Funerary texts The prayers, charms, and incantations included in funerary writings are meant to guide the dead to the afterlife. The first funerary manuscripts, known as Pyramid Texts, were from the Old Kingdom (2686 - 2181 B.C). The Pyramid Texts, which were carved on the walls of the burial chamber of the Fifth Dynasty King Unas' pyramid (about 2345 B.C), are the first significant collection of written Egyptian writings. They convey a well-developed concept of the afterlife.
The Pyramid Texts give advice like "cast the sand from your face" because they are primarily concerned with the protection of the king's body. The monarch in some passages seeks to intimidate the gods into adopting him as one of them. Eight subsequent pyramids from the Sixth through the Ninth Dynasties include copies of the Pyramid Texts, totaling over 800 spells (2345 - 2125 B.C). Not all spells were included in every pyramid, and the spells don't appear in any particular sequence. Funerary customs were no longer exclusive to royalty and the affluent throughout the Middle Kingdom (2055 - 1650 B.C).
Now, regular folks may also enjoy a respectable funeral and a life after death. New religious writings were required as a result of this evolution. The Coffin Texts were developed from the Pyramid Texts. The Coffin Texts, also known as the Book of Two Paths, were used to direct the departed on their journey to the afterlife. On the common wooden coffins of the time, they were carved in vertical rows. One of the Coffin Texts' improvements was the removal of the sun deity as the highest being. Because the deceased were doomed to spend forever with Osiris, the god of the Underworld, he became the protector of the dead.
The concept of the Field of Reeds was also created by the Coffin Texts, where the dead would labour in the fields for an arbitrary period of time by plough, sow, and harvest. At this point, the concept of a magical replacement worker was first proposed. Ushabtis, mummiform statuettes with mystical charms to activate them, would carry out the necessary agricultural activities for the departed. The Book of the Dead, a New Kingdom (1550-1069 B.C) invention that continued to aid the departed on their trip to the next world, replaced texts that had grown to be too numerous to inscribe on coffins. Almost half of the magical spells included in the Book of the Dead were taken from the Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts.
They contain a number of vignettes that serve as chapter illustrations. The ability to simply write on papyrus and copy the Book of the Dead was one of its advantages. The Book of the Dead had no set structure because it evolved from a number of prior texts, and chapters were occasionally duplicated incorrectly or twice. The Book of the Dead eventually appeared in several editions, but each one always contained the most significant chapters.
The Book of the Netherworld is the current name given to a subsequent collection of disparate books that were partly drawn from the Book of the Dead. These books are religious essays that describe the sun god's trip through the realm of darkness every night in step-by-step detail, in contrast to the Book of the Dead, which is a collection of magical spells, prayers, and incantations. They also discuss the Beyond World. The Amduat, the Book of Caverns, the Book of the Ground, and the Book of Gates were among the Books of the Netherworld.
Find out our latest news, promotions, and professional tips. Know before you book your next Egypt tours
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.
