Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt grips the imagination, touches the soul and inspires the uninspired. You simply can’t escape over 7000 years of historical influence Ancient Egypt enjoys.

The legacy of Ancient Egypt, with names like Ramses, Nefertiti and Tutankhamen and places like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx echoes in art, literature and popular culture.

When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, Ancient Egyptian priests proclaimed him pharaoh after the oracle of Siwa declared Alexander to be a descendant of Amun, the chief deity of Ancient Egypt.

Ptolemy I, one of Alexander's generals, succeeded Alexander as pharaoh and established the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Cleopatra, a direct descendant of Ptolemy I, was the last Greek ruler of Egypt.

During a Roman civil war, Augustus put an end to centuries of Ptolemaic rule when Cleopatra sided with Marc Anthony against Augustus. After winning the war, Augustus made Egypt a province of Rome. Respecting the tradition of the house of Ptolemy, the Caesars of Rome continued to honour Ancient Egyptian religion.

The continuous homage offered by Greek and Roman rulers to the local traditions of Ancient Egypt is the essence of Greco Roman culture in Egypt. Greco Roman art, architecture and ruins attest to the importance of Egypt in their regard. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Greco Roman Egypt became a part of the Byzantine Empire until the Arab Muslim conquest.

Travel to Egypt to see breathtaking temples, fascinating mummies and stunning artwork. Ancient Egypt is truly a cradle of civilization.