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Showing posts with label interesting facts about Egypt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interesting facts about Egypt. Show all posts

Friday, December 23, 2011

Guest Article: 10 Interesting Facts About Egypt

Egyptian Museum Cairo pic source:
Adam Spawton-Ricer


Egypt has been drawing in tourists since the ancient Greeks first struck up a relationship with them in the 5th century BC, but today the most popular region with foreign tourists are the Red Sea resorts. All inclusive Egypt holidays in the red sea resorts have a wide appeal because of the variety of activities on offer – as well as the chance to see some of the lesser-known historic sites of ancient Egypt.
Before you head to Egypt for your summer holidays, get to know the country a little better with these 10 facts you probably didn’t know (or had long forgotten)!
  1. Did you know that the official name of Egypt is actually the ‘Arab Republic of Egypt’ and is known to the locals as ‘Masr’ or ‘Misr’.
  2. Cairo, the capital city of the country, is the largest city in the whole of Africa and the Middle East.
  3. Many of the most useful household objects were originally invented by ancient Egyptians. Scissors, deodorants, toothbrushes, keys, combs and locks are just a selection of these things we couldn’t live without today!
  4. 5,000 years ago the architect Imhotep lived and worked in Egypt; it is believed he is the earliest scientist to be known by name anywhere in the world today.
  5. We have the Egyptians to thank for our 365 day calendar and 24 hour day!
  6. Most of the Egyptian population is located near the Nile River as this is the only ground across the country where food can be grown.
  7. Sadly, global warming could threaten many coastal cities of Egypt with flooding if the sea levels rise in future years.
  8. Egypt is about the size of France and Germany combined and most of the land is barren desert terrain.
  9. Around a whopping 78 million people live in Egypt!
  10. In Egypt the literacy rate for locals is only 68% for men and 47% for women. 
    Spices such as Cumin, Fenugreek and Corriander were used as medicine in Ancient Egypt. Pic source:
    Adam Spawton-Ricer
On your holidays to Egypt you’ll find it hard to get away from the fascinating ancient history of the country, so here are 5 quirky facts about Ancient Egypt too!
  1. In the time of Pepi II of Egypt, the pharaoh used to have a number of naked slaves covered in honey nearby so that any flies would be deterred from landing on him.
  2. Egyptians used early folk medicines in an attempt to cure ailments; infections were treated with soil or mouldy bread.
  3. Ancient Egyptian children did not wear any clothes till they were teenagers due to the extreme heat.
  4. Egyptian Pharaohs never let their hair be seen, wearing either a headdress or a crown to cover themselves up.
  5. In Ancient Egypt both women and men wore make-up (mostly eye make up). It was originally thought to be a form of protection against the sun but later became a way to adorn themselves!

    About the Author-

    Adam Spawton-Ricer is a writer and blogger whose main focus is on Egypt's Red Sea resorts, he intends to return to Egypt in the new year to dive in Dahab. Adam also writes about Amsterdam and review hotels there. 

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article  and the pictures provided are those of the author, and not of the Dispassionate Observer.
     

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