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An extensive necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, Saqqara derives its name from "sokar," an ancient Egyptian funerary god, which is quite fitting considering that it houses a number of worthy archeological sites, pyramids and mastabas (tombs) dating back from the Pre-dynastic Old Kingdom to the Late Period of ancient Egypt. Some of the famous ruins include the legendary Step Pyramid of Zozer and the Royal Pyramid of Unas, the smallest in the Old Kingdom but is considerably more famous than the king who built it. Other than royalties, the area also serves as a burial site of the pharaoh's relatives, notable personalities and even animals regarded as sacred to the pharaohs.
Based on the history of the pyramids, the first one to be built for a pharaoh was mediocre and lacked precise measurements. Made of sun-dried mud bricks, the early few have already crumbled to dust. However, inspiration persisted and builders dared to build larger pyramids towering to as high as 200 feet. It was the beginning of the treacherous climb toward the impossible.
Thus, the building of Zozer's Step Pyramid, the first major Egyptian structure built entirely of stone, remains as the major revolution and the precursor of other pyramids following the structural origin of the mastaba which was a platform placed on top of tombs, with a shaft leading down to the burial chamber).
Other notable royal tomb that is worth a visit is the Tomb of Kagemni, Ankhmahor, Mereruka apart from the Persian tombs and the Suite General. The unfinished Pyramid of Sekhemkhet and Pyramid of Teti are among the most visited pyramids, apart from the Valley Temple of Unas which is still in fairly good condition.
The Imhotep Museum, on the other hand, provides visitors with a nine-minute film about Saqqara and displays an impressive array of Egyptian artifacts such as the statue of the vizier Ptahotep, his tomb and a sealed statue of a man from the Old Kingdom, among others. The museum also has a gift shop and café where visitors can have a chill-out respite from the pyramids.
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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