Memphis City
Memphis is the world’s oldest city. Its history is tied to ancient Egypt itself. Also known as Inebu-hedj, Memphis was the ancient capital of Lower Egypt. As Egypt’s first capital, Memphis was much larger than expected. It had 11 huge temples and colossal sculptures of kings and gods. It also had five large cemeteries, including the famous pyramids of Giza and Saqqara. The powerful deity Ptah made the city’s influence reach the heavens.
The Capital of Egypt
King Menes built the city in 2997 BCE. It was the capital of ancient Egypt (Kemet or Kumat) during the Old Kingdom. It remained important throughout Egyptian history. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Nile Delta made it a hub of activity. Peru-nefer, the main port, had many workshops, factories, and warehouses. These supplied food and goods across the country.
Golden Era and Decline
During its golden era, Memphis was a regional center for business, trade, and religion. People believed the god Ptah, patron of artisans, protected the city. Its main temple, Hut-ka-Ptah, was one of its most important buildings. Its Greek name, Aegyptos, is the root of the modern English word “Egypt.”
Memphis’s downfall began with its economic decline. This happened after the coastal city of Alexandria grew in importance. Its religious significance also decreased after the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 AD. This edict established Christianity as the Roman Empire’s sole religion.
Modern Day Memphis
Today, the remains of the ancient capital offer scattered traces of the city’s past. UNESCO has protected them as a World Heritage Site since 1979, along with the Giza pyramid complex. The site is now an open-air museum, and it is open to the public.
Memphis City Location
The city is 25 kilometers south of Cairo, on the west bank of the Nile, near the start of the Nile delta. During Egypt’s Middle Kingdom (2055–1640 BCE), it was known as Ankh-Tawy, which meant “Life of the Two Lands,” since it was strategically located between upper and lower Egypt, giving it total control.
In the New Kingdom of Egypt, it was called “Men-Nefer,” which meant “enduring and beautiful,” and was subsequently Memfi in the Coptic era, and Memphis in Greek. During the Old Kingdom, the city was the capital of Egypt for eight dynasties in a row, and during the 6th dynasty, trade became the focal point of the city’s religious scene, which included the creator deity Ptah, his wife Sekhmet, and their son Nefertem.
An Alabaster Sphinx guards Ptah’s temple, which serves as a symbol of the city’s strength and dignity. Many monuments from over 5000 years ago may be seen on the site, including the enormous Rameses II statue. After the emergence of Thebes, the city’s authority began to wane under the New Kingdom, and Alexandria became the new capital throughout the Greco-Roman period. Finally, the Memphis city became a relic of the past, a resting place for strewn stone and fading splendor.
If you’re already in Egypt, we recommend you include Memphis City in your Egypt day excursions. If you are traveling to Egypt from abroad and wish to learn more about ancient Egypt’s amazing civilization, check out our Egypt private tour packages and Nile river cruises and book your preferred adventure.
