10 fun and interesting Egypt facts

1. The Land of the Pharaohs

Egypt is a vast country, covering an area of 1,010,000 square kilometers, making it the 34th largest country in the world. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. Egypt is home to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, the ancient city of Luxor, and the Nile River, the longest river in the world. It is a country of immense cultural and historical significance, and its population of over 100 million makes it the most populous country in the Middle East and the 15th most populous in the world.

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2. Stone Pillows: A Unique Egyptian sleeping tradition

The ancient Egyptians were known for their creative and innovative use of materials, and this was especially true when it came to their sleeping arrangements. Rather than using the soft, fluffy pillows we are accustomed to today, the Egyptians opted for a much more unique option - pillows made out of stone! These stone pillows were carved from a variety of materials, including limestone, granite, and sandstone, and were designed to provide support and comfort while sleeping. Although it may seem strange to us now, these stone pillows were a common sight in ancient Egypt, and were used by both the wealthy and the poor.

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3. Arabic is the Language of Choice in Egypt

Egypt is a country located in the Middle East, and Arabic is its official language. This means that all official documents, such as government forms, are written in Arabic. Additionally, Arabic is the language used in all public schools and universities, and is the language of choice for most Egyptians when communicating with each other. It is estimated that over 90% of the population speaks Arabic as their first language, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

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4. The Step Pyramid of Djoser: A Remarkable Engineering Achievement

In 2650 BC, the ancient Egyptians made history by constructing the first pyramid made out of stone. This remarkable feat of engineering was built in the city of Saqqara, located in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. The pyramid, known as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, was designed by the renowned architect Imhotep and is believed to have been built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Djoser. It stands at a height of 62 meters and is composed of six stepped terraces, each one smaller than the one below it. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt and a testament to the ingenuity of its people.

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5. The Ancient Egyptians' Favorite Game: Bowling

The Ancient Egyptians were quite the innovators when it came to games, as evidenced by their version of bowling. This game, which was played in Egypt as early as 3200 BC, was remarkably similar to the bowling we know today. Players would roll a stone sphere at a set of stone pins, and the goal was to knock down as many pins as possible. The game was so popular that it was even depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork, showing that it was a beloved pastime for many.

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6. The Wonders of Ancient Egypt

The majestic pyramids of Egypt are the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Built over 4,500 years ago, these incredible structures have stood the test of time, and still remain a source of awe and wonder for visitors from all over the world. The pyramids are a reminder of the grandeur of the ancient Egyptian civilization, and a reminder of the power of human achievement.

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7. The Art of the Ancient Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians were highly skilled artisans, creating beautiful glass and faience objects that have been admired for centuries. These objects were made by melting sand and other minerals together, then adding colorants to create a variety of colors. The Egyptians used these materials to create jewelry, figurines, and other decorative items. The glass and faience objects created by the Egyptians are still highly sought after today, and are a testament to their skill and creativity.

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8. Luxor: The Living Monument to Ancient Egyptian Civilization

Luxor in Egypt is a must-see destination for any traveler, as it is home to the world's largest open air museum. With its ancient temples, tombs, and monuments, Luxor is a living testament to the grandeur of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Visitors can explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor, all of which are located in the city. Luxor is also home to the world-famous Luxor Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the ancient world. With its rich history and stunning architecture, Luxor is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the ancient world.

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9. A Country of Ancient Civilizations and a Massive Population

The Arab Republic of Egypt is the official name of the country located in the northeast corner of the African continent. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. Egypt is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its rich cultural heritage spanning over 5,000 years. It is also the most populous country in the Arab world, with a population of over 100 million people.

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10. The Ancient Egyptians: A Timeless Legacy of Innovation

The ancient Egyptians were incredibly advanced for their time, inventing the 365 day calendar that is still used today. This calendar was based on the cycles of the sun and moon, and was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, with an additional five days added at the end of the year. This calendar was incredibly accurate, and was used by the Egyptians for thousands of years before it was adopted by other cultures. It is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians that their calendar is still in use today.