 acres). The pyramid of Djoser consists of six mastaba-like layers (mastabas are flat-roofed rectangular tombs) stacked on top of each other, creating a step-like structure. The pyramid originally stood about 62 meters (203 feet) tall. When you visit the pyramid, you...

  The Tomb of Maya is the burial site of Maya, an important official in ancient Egypt. Maya served as the treasurer during the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and also continued his service under Pharaoh Horemheb. He was one of the key figures responsible for the restoration of Egypt after the tumultuous reign of Akhenaten.Maya's tomb is located in Saqqara, one of the oldest and most significant necropolises in Egypt. Saqqara served as the burial ground for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, and it is home to numerous tombs of officials, as well as the famous Step Pyramid of...