Egypt

Egypt, the birthplace of one of the oldest, most powerful, and longest-lasting civilizations on Earth, is a land where the ancient and modern coexist. Aerial views of this proud nation reveal its unique past and how the ancients left their mark on this harsh and inhospitable landscape. The magnificent achievements of the ancients have shaped the Egypt of today, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of generations of Egyptians.

Covering nearly 400,000 square miles and home to almost 100 million people, Egypt is the biggest and most populous country in the Arab world. Life in this land has always been a challenge, with 97% of the terrain being harsh, arid desert. Despite the inhospitable environment, the ancient Egyptians managed to build a powerful civilization that continues to fascinate people from all over the world.

The ancient Egyptians built monumental structures like the Pyramids of Giza, which are some of the largest pyramids ever constructed. The Great Pyramid of Giza, completed over 4,500 years ago, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancients. Made of over 2 million sandstone blocks, each weighing more than a car, the Great Pyramid remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

American archaeologist Mark Lehner has dedicated decades of his career to unlocking the secrets of the Giza Pyramids. Studying the pyramids and the infrastructure built around them, Lehner and his team have uncovered evidence of a vast labor force that once lived at the foot of the pyramid plateau. The workers' village, as it is called, housed approximately 20,000 workers who quarried the millions of tons of sandstone needed for the pyramid construction.

The ancient Egyptians also utilized the mighty River Nile, the longest river in the world, to build their civilization. The Nile provided essential resources for the Egyptians, from transportation to food. The annual flooding of the Nile deposited fertile silt across the floodplains, allowing farmers to cultivate crops in the desert.

The Pyramid of Giza and the River Nile represent two enduring symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization. The Pyramid of Giza, constructed as a final resting place for Pharaoh Khufu, serves as a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess and advanced engineering capabilities of the ancient Egyptians. This grand structure, included among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, has captivated the minds of scholars and visitors for generations. On the other hand, the River Nile, which courses through Egypt, played a vital role in sustaining this society by providing water, fertile lands, and a means of transport. The combined presence of the Pyramid of Giza and the River Nile underscores the deep connection between the monumental achievements of the Egyptians and the natural resources that supported their civilization.

The ancient Pharaohs, renowned for their monumental burial sites in the Western Desert, left a lasting legacy in the form of the Valley of the Kings. Here, hidden beneath a symbolic pyramid-shaped mountain, lie the royal tombs that once housed the Pharaohs and their treasures.

St. Catherine's Monastery, located at the base of Mount Sinai, stands as a testament to Egypt's Christian heritage. The monastery, the oldest continuously inhabited in the world, reflects the Empire that created it and offers a glimpse into centuries of religious tradition.

As Egypt prepares to open the grand Egyptian museum, a new home for its priceless artifacts, the country continues to preserve and showcase its rich history. The transportation of ancient treasures across the congested city of Cairo is a feat that underscores Egypt's commitment to honoring its past.

From the towering monuments of the ancient Pharaohs to the daily rituals of modern Egyptians, the land of Egypt remains a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. The proud nation continues to embrace its heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the ancient civilization lives on for generations to come.