Egyptian Screensavers

Saqqara: Suggested Itinerary While in Egypt

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.