Day 4 – Tuesday, February 24: West Bank of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Temples of Hatsephsut and Medinet Habu, Embark on Nile River Cruise
We explored ancient Egypt today on the west bank of the Nile River. Every site we visit had its own unique and spectacular features, making the day to impressive in every way. The weather was perfect, with full sun and highs in the mid 70s. While it was very crowded everywhere (except the last site), what we saw was right of of the National Geographic! We read from Exodus 2 (about the birth of Moses) as we left the hotel at 7 a.m.
Luxor: Valley of the Kings
We boarded the bus and drove directly to the Valley of the Kings. 63 pharaohs have been buried here since the start of the New Kingdom. Each of us went into three ancient tombs: among the two buses we visited the tomb of Ramses IV (a Pharoah of the 20th Dynasty), the tomb of Ramses III (the one who defeated the Sea Peoples), the dual tomb for Tausert-Setnakht, and the tomb of Siptah. About half in the group also purchased an extra ticket ($15) to see the tomb of the famous King Tut’s (his tomb is included in the photos below). His actually mummy is on display here as well as his sarcophagus. The well-preserved colors in all the tombs of the wall reliefs were stunning to see. The religious focus within the Egyptian belief system upon the after-life is plain to see in all these tombs! It took between six months and three years to build these tombs, some even more time because of their complex. They began building these tombs once the Pharoah became king.
Alabaster Shop/Store
Close by are many alabaster shops. We went to one whose owner and his workers were quite the comedian. It was interesting to see how some of the vessels are made. The final products made from stone and onyx were impressive.
Temple of Hatshepsut
On the opposite side of the cliff of the Valley of the Kings is the Temple of Hatshepsut. The temple was built in 1470 BC (conventional dating). Based on an early conventional dating for the Exodus and Conquest (1446), it is suggested Hatshepsut was the Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued Moses (Exodus 2). She was the daughter of Thutmose I and reigned for over 20 years. She was despised by those who succeeded her, with her image and cartouches eliminated and/or scratched away (perhaps both Thutmose III and Amenhotep II did this?).
“The west side of the Nile River did not disappoint today! The Valley of the Kings and the tombs of the Pharaohs were incredible. The icing on the cake was the fabulous sunset on the Nile River as we began our cruise!”
Temple of Medinet Habu
Before we re-boarded the ship, the last temple on the western side we saw was the Medinet Habu. This was a dedicatory temple built in honor of Ramses III. Depicted on the pylons is the defeat of his enemies, including the Nubians and the “Sea Peoples” (i.e. the Philistines of the Bible). Ramses defeated the Sea Peoples in 1177 BC (conventional dating, 10th century New Chronology). The wall reliefs show Ramses holding the heads of his defeated enemies by the hair. He also cut off their hands and men’s “private part” to humiliate them.
Cruise Boat Ride on Nile River
Shortly after 2 p.m., both buses re-crossed to Nile River (to the eastern side) and re-boarded the cruise ship. We first enjoyed lunch, followed by rest/nap time (in our rooms), coffee and tea on the top deck, a spectacular sunset, a short talk (by Nate), and dinner (at 7:30 p.m.). It was another fantastic day!
Day 5 – Wednesday, February 25: Temples of Horus at Edfu, Temple of Sobek & Horus at Kom
