The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitetravel conquered and occupied Egypt. Interestedly, the UK occupied Egypt in 1882 and strongly influenced the country until after the First World War. Most visitors to Egypt are fascinated by the pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Cheops, which served as the tomb of pharaoh Khufu, who ruled under the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. In total, there are 118 pyramids in Egypt. The Chephren in the middle of the three pyramids is the group's second tallest and most prominent. Guarding these landmarks, the Sphinx is believed to have been shaped by Chephren from a profusion of soft rock uncovered during the building of Cheops' pyramid. In the nearby village, Saqqara, you’ll find the royalty and nobility of Memphis buried here and numerous mastabas and temples to explore. The Step Pyramid of Zoser, built in the Third Dynasty, pre-dates the Great Pyramid of Cheops by about 75 years and marks the moment the pyramid age began. It was created under the architectural aegis of the remarkable Egyptian chancellor, Im- hotep, whose stepped pyramid design inspired other more prom- inent and famous creations. Further down, another village, Dahshur, has an impressive pyr- amid field bearing the works of Snofru, the founding pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. The Red Pyramid, with its red limestone, is the second largest monument after the Great Pyramid at Giza. You can enter the tomb by clambering down a steep, narrow pas- sageway, but be warned; it’s an exhilarating experience, so it is not suited for the faint-hearted. Its slope angle changes abruptly halfway up the pyramid face, and the limestone cladding is al- most entirely intact. Visiting the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities allows you to mar- vel at Egypt’s historic monuments. The trove of artefacts tells the Ancient Egyptians’ story, from their early development into a Cairo - View from the Citadel over Cairo Cairo - Citadel - Mohammed Ali Mosque - Clocktower