FALCON The falcon, or hawk, has maintained a special role in Egyptian mythology since the beginning of the country's recorded history. The falcon, soaring over the desert sky, was revered as the king's guardian and a representation of the sun deity. Re. One of the first places of worship for the falcon deity was located at Hierakonpolis (hawk city), where several significant findings have been unearthed. An ancient historical record from the area called the Narmer Palette (3100 B.C) depicts the falcon as monarch enslaving his opponents. The Egyptian faith has long held hawks in high regard.
They stood in for Montu and Sokar, the battle gods, and the goddess Hathor, who was occasionally shown as a female falcon. In his Histories, the Greek historian Herodotus reports that shooting a falcon resulted in death. The falcon is typically depicted with his wings spread in his capacity as the king's defender. The Fourth Dynasty statue of The well-preserved Ptolemaic temple at Edfu is defended by two enormous falcons carved from black granite serves as an illustration of this. They guard the king's likeness.
A falcon-like figure is shown behind King Chephren (Khafre), its wings spread. The flight of a falcon as it ascends to heaven is compared in the Pyramid Texts to that of the king's soul. Hawks were sacrificed to the falcon deity Horus during the Late era (747-332 B.C) and then mummified and buried in a catacomb at Saqqara. In ancient Egypt, animal mummification was a lucrative industry, and it appears that a sizable portion of it was false. From bulls to doves, the ancient Egyptians mummified a wide variety of animals for a variety of reasons. Several were reared to be sacrificed as sacrifices to the gods, while some were pets saved to keep their owners company in the afterlife.
An Egyptian may place a gift of a mummified animal in the temple of a deity to ask for a favour. The ibis and falcon galleries of Saqqara, kilometres of tunnels filled with mummified birds, are Egypt's greatest animal graveyard. There are hundreds of niches with a mummified bird in a clay pot carved into the walls of each tunnel. The priest piled the pots on the floor when he ran out of niches to place them in. Both the falcon and the ibis were considered sacred by Thoth. There were shops where pilgrims could buy mummified birds, many of which had been grown for that purpose, along the path to the galleries. One was chosen by the pilgrim, put in a pottery pot, and then sealed. For a modest price, gallery priests would set it in a niche and offer a prayer for the traveller. Hor, a monk who oversaw the ibis galleries about 200 B.C, said that Saqqara employed hundreds of workers in the animal mummification industry.
Doorkeeper was one of the more significant positions. According to Hor, the doorman likely raised the ibises since he watched over the birds, who are still young. Falcons, unlike ibises, cannot be reared in captivity, hence there were insufficient amounts of falcon mummies to satisfy the demand. Suppliers then started to create fake mummies. Falcon mummies are usually invariably old fakes created from a bundle of rags with lovely wrappings on the exterior, according to X-rays of falcon mummies. Hor expressed his worry in his writings that the pilgrims were being taken advantage of when they bought a falcon mummified as a sacrifice. He stated that there must be one deity or a bird in each clay pot.
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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.
Your Egypt Tours is one of Egypt’s leading and most trusted travel agencies, known for its personalized service and expert care. As a top-rated company for Egypt tour packages, we ensure every Egypt trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable, offering competitive prices, excellent customer service, and the highest standards of quality. With us, you’re always in good hands.
The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.
It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.
Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.
Yes, Egypt is a very safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and strong security measures in all tourist areas. The government ensures that accommodations and attractions remain clean and well-monitored for travelers’ comfort. When you book Egypt tours, you’ll find professional guides and organized arrangements that make your trip worry-free and enjoyable.
Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.
Yes, you can, summer is still a great time to explore Egypt! While temperatures can rise to around 45°C, seaside resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam offer refreshing escapes with diving and snorkeling opportunities. Sightseeing in the early morning or evening helps you avoid the midday heat. Summer also brings great deals on hotels and services, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Egypt tours during summer can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.
You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.
The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
