Memphis

Memphis, one of the most important cities of ancient Egypt, was located in Lower Egypt near the Nile River and served as the capital during the Old Kingdom. Founded around 3200 BC by King Narmer, the city was originally called Mennofer, meaning “the White Wall.” It was a major political, religious, and commercial hub, strategically situated at the junction of the Nile and trade routes leading to Africa and Asia. Memphis held deep religious significance as a center for the worship of Ptah, the god of craftsmen and architects.

The city’s importance is reflected in its many historical and archaeological attractions. The Pyramid Fields and necropolises to the west are home to the royal tombs of Old Kingdom pharaohs, underscoring Memphis’s status as a royal and ceremonial center. One of the city’s most striking remnants is the colossal 33-foot statue of Ramses II, a powerful symbol of ancient Egyptian grandeur. Nearby stands the Alabaster Sphinx, showcasing the artistry and symbolism of the era through its blend of human and animal features.

Visitors can also explore the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to deities such as Ptah, Sekhmet, and Nefertem, as well as the Serapeum, which once housed the sacred Apis bull sarcophagi. The Mit Rahina Museum, located on the site of ancient Memphis, offers an open-air display of artifacts, including a massive fallen limestone statue of Ramses II.

Although Memphis declined in prominence after Thebes rose during the New Kingdom, and was eventually abandoned during the Roman period, its legacy endured. When the Arabs conquered Egypt in 640 CE, they destroyed much of the remaining city, and many of its buildings were dismantled and reused in the construction of nearby settlements, including Cairo. Today, the site of ancient Memphis is known as Mit Rahina and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.