Memphis: The Ancient Egyptian Capital

Overview

Memphis, known as Manf, was the illustrious capital of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Established by Pharaoh Menes around 3100 BC, Memphis played a vital role in the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, serving as a strategic hub for trade, religion, and governance. Situated approximately 20 kilometers south of Cairo, this ancient city thrived for centuries due to its prime location at the Nile delta. At its peak during the 4th and 3rd millennium BC, Memphis featured grand temples and impressive structures that symbolized its status as an administrative center. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological remains that have earned Memphis a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the magnificent pyramid complex of Giza. Key attractions include the Memphis Museum in Mit Rihina, showcasing important artifacts such as a small sphinx and the Colossus of Rameses – a towering statue of Ramses II. Many tourists visit Memphis as part of organized tours that often include the nearby sites of Saqqara and its iconic step pyramid, as well as Abusir and Dahshur.