Here in the Minya region, you walk amidst where the ancient Egyptian builders were extracting with their strong shoulders the alabaster by the order of Khufu, the builder of the Greatest Giza Pyramid. For the manufacture of statues, coffins, tiles, and vases in the age of the pyramid builders. It is Hatnub Quarries, The site of the Egyptian "alabaster" quarries.
While another scene appears from far to come close, finding yourself amid pharaonic revolution events. A new ancient Egyptian capital was established by the pharaoh Akhnaton and his followers calling for the first religion to unite the gods in one God and calls for an end to the oppression of the slaves of Amun. It is Tell El Amarna Site.
Bakht goddess temple rises from far. To come close and stand where Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III (1551-1447 BC) stood for the construction of this temple to carve on these walls decorations tell about the great victory of ancient Egypt over the Hyksos invaders. This temple was called by the Greeks (Artemis Cave), but now it is known as the stable of Antar.
Beni Hassan by Olaf Tausch
Minya Governorate is a spot teeming with many archaeological areas that combine all periods. Starting from the Pharaonic era, then the Greek, Roman, Christian, and Islamic eras. Which makes it the third archaeological after Giza and Luxor, that own valuable treasures of the ages.
The sound of the battle against the Hyksos was rising from here. It is the Ashmoun site, where you wander amid the war of liberation against the Hyksos. To meet archeological treasure there from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Christian, to Islamic eras. The most important of which are (statues of the god Thoth – the remains of the Greek market – the remains of a church on the Basilica design).
Actually, another magnificent spot a few meters far away from the Ashmoun site. It is the city of Hermopolis; the sanctified god Thoth. To find a pharaonic man with the head of an “ibis,” or in the form of an “ibis,” greets you. It is Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom. The ancient pharaonic name of this city is “Khmuno.” And the name “Hermopolis” was given to the city by the Greeks, as they associated “Thoth” with their god “Hermes.”
This city takes you to the eras of the Middle Pharaonic state and the modern state, as well as you meet the ruins of a Roman courtyard with a basilica dating back to the early ages of Christianity.
You can be a witness of the period; 1373 – 1390, when Tell-Al Amarna was the capital of ancient Egypt during Akhnaton’s reign, seeing each detail of the daily life. How that!
Just a visit to Maho Tomb; the chief of police during this age. The vibrant decorations there will narrate for you the accurate daily life of the pharaohs in this era. You see ancient Egypt history by the narration from the pharaohs themselves in their own hands. You can also see the exciting details of the work and duties of Maho.
We can also find in the tomb of Petosris images in which the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures mix. You will see scenes of agricultural works drawn in the traditional Egyptian way. But the people who appear in these scenes wear Greek clothes. It dates to the Ptolemaic era. The cemetery has a vestibule with impressive pharaonic columns and contains a small temple inside.
Another cemetery takes the Greek design, dating back to the era of Emperor Hadrian. And it is for a Greek girl who died by drowning.
While the archaeological area of Beni Hassan contains 39 tombs carved in rock for the nobles and rulers of the middle Pharaonic state era. The most important of which are the tomb of Amenemhat, the tomb of (Khnumhotep), the cemetery (Bact), and the cemetery (Khety). On their walls, you can view scenes representing various types of sports. It is a complete record of daily life in the era of the Middle Kingdom of Pharaonic history.
While you wander among these historical tombs and coexist in periods of thousands of years. To feel as if you are in front of a pharaonic agricultural land where the ancient Egyptians stand planting and reaping. And another makes you feel as if you are on a hunting trip with them. And from one scene to another in that pharaonic and Roman life, you will find that your feet are stepping on sacred land. You will go where the Holy Family had walked Until you reach the monastery of the Virgin Mary.
In a full surprise, you will stand in front of an impressive church carved in the rock. A great view, you will not forget forever. Empress Helena built it in the fourth century AD. It contains a group of icons dating back to the early Christian era.
Landscape Around Beni Hasan by isawnyu
A way paved in the heart of history arrives you to monasteries such as Deir al-Bersha. It includes the church of Anba Bishoy from the fourth century AD. And also, Abu Fana Monastery. it includes a church from the sixth century AD).
The majestic historical mosques with historical Islamic architecture adorn your way in Minya. Such as Al-Amrawi Mosque and Al-Latte Mosque, which date back to the Fatimid era. And so Al-Wadaa Mosque, which was renovated in the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. And also Sheikh Ubadah Ibn Al-Samit Mosque, the first mosque with two minarets, dating back to the Ayyubid and Ottoman eras.
Amarna Site by Orell Witthuhn
It is the Minya region, an essential part of ancient Egyptian history that is embracing historical mysteries and secrets. You will miss a lot from the history of the cradle of civilization if you do not travel between its historical areas and treasures
