Coffin Texts is a group of magical spells compiled during the Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 B.C.) to assist the deceased in their journey to the NETHERWORLD. With the collapse of the Old Kingdom (2688–2181 B.C.) and the period of lawlessness that followed, the First Intermediate Period (2181–2055 B.C.), robbers opened the Giza pyramids. For the first time, ordinary people could see the magical spells and prayers that helped the king journey safely to the next world. When the magic spells, or Pyramid Texts, became known, they must have inspired the new custom of inscribing prayers and spells on Middle Kingdom coffins that you will discover during Egypt tours. There are a lot of coffins to see in different places during Egypt day tours such as The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Valley of Kings in Luxor, and more.
One of the innovations of the Coffin Texts is that the sun god RE, who previously ruled the Underworld alone, now shared his dominion with OSIRIS, the god of the dead, who had risen to prominence as the Judge of the Underworld. Sun god RE is included in our Egypt travel packages, so i advise you check our Luxor day tours to visit Karnak temple, there you will attend the sound and light show to explore the history of Egyptian Pharaohs. Another idea from the Coffin Texts was that the deceased would be required to labor in the FIELD OF REEDS. The Coffin Texts followed no particular order or structure; they were a group of various spells designed to help the deceased reach the Netherworld. Because the spells were written on the surface of the coffin, space was limited, and frequently words or entire passages were omitted, which made the spells challenging to translate.
There are more than a thousand coffin spells that you will explore during Egypt luxury tours, but many are repetitious.
Frequently, they refer to magic or the magician's power. Two kinds of magic are mentioned in the Coffin Texts: negative and positive. In the opposing group, the spells assure the deceased that those who might work malicious magic on him will not harm him. These spells say, "I will not listen to magic" or "my soul shall not be seized by magic." In addition to worrying about "bad magic," there was also the fear that the deceased's magic would be taken from him by a god disguised as a crocodile. The spell to combat such a catastrophe was:
Get back! Go away! Get back, you dangerous one! Do not come upon me, do not live by magic! May I not have to tell this name of yours to the great god who let you come: "Messenger" is the name of one, and "Bedjet" is the name of one. If you want to enter ancient Egypt in the pharaonic era, check our Aswan day tours, you will find many places that tell about the coffin in ancient Egypt such as Edfu temple, Abu Simbel temple, Unfinished Obelisk and more.
Coffin Texts were intended to help the deceased reach the Netherworld safely. There were spells for not dying a second death and for not having to do any work in the next world. (Photograph by Sara Wells)
and these phrases frequently include, "I have filled my belly with magic." Sometimes the deceased could take possession of the power of other magicians: "I eat of their magic, I gulp down their powers. My strength in me is more than theirs. Their powers are with me.
The Egyptians wanted to be sure that once they had the power, they would not lose it, so they included spells to ensure their magic could not be stolen. All this historical info will be relevant during Egypt Classic tours.
Some of the spells in the Coffin Texts required more than words and included instructions for how the magic was to be spoken. The spell also shows us how the Egyptians thought their magic worked. For example, the spell to overcome foes (Spell 37) ends with "May you break and overthrow your foes and set them under your sandals. The accompanying instructions say that the words must be spoken over a wax figure of the enemy and that his name was to be incised on the heart of the figure with the bone of a cynodonts fish.
One of the most curious facts about the Coffin Texts is that, while many gods were named and invoked, neither the sun god Re or Osiris, the god of the dead, was the most important. Instead, SHu.
The god of air is the principal god in the texts. One possible explanation is that the Egyptians believed one had to travel through the sky to reach the Netherworld. In this case, Shu's help would be crucial. A common phrase on the coffins was, "I have gone to Shu. I have climbed on the sunbeams." As the god who holds up the sky, Shu was a means by which the deceased reached the Netherworld and a symbol of strength for the dead to make the arduous journey: "I am strong as Shu is strong, I am hale as Shu is hale, I am beneath the sky, I strengthen its light." The Coffin Texts focus on Shu rather than on Osiris because the priests who wrote them were more concerned with the journey to the Netherworld than with what would happen once the deceased arrived. Very few of the Coffin Texts mention the Netherworld. It was almost as if the Egyptians were merely concerned with avoiding the perils that might end the journey or reduce their powers; once they arrived in the "west," they would be safe. The Coffin Texts were most popular in the Middle Kingdom. During the New Kingdom, they were replaced by the more elaborate book of Dead.
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Egypt offers some of the best tours in the world, combining history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to sailing on a luxury Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, every experience is unforgettable. You can also enjoy relaxing beach escapes in the Red Sea or discover ancient wonders on tailor-made Egypt tours that suit every traveler’s interests.
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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.
