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Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ancient Egypt in Hong Kong - Heritage - Al-Ahram Weekly
Ancient Egypt has always stirred the imagination of the world with its enduring mystique, monumental architecture, and remarkable cultural legacy. The grandeur of the Pyramids, the enigma of the Sphinx, and the opulence of tombs like that of the golden boy-king Tutankhamun continue to captivate the hearts and minds of generations. Its temples, richly decorated sarcophagi, and intricate jewellery are not only marvels of craftsmanship, but also powerful symbols of a civilisation deeply rooted in spiritual belief, artistic expression, and scientific advancement. This fascination has transcended time and geography, inspiring countless storytellers, filmmakers, and writers. From epic Hollywood productions and bestselling novels to fashion collections and music videos, Ancient Egypt has provided a rich canvas for artistic exploration. Its blend of myth, mystery, and magnificence offers an endless source of inspiration, fuelling creative interpretations while leaving audiences eager to uncover the real history behind the legend. Hong Kong citizens will have the opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian history later this year through the opening of a landmark exhibition titled 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' in November at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), held in collaboration with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to go beyond the myth and engage with authentic history. Through 250 original artefacts spanning thousands of years, visitors will encounter a stunning array of ancient Egyptian objects ranging from statues and divine figures to gold jewellery, intricately carved stonework, massive coffins, sarcophagi, and even mummified animals. Spanning more than 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, with some pieces dating back as far as 7,300 years, this is the first time these treasures have been displayed in Hong Kong. Remarkably, many have never left Egypt before, making this exhibition an unmissable experience for history lovers. This cultural partnership marks a significant milestone in Egypt–Hong Kong relations and promises to captivate audiences with the mystery and majesty of the land of the Pharaohs. The exhibition is organised according to a collaborative agreement signed late last month in Hong Kong by Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the SCA secretary-general, and Louis Ng, director of the HKPM. It is expected to attract up to 700,000 visitors during its nine-and-a-half-month duration. It is a significant milestone as the second Ancient Egyptian exhibition to be held in China, following the successful 'On Top of the Pyramid: Ancient Egyptian Civilisation' exhibition in Shanghai, which attracted over two million visitors after its opening at the end of July 2024. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Egypt and China next year, the exhibition will demonstrate the unwavering dedication of both nations to promoting cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. The objects on display have been carefully selected from seven prominent museums in Egypt, including the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square in Cairo, the Luxor Museum of Ancient Egyptian Art, the Suez National Museum, the Sohag National Museum, and others. Among the highlights are recent archaeological discoveries from the Saqqara Necropolis, as well as a number of objects currently on display at the Shanghai Museum as part of the 'Top of the Pyramid' exhibition. Organised around four core themes, Royal Egypt, the Reign of Tutankhamun, the Discoveries of Saqqara, and Ancient Egypt and the World, the exhibition will take visitors on a visually rich and intellectually engaging journey through some of Ancient Egypt's most iconic periods and religious practices. The first section introduces the history of ancient Egyptian civilisation with a focus on themes such as the convergence of royal and religious power, the spiritual world, life and the afterlife. The second and third sections unveil the earth-shattering archaeological discoveries associated with the famed King Tutankhamun and the Saqqara Necropolis, where worshipping cats and other animals was widely practised. The last section explores cultural interactions and dialogues between ancient Egypt and other world civilisations. With an innovative curatorial approach and cutting-edge digital technologies, the HKPM aims to bring to life the magnificent treasures and unlock the mysteries of Ancient Egyptian civilisation. The HKPM will present a series of public and educational programmes in association with the exhibition, including performances, lectures, and workshops. Additionally, it will develop original exhibition merchandise and souvenirs, as well as create immersive experiences bringing the wonders of Ancient Egypt to life. Details of these activities will be announced in due course. 'This exhibition is more than just a display of artefacts; it is a window into the heart of Ancient Egyptian civilisation and a symbol of our shared commitment to cross-cultural dialogue. It represents a dynamic collaboration that connects the timeless legacy of Egypt with audiences across Asia and the world,' Khaled said. He described the exhibition as a labour of love, a cultural bridge, and a symbol of enduring friendship. 'It reflects our shared belief that heritage is a legacy for all humanity and that by sharing our treasures we contribute to the richness of the global narrative,' he said. Louis Ng said that China and Egypt stand as two of the world's most ancient civilisations with profound and enduring cultural legacies. He added that the exhibition not only provides a unique opportunity to showcase Ancient Egypt's cultural wonders to both local and international audiences but also serves as a significant milestone in Sino-Egyptian cultural exchange, embodying a commitment to fostering dialogue among world civilisations. 'This exhibition also celebrates the highly significant exchanges and collaboration between China and Egypt in Egyptian archaeology and the preservation of cultural heritage,' he said. Moamen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at the SCA, revealed that among the exhibition's most remarkable pieces are the quartzite colossal state of Tutankhamun uncovered at the Mortuary Temple of Horemheb at Medinet Habu on Luxor's west bank, a seated granite statue of a scribe found in Karnak, a bust of the monotheistic King Akhenaten, mummified cats, a statue of the goddess Bastet holding musical rattles found in Saqqara, and a statue of the god Anubis, many of which will be displayed outside Egypt for the first time. * A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
National Geographic
05-07-2025
- National Geographic
7 must-visit ancient sites everyone should see
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). If you're after must-see sights, the monuments of ancient civilisations are right at the top. And it's not just because their temples, tombs, cities and citadels are superlative feats of archaeology — it's because they're us. They reveal humanity that is different and awe-inspiring yet still relatable. You'll get the most out of these sites in the company of an expert guide (or audio guide) to make sense of what you're seeing and it's wise to pre-purchase tickets online to beat queues and guarantee entry. 1. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt It's the contrast that gets you. On one side is the monumental, 26th-century BCE Great Pyramid of Khufu and its two satellite pyramids in camel-coloured desert. On the other is the urban sprawl of Giza, which is why the Sphinx stares inscrutably at a glorified car park. The trick to visiting the Giza Plateau, on the Nile's west bank outside Cairo, is to pre-book a guide at your hotel. That way you'll be spared hassle from touts and hear 4,000 years of dynastic history told like a soap opera. Unless you're claustrophobic, ensure your ticket includes entry to the Great Pyramid; tickets are bought at the site entrance or online. Arrive for 8am when the site is cool and quieter, then retreat at noon into the new adjacent Grand Egyptian Museum. When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, you should factor in time to see the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Photograph by Grand Egyptian Museum 2. Chichén Itzá, Mexico Roughly 2.5 million travellers a year visit the best-restored site of Maya Mexico; such is the peril of being close to the country's premier tourism resort, Cancún. You may have to queue to enter even with tickets booked online. Yet the biggest tip for a visit to this 800-acre complex of temples, palaces, games courts and the stepped Pyramid of Kukulcán (aka El Castillo) is to really engage with it. Spot swarms of close-knit interlocking figures across most surfaces and marvel at El Castillo, the Maya calendar in physical form, with 365 steps for each day and shadows at the equinoxes which make its stone serpents seem to come alive. Interact with the monuments and a visit becomes less about archaeology and more about the pre-Columbian Mesoamericans who called this place home. It deserves at least half a day. 3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia Everyone tells you dawn is the moment to discover the world's largest religious monument, a 12th-century CE Khmer temple complex, its towers a representation of the centre of Hindu cosmology. The problem is everyone also has the same idea. If you go, choose the West Gate over the classic East Gate. Bear in mind that, though the site itself opens at 5am, it takes 30 minutes from Siem Reap by tuk tuk. Your ticket buys you access to the 150sq mile Angkor Archaeological Park, including Bayon temple (quietest at lunchtime), known for its Buddhist faces, plus the jungle-choked ruins of Ta Prohm temple (visit in the hazy light of late afternoon). They're both over two miles from Angkor Wat, so buy a three-day ticket (it's valid for three entries over ten days) and rent a bike — more fun than a tuk tuk. You should plan in at least three days to explore the sprawling ancient complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Photograph by Kui; Getty Images 4. Acropolis, Athens Welcome to the ground zero of Western civilisation. From its hilltop complex in central Athens — the word acropolis means 'high city' — came democracy. The Parthenon here is not just a monumental temple to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, it's the Doric-columned template for neoclassical architecture worldwide. Sculptures in the excellent Acropolis Museum date back to the 5th century BCE, which is astonishing. While summer temperatures can be a problem (visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat), the main issue with the Acropolis is it can almost seem too familiar. Book a tour with a local guide like Alternative Athens to understand its 2,500-year history and myths. 5. Pompeii, Italy Most sites feature cold stone, yet Pompeii is personal. Its archaeological park presents a snapshot of everyday life in a middle-ranking Roman city on the Bay of Naples at the moment when it was sealed under Vesuvius's volcanic ash in 79BCE. Near-perfect frescos decorate walls — elegant in those of the elite, bawdy in the brothels. There are carbonised loaves of bread, and the plaster casts of victims clutching jewellery or children nestled into their parents' arms are all-too human. The simple act of crossing streets on stepping stones used by ordinary Pompeiians makes history come alive. Caveats? Don't expect full houses — most buildings are ruined shells — and check online for opening times of houses before a visit. Do expect crowds — Piazza Anfiteatro is calmest of the three site entrances. A final tip: renting an audio guide is recommended to make sense of the ruined city. The ruined city of Pompeii is one of the world's most complete examples of what life in ancient Rome was like. Photograph by Darryl Brooks; Getty Images 6. Petra, Jordan Few ancient sites live up to their promise like the 2,000-year-old Nabataean desert capital. You know what's coming beyond the narrow canyon entrance; haggle for a buggy ride to avoid a walk of almost a mile. Yet to emerge suddenly before the carved columns of the Treasury (al-Khazneh) is to feel like Indiana Jones — probably why the franchise's third film was shot here. Hewn from ruddy rock, the Rose City was abandoned by the 8th century CE and lost to all but the Bedouin. Today, there are five square miles of monuments, palaces and tombs to discover on hiking trails. It's worth taking 800 steps up to ad-Dayr (the Monastery) in late afternoon when its rock glows orange. For adventure, arrive through the 'back door to Petra' — a well-marked four-mile desert trail from Little Petra (two to three hours). Buy a Petra ticket online beforehand. 7. Machu Picchu, Peru Machu Picchu wasn't known to the wider world until 1911 — it was local farmers who directed American explorer Hiram Bingham to Inca ruins in the cloud forest. But was it a mountain citadel or royal palace? How did stonemasons interlock blocks so no paper could slip between the stones? That no one really knows adds to the allure of one of the world's most visually astonishing sites. Positioned to align with the cosmos and engineered with aqueducts and fountains, it seems to grow organically from the Andes – it's quite the sight to take in. Only 1,000 of the 5,600 daily tickets are released on the day itself, so buy well in advance or go with a specialist tour offering transfers and guides. Multi-day options that include the Inca capital Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley are a good choice, plus a smart move to acclimatise to altitude if you're hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
See - Sada Elbalad
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
'Egypt Is Calling' Trends Worldwide on Social Media
Rana Atef Early Wednesday, the "Egypt is Calling" trend went viral as foreigners worldwide shared their positive experiences about visiting Egypt and its breathtaking landmarks and impressive destinations. X Users widely shared videos and photos not only for worldwide known landmarks in Egypt such as the Pyramids, but also more and more places across the country. "Egypt is Calling" is not just a trending phrase on social media—it represents a wave of affection expressed by visitors who have travelled to Egypt multiple times and continue to return, now encouraging others to experience it as well. #Egypt_is_calling — Nana (@nana_sabrey) June 23, 2025 Egypt is a magical world 🤩 you'll never regret visiting #Egyptiscalling — ❤✌فيفى✌❤ (@8Krcn19BG99yyL) June 24, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling 🇪🇬🤷♂️ — حابى 𓋹 (@habaa_A) June 25, 2025 بلدي وافتخر شكرا لكل اللي شارك في الحملة الجميلة دي هتنوروا مصر❤ #Egypt_is_calling — تحيا مصر (@shimaa3060) June 23, 2025 في فيديوهات كتيره جدا علي instagram ❤️ #Egypt_is_calling 😌🇪🇬 #egypt — 🇪🇬حفيدة جودة باشا🇪🇬🦅⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@falconmoon40) June 23, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling — 🇪🇬 MAMITA 𓂀 💎♑️ (@halabadawy64) June 23, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling — مؤمن عمارة 🦅 (@moamen_emara1) June 23, 2025 شجع سياحه بلدك 🫰🔥🇪🇬 فى البلد الاكثر أمناً واستقرار.مصر 🔥🇪🇬. #حدوتة_مصرية #Egypt_is_calling #الحرب_بدأت_الان — Aseel.𓊨𓋴𓇌𓃭𓁐 ❤🇪🇬❤ (@Aseel_Elhadi99) June 24, 2025 In Egypt everything has flavor #Egypt_IS_Calling — سعود الشمري🎊 (@lafarradesammy) June 25, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling #Egypt ❤️🇪🇬🫶🏻 — 🇪🇬حفيدة جودة باشا🇪🇬🦅⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@falconmoon40) June 23, 2025 الأجانب #المحترمين عاملين تريند جميل اوي اسمه #Egypt_is_calling 🥰🥰و احنا بنقول لهم Welcome to Egypt 🙏🏻🙏🏻 — ﮼رغدة﮼السعيد (@RaghdaaElSaeed) June 23, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling — مـحـــــــرمMOHARAM𓋹 (@moharmgan) June 24, 2025 #Egypt_is_calling #Sail_to_Egypt — ⲈⲘⲀⲆ ⲀⲚⲎⲤ (@anisem001) June 22, 2025 Great and beautiful Egypt is a land of mighty pyramids and the Sphinx. The Nile River flows bringing life to its desert lands. Modern Egypt blends tradition with vibrant culture and cities. #Egypt_is_calling #Egyptiscalling #Egypt_is_Safe #Egypt — RAJESH (@rajkr1975) June 25, 2025 read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Metro
21-06-2025
- Science
- Metro
One of Stonehenge's biggest mysteries has been 'solved' after 5,000 years
Spaceship landing site? Celestial calculator? A giant fertility symbol? Shrine to Mother Earth? Or just a pile of rocks? It's been a mystery for 5,000 years, but scientists think they may finally have discovered the reason Stonehenge was built. While the landmark was built roughly at the same time as the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza, we know far more about the Egyptian sites than this ring of rocks in Salisbury Plains, Wiltshire. But evidence suggests the iconic stones were erected to unify ancient Britain, according to research. Geologists revealed that the famous Alter Slab hailed from far northeast Scotland, while it was already known that some rocks came from Wales and others more locally from Wiltshire. How these rocks came from up and down the UK could be a big clue about why Stonehenge was made – unless it's aliens, of course. In a study published in Archaeology International, its lead author, UCL Professor Mike Parker Pearson, said the formation is different from the other 900 stone rings in Britain. This 'suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose', he said. Pearson added: '[It was] a monument of unification for the peoples of Britain, celebrating their eternal links with their ancestors and the cosmos.' One reason why Stonehenge remains a riddle is because writing did not exist in England until the Romans arrived 2,500 years later, so there is no written history of the landmark. Instead, scientists have to get up close to the rocks that make it up. England, Scotland and Wales did not exist as countries when Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 1500BC- but the scientists say the structure could still have been a way of unifying different parts of the island. Stonehenge is best known for the tall Sarsen stones that make up its distinctive appearance – these, it's believed, came from West Woods in Wiltshire. Each Sarsen stone may have needed 1,000 people to pull it 15 miles to the site, a process that took generations and killed many people. There are also around 80 smaller 'bluestones' that have a blueish tinge when wet or freshly broken. These stones, experts mostly agree, were sourced from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in the Preseli Hills of south-west Wales. The six-tonne, five-metre-long Altar Stone, which sits in the centre of Stonehenge, is also bluestone but its composition is different. A research team analysed the age and chemistry of the minerals of the stone and found they were very similar to the Old Red Sandstone of the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland. The team concluded 'with 95% accuracy' that the stone came from this area, which includes parts of Inverness, Thurso, Shetland and Orkney. It's not, however, believed, the rock originated in Orkney, nearly 550 miles away from Stonehenge. The study suggests the Altar Stone was transported somehow by Neolithic people living in what is now northern Scotland as a gift to those living in what is now southern England. The paper said: '[This was] perhaps to cement an alliance or to take part in the extraordinary long-distance collaboration that building Stonehenge represented and embodied.' It adds that the rocks from Wales may have been brought to the site for similar reasons. The paper says the link with Scotland could help explain similarities in 'architecture and material culture' between the area around Stonehenge and northern Scotland. It adds: 'Unusually strong similarities in house floor layouts between Late Neolithic houses in Orkney and the Durrington Walls settlement near Stonehenge also provide evidence of close connections between Salisbury Plain and northern Scotland.' For around five centuries, Stonehenge was used as a cremation and burial site, with nearly half buried coming from areas other than Salisbury Plain. Experts say it shows how far people would travel to visit the site. Thousands of people will flock to Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice on June 21, the longest day of the year north of the Equator and the scientific start of summer. More Trending The stones were built to align with the Sun on the two solstices, which happen in June and December. In the summer, the Sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon. While in the winter, it sets to the southwest of the stone circle. This story was originally published on December 20, 2024. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: The 'enchanting' UK town with five beaches that's only 58 minutes from London MORE: London's best lidos, ponds and outdoor pools to beat the heatwave MORE: Man who tortured woman 'made her phone mum to say goodbye' during 10-hour ordeal
Boston Globe
04-06-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Ask the Gardener: Irises are simply divine
The name originates from Greek mythology, where Iris served as a messenger between humans and the gods of Mount Olympus. Wherever Iris went, she was trailed by a rainbow, which the Greeks saw as evidence that a divine message had been delivered. It is natural to see why the plant, which appears in nearly every color of the spectrum, would be associated with the name and the rainbow. The flower was seen as a symbol of power and majesty, its outline adorning the brow of the Egyptian Sphinx, where the three petals were thought to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. In European history, King Louis VII of France selected the white iris as his house emblem, ensuring the association of fleur-de-Louis with fleur-de-lis , a corruption of the original with no correlation to the French word lis, for lily. Advertisement In the language of flowers, the iris symbolizes a message of love, friendship, and promise, all valid reasons to share those sentiments in a bouquet with those you care about. Many still believe that a vase of fresh-cut iris flowers provides calming energy and invigoration to a room. Horticulturally, irises are a versatile group of perennials from early flowering and bulbous to tall, stately bearded. Given the long association with humans, a significant amount of breeding and hybridization work has been conducted with this group, resulting in a diverse array of choices, selections, and hybrids. Broadly, irises can be divided into three categories: Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not highlight some of our garden-worthy eastern United States species, the blue flag iris (Limniris versicolor), the slender blue flag (Limniris prismatica), and the dwarf crested iris (Lophiris cristata). The Advertisement Now that we have a handle on the diversity of irises available, let's discuss using them in a garden context. Q. What natives are suitable for a very wet area? / How do I plant a native rain garden? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Caitlin, Leominster Rain gardens have been on my mind over the past few years, given the swings between drought and deluge that we have weathered. Managing stormwater is crucial to the health of local waterways, rivers, ponds, lakes, estuaries, and bays by keeping runoff (fertilizers, pollutants, and soil) out of those bodies of water. One of the goals of a sustainable garden is to retain as much water on site as possible, slow it down, and allow it to percolate back into the ground. Rain gardens can help achieve this goal. And one of the best plants for such an application is the blue flag iris (Iris versicolor). It is tolerant of both waterlogged soils and drier conditions once established. Deer won't bother with it, it spreads slowly via rhizomes and — given time — can form dense stands. Sedges, swamp hibiscus, cardinal flower, and New York aster make great companions to the blue flag Iris and extend the bloom times well into autumn. These are excellent choices for consistently wet areas, too. Aside from these natives, beardless irises would do well in this type of planting, given their preference for damp soils. There is one iris to avoid: the yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). It is the only iris on the state's Advertisement Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture at the Native Plant Trust in Framingham. Send your gardening questions, along with your name/initials and hometown, to for possible publication. Some questions are edited for clarity.
