The Egyptian civilization was dependant on the Nile River for life. Without this river (the longest river in the world--yes, it is longer than the Amazon), Egypt would not have developed the ancient kingdoms or even progressed to the level of civilization and culture that came from this fertile, warm environment. Even today, the Egyptians realize that the waters of the Nile allow their country to survive. For thousands of years, the river flooded the lands along the flood plain, depositing rich soil and providing the necessary water to grow the crops. The Nile River is truly the lifeblood of this entire country.
The "Cruise Boat" that we rode on the Nile River.
Looking from the west bank of the Nile towards Luxor on the east shore. In ancient times, the city was built on the east side of the river. The tombs (Valley of the Kings, etc) and the burial sites are all on the western side of the river. The Sun God, Ra comes up in the east--signifying birth, and sets in the west--signifying death.
Many people ride these cruise boats from Cairo up the Nile to Luxor and then further south to the Aswan Dam. The dam was built in the 1960s. Since then, the flooding has been controlled.
The old style boats that sail on the Nile.
Prime water buffalo. It almost makes me homesick for my Angus cows.
Water buffalo and donkeys.
Looking west from the Nile towards the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple. Notice the extreme difference between the green along the river and the brown hills in the distance.
The entrance to Karnak Temple. Actually, Karnak is a complex of temples dedicated to several Gods. In ancient times, this area was under water, allowing the Egyptians to travel by boat all the way to the gates of the temple.
Ram headed statues guarding the entrance to the temple.
An ancient obelisk.
More statues within the courtyard of the temple.
The remnants of ancient pillars in the courtyard.
Statue of Ramses II with his wife in front of him (and Mel in front of them both). Ramses II was the primary builder of this magnificent temple although several pharaohs added to the temple complex. Ramses II was a warrior pharaoh.
Huge stone columns in the temple. There were 134 of the columns--amazing!!
Angus is dwarfed standing among the columns of the temple. Originally, the floor of this part of the temple (the Hypostyle Hall) was covered with sheets of gold and silver.
Originally, this part of the temple had a roof. The slatted area is a window.
Writing on one of the columns. This is the name of Ramses II in Egyptian hieroglyphics indicating that he was the builder of this part of the temple.
"R" rated drawing of Ramses II. This is used to signify that Ramses II was very fertile. He had 54 wives. From those wives, he fathered approx 96 sons and 102 daughters (these numbers were given to us by our guide). I would call that "fertile". He reigned as pharaoh for 67 years.
Outside of one of the temples.
The "Tree of Life" depicting Ramses II in the center. This indicates that Ramses considered himself as allowing life to exist and continue for his kingdom.
Two very tall obelisks in the temple complex. The top of the obelisk forms a pyramid. These obelisks were carved from one piece of granite. They were carried from above the falls at the present day, Aswan Dam, to Luxor--several hundred miles.
5 comments:
Wow! These are awesome, when can I make a trip? I'm ready!!
That is just stunning. Talk about a great holiday.
You said that there aren't a lot of crocodiles, were there other animals that you saw besides the scrawny cow and camels?
Cats, donkeys, camels and water buffalo. A few horses. Some birds. That's about it.
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