Memphis

Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt, situated 24km south-west of Cairo near the present day village of Mit Rahena. It is presumed that the city was built around 3100 BC, most likely by King Menes, when Upper and Lower Egypt were first united. One of the interesting objects is the laying statue of Ramses II, exhibited in a small museum. It was made of fine-grained limestone and is considered to be one of the most beautiful statues of this great king. Remarkable are also the temple of embalming of the sacred Apis Bulls and the Alabaster Sphinx of Amenophis II, at the same site.