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THE COMPASS

Egypt

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GARRETT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Egypt is home to one of the world’s most ancient and greatest civilizations. From the oldest standing pyramid at Şaqqārah, to the grand tombs and temples of Luxor, and the Coptic churches, Islamic mosques, and bustling souks of Cairo, opportunities for discovery are numerous. Join us this week as we learn about the 'lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt, see why Egypt’s royal mummies are on the move, and visit the temple that honors the Egyptian queen who ruled as king.

Let's explore Egypt.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Mudbrick walls of the 3,400-year-old city, shown here enclosed by a distinctive “zig-zag” wall, stand some nine feet high in areas.

COURTESY OF ZAHI HAWASS

Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt

The 3,400-year-old royal city was built by Amenhotep III, abandoned by his heretic son, Akhenaten, and contains stunningly preserved remains.

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An embroidered photograph of Mahmoud Abdo in his home in Al Tarfa Village. His cousin Nora Mohamed embroidered the image.

PHOTOGRAPH BY REHAB ELDALIL

In one of Egypt’s most spiritual places, Bedouins find peace and resilience

Connecting with Bedouin roots in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt: "What I always see is an unconditional love for the land."

Pharaoh Seti I ruled Egypt for more than a decade beginning around 1290 B.C. His mummy is one of 22 being moved to a new museum in Cairo.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GARRETT

Egypt’s royal mummies are on the move, and it’s not their first road trip

A gala parade in Cairo celebrates the golden age of the pharaohs, including one who flew to Paris for a makeover in 1976.

Although it's just a fragment of a larger rock slab, the letters and symbols chiseled into the face of the Rosetta Stone helped scholars crack the code of an ancient Egyptian writing system—and ultimately reveal the civilization's many mysteries.

PHOTOGRAPH VIA UNIVERSAL HISTORY ARCHIVE / UIG / BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

How the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of ancient civilizations

Discovered in Egypt by Napoleon’s conquering forces, this plain-looking slab was the key to cracking the code of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

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The goddess Bastet is represented by a cat statue from the seventh century B.C. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen

PRISMA / ALBUM

From cats to cows to crocodiles, ancient Egyptians worshipped many animal gods

As 3,000 years of art and sculpture reveal, the divine menagerie of ancient Egypt reflects the rich and varied creatures of the Nile Valley.

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Scribes jot down the words of the powerful in a relief from the Tomb of Horemheb, Saqqara, circa 1400 B.C. National Archaeological Museum, Florence, Italy.

BRIDGEMAN / ACI

These pharaohs' private letters expose how politics worked 3,300 years ago

The Amarna Letters preserve an inside look at Egyptian diplomacy, revealing how power brokers maneuvered, alliances were forged, and pharaohs were flattered.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria stood taller than 350 feet and was adorned with colossal pink granite statues, representing the Ptolemaic pharaohs and their queens.

JEAN-CLAUDE GOLVIN / MUSÉE DÉPARTEMENTAL ARLES ANTIQUE

This Wonder of the Ancient World shone brightly for more than a thousand years

The Lighthouse of Alexandria towered over the port city founded by Alexander the Great. Guiding sailors for centuries, it stood from the third century B.C. until the Middle Ages.

TRAVEL

DREAM NOW, GO LATER

A low sun casts elongated shadows as camels walk in formation through the Sinai desert near Sharm El Sheik.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DR-MAHER EL-SEBAEY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC YOUR SHOT

25 captivating photos of Egypt

These stunning shots prove one of the world's oldest and most beloved destinations still has plenty to reveal.

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A statue of Hatshepsut depicts her with a lion's mane and pharaoh's beard.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GARRETT,
NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

This temple honors the Egyptian queen who ruled as king

Hatshepsut's temple is one of the world’s most striking architectural masterpieces, but perhaps even more noteworthy is the woman who commissioned it.

Al-Azhar Park is a serene oasis among the urban hustle of Cairo.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SEBASTIAN PFÜTZE,
LAIF / REDUX

Cairo beyond the pyramids: The ultimate itinerary

Pharaohs’ treasures, Roman ruins, medieval mosques—see it all in this timeless city.

Today's ubiquitous passport requirements only became a formalized standard in the wake of World War I.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NICO TONDINI, ROBERT HARDING / NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Mummy mugshots and other strange passport facts

From Egyptian mummies to British horses, these are some of the most unusual passports.

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WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

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