Are Memphis and Saqqara worth visiting?

Table of contents 

• Introduction  

• What is Memphis in Egypt? 

• Saqqara—the necropolis 

• Memphis and Saqqara tour 

• Is Saqqara the same as Memphis?

• What did the Egyptians call Memphis? 

• Why do travelers choose Memphis and Saqqara? 

• Conclusion 

Introduction 

Ancient Egyptian history is situated in many parts of the country. Whether you explore the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria or Aswan in the south of Egypt. Every city offers a unique travel experience. So, Memphis and Saqqara are also significant ancient locations to witness the Old Kingdom remains from Egyptian history. These are located around 31 kilometers from the capital city, Cairo.  

Memphis was the first, most ancient Egyptian city and cult center of the first pharaoh, Narmer, which, with time, was expanded and became an important location. While Saqqara, the necropolis, is the most ancient burial ground where the pharaohs rest from the Old Kingdom. Today, these are tourist locations and are widely explored by history lovers who have a keen interest in Egyptian history.  

What is Memphis in Egypt? 

One of the oldest cities in Egypt is Memphis, founded around 3100 BCE by the king Narmer, believed to be the first pharaoh. He is also known for the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The city was located near the Nile River; that was the major reason why, over time, it got damaged by the silt and annual flooding.  

During ancient times, it was a major center for trade, military training, and religious practices. But with the rise of the Middle and new kingdoms, the capital of ancient Egypt shifted to Thebes, present-day Luxor. But still, Memphis remained an important center for religious practices. 

The city is closely related to the god Ptah, the creator god and patron deity of craftsmanship and builders. Large temples to honor Ptah were built here, and in ancient times, it was a cult center for religious practices. Many important religious activities are carried out in Memphis annually, and it plays an important role in shaping the culture of Egypt. 

Saqqara—the Necropolis 

West of Memphis City, the Saqqara necropolis is located, an ancient burial ground situated on a high desert plateau. It is also known as the “city of the dead” and was one of the earliest burial places for royals and pharaohs, and served as a resting place for over 3000 years. 

Today, it’s an archaeological site; monuments and burial structures here are well-preserved. Some of the major monuments, like the step pyramid of Djoser and the Serapeum of Saqqara, are also part of the necropolis. Here, tourists also get to see a massive statue of Ramesses II, which was part of the Memphis and Saqqara complex in Egypt. 

Memphis and Saqqara Tour 

Many travelers explore Memphis and Saqqara on a day tour from Cairo. South of the capital city is located 30 kms away; with a taxi, tourists can easily reach ancient Egypt’s open-air museum.  

Here is the list of things tourists can see in Memphis and Saqqara 

• In Memphis, one can see the massive statue of Ramesses II; it’s giant, around 34 feet long, a limestone-carved statue. This is a key attraction in present-day Memphis, Mit Rahina. 
• The ancient city of Memphis is located near the Nile, and over time, because of flooding, the city was destroyed and buried under layers of sand and silt. But still, tourists can see the remains of the Ptah temples. 
• Saqqara is a prime location, as it is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid ever built in Egypt. Travelers around the world every year come to see the unique ancient wonder. 
• Also, at the necropolis, the hieroglyphics are well preserved as proof of ancient Egyptian civilization that depicts its culture and history. 
• At the necropolis, tourists also get to see the Serapeum, a sacred burial place for the Apis bulls. It’s an underground burial place with an intact design of chambers, which were made for the Apis bulls, a sacred animal associated with the god Ptah.

• In Saqqara, tourists can also see the ancient Mastaba tombs with clear wall carvings about the daily life of the ancient Egyptian people. 

Is Saqqara the same as Memphis?

No, Saqqara and Memphis are names of two different places located close to each other. Memphis was the name of the ancient city where the old kingdom of Egypt ruled and was the cult center for early pharaohs like Narmer and Djoser. Whereas Saqqara was the western part of the city where burial practices were carried out during the early Egyptian civilization. 

What did the Egyptians call Memphis? 

The ancient Egyptians used several names for Memphis over different periods. One of the most famous names was “Ineb-Hedj,” meaning “The White Walls.” Another name associated with the city was “Men-nefer,” which eventually evolved into the Greek name Memphis. These names reflected the city’s importance as a royal and administrative center during the rule of King Narmer and other earlier pharaohs. 

Why do travelers choose Memphis and Saqqara? 

Memphis and Saqqara were locations because the monuments are best preserved at the same location where they were made. Burial sites have clear inscriptions and unique carvings. Also, it offers a deep exploration of ancient Egyptian culture. For the complete touring of Memphis and Saqqara, one requires 2-4 hours, and it overall offers a quieter and less hassling exploration as compared to the crowded sites at Luxor. 

Conclusion 

Memphis and the Saqqara necropolis are best explored when you are staying in Cairo, so before and after the Nile cruise in Egypt, if you stay in Cairo, plan a day trip to these locations. This can be the best way to explore historical sites; pair it with the exploration of Giza. The pyramids and the Sphinx are located on the outskirts of modern Cairo. Together, these sites provide a unique opportunity to explore the beginnings of one of the world’s greatest and unique civilizations.

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