Egypt is no doubt a delightful place as there are many interesting facts to glean about Egypt. Egypt is one of the few modern states whose history is entrenched and rooted in ancient civilization. Many histories, legends, myths, and folklore are associated with Egypt, making it a bastion of fascination.
There is so much more about Egypt than the towering Pyramids, temples, ruins, and monasteries that are closely associated with the country.
If you intend to learn interesting facts about the pharaohs, as Egypt is also called, in that case, the facts listed below will give you some background information and knowledge about the history and heritage of the country.
These facts also try to picture the country’s various tourist destinations and sites. Keep reading and discover more interesting facts about Egypt.
1. Home to the Last Remaining Wonder of the Ancient World
Egypt is home to the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. The pyramids of Giza have outlived other wonders of the ancient world. They have also retained their awesomeness over time as efforts are made to preserve them for future generations.
The pyramids are located within the pyramids complex of Giza on the outskirts of Cairo.
A trip to the last visible wonder of the ancient world always surmises a visit to Cairo. The Pyramid of Khufu, standing at a height of 147 meters, is one of the notable pyramids among the complex of pyramids found in Giza.
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2. Enslaved People did not Build the Pyramids
Until recent times, many wrongly assumed that enslaved people built the Pyramids in Egypt, but a closer study of the hieroglyphics revealed they were built by hired and paid laborers.
From archaeological findings and excavations, it was revealed that labor camps existed to house the laborers during the course of the construction of the pyramids.
3. The Superstitions of the Afterlife
The pyramids were originally built as burial places for the rulers of Egypt (together with their families) and to prepare them for the afterlife.
The ancient Egyptians went to great lengths to prepare their dead for the afterlife and to ensure that they were preserved for reincarnation.
Most of the pyramids are stocked with furniture, food items, and even mummified enslaved people to ease their passage to the afterlife.
4. Varieties of gods
Life for the average Egyptian was cumbersome and uncertain; hence they resorted to the worship of numerous gods. It was believed that they worshipped thousands of gods at a time as they believed there was a god for everything.
The Egyptians were so engrossed in their worship of gods till it became their fashion to selectively follow their gods in Vogue. Osiris, Isis, and Ra are very common ancient Egyptian gods.
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5. Egypt Is Home To 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Another interesting fact about Egypt is that there are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt, and they are as follows: Abu Mena, Historic Cairo, Abu Simbel, Saint Catherine, Wadi Al-Hitan, (aka Whale Valley in the western desert of Egypt), and Memphis and its Necropolis, and Ancient Thebes.
I am sure you can’t wait to pay them a visit!
6. Mount Sinai And The 10 Commandments
Standing at over 2,285 meters above sea level is Mount Sinai, an important pilgrimage site in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
It is on this mountain that Prophet Moses received the 10 commandments from God. Saint Catherine monastery, one of the UNESCO Heritage listed sites in Egypt, is located.
7. Ancient Egyptians Loved Board Games
Another interesting fact about the ancient Egyptians is that they love board games. The most popular board games were Senet and Mehen.
Everyone and sundry played these games without any form of limitations by class. It was even claimed that some Pharaohs were buried with the game to keep them busy in the afterlife.
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8. Alien Leaders
Another interesting fact about Egypt is that some of the past Kings and queens weren’t Egyptians. Historical figures such as Cleopatra and the Biblical Joseph weren’t Egyptians. Cleopatra was Greek, while Joseph was Hebrew.
9. The River Nile
Did you know that the Nile is the Longest River in the world, stretches for about 6,650km, and flows through Egypt? Do you also know that 95% of the Egyptian population lives by the Nile? Here is definitely an interesting fact about Egypt you should take note of.
10. Deserts Of Egypt
One amazing fact about Egypt is that it has three deserts, namely: The Western Desert, the Eastern Desert, and the Great Sand Sea, which forms part of the Sahara Desert.
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11. The Curse of the Pharaohs and Mummys
Another fact though held in superstition is that anyone who disturbs the body of late Pharaohs or mummies would be cursed.
This was believed to have become widespread after the tomb of King Tut, the Boy King, was opened, and a curse was written on the tomb and closely followed by the death of several members of the excavating teams.
The expedition’s financier died within four months after the tomb was opened.
12. Interesting Facts About Alexandria, Egypt
The city of Alexandria was named after Alexander The Great after he conquered Egypt in 331 BC. It was here that the Greeks made their political capital.
13. Cats Are Sacred
One of the animals that were held sacred by the Egyptians was the Cat. It is believed that Cat attracts good luck to their owners and the homes they are kept in.
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14. Makeup And Ancient Egyptians
It is a commonly held belief in ancient Egypt that makes up has healing and protective properties, and it was commonplace to find men and women wearing makeup.
Both men and women applied makeup to protect their skin from harsh weather conditions and for personal aesthetics.
The ancient Egyptians developed several shades of makeup, such as the Black Eye paint depicted in their carvings and statutes.
15. Beer was Common
Beer as a beverage was common in ancient Egypt as a way of entertainment and used as payment for labor. It was also used as a part of the preparation for passage to the afterlife for then relatives. It has been discovered that there were standard breweries in ancient times.
