EGYPT-PYRAMIDS

Egypt Cruise and Stay Guide - Part 4 - Cruise visit to the Temples of Egypt

Egypt Cruise and Stay Guide - Part 4 - Cruise visit to the Temples of Egypt
By Damian M Murphy

The first time a foreigner encounters the word Egypt he usually associates it with the pyramids. These gigantic structures command both awe and bewilderment. But Egypt is not only about pyramids. It is a country which is rich in diversity. For example, taking a cruise in Egypt will reveal that the ancient people are highly religious. The ancient Egyptians are polytheists and believe in several gods. The major tourism sites that prove such devout faith in gods are the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Temple of Philae, and the Temple of Sobek. In visiting all these temples a tourist may hire a private vehicle or join a ship that cruises the Nile River. To have an idea about what these temples are about, here are short descriptions.

The Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor are built in honor of the sacred Theban Triad. The deities of the Theban Triad, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, are considered as the most powerful deities in Egyptian mythology.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepshut is in honor of Amun again. It was built during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. She was the daughter of a pharaoh named Thutmosis I but her own legend claims that the king of god Amon was her father.The Temple of Philae was built in honor of Isis, the goddess of rebirth and powerful magic. The ancient Egyptians also regarded her as the epitome of femininity and motherhood.

The Temple of Sobek, which is located in Kom Ombo, was supposedly built in honor of Sobek, a crocodile-head god, and Horus, a falcon-head god. It is apparent that Egyptians associate gods with animals that symbolize the god's specific powers.

If the tourist wants to disembark in one of the places described, the recommended city is Luxor for its wide range of accommodation selection. This city has many affordable hotels with rates as low as $4. But if the tourist happens to be on board a cruise ship while visiting these temples, there will be no more problem about accommodation because the ship will provide it.

Most cruise ships that go up and down the Nile offer luxurious lodgings for the leisurely trip that usually lasts two or three days. If the Nile cruise is only a fraction of the whole Egyptian vacation and the tourist has booked a hotel in another city, such as Cairo, it will be advisable to pack at least four changes of clothes.

The Egyptian government and other concerned groups do their best in preserving the said temples but most of them, due to time and numerous battles, are already in ruins. An ancient temple is very different from a hotel and this is why extra clothes might be useful.

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