The journey to the rock tombs of Sakkara and the site of ancient Memphis is tedious, as it includes a ride across the sandy desert of eighty miles. A stop is made at the old house of Mariette, the famous French Egyptologist, who uncovered many of the finest remains in Memphis. Near by is the Step pyramid, the tomb of a king of the fifth dynasty and one of the oldest monuments in Egypt.
Near by are several pyramids and tombs that will repay a visit, as each gives some new idea of the extraordinary care taken by the ancient Egyptians to preserve their dead and to assure them proper guidance in the land beyond the tomb.
In one chapel are exquisitely carved mural reliefs, many of which still retain their original colors. In these chambers the hot, dry air is like that of the desert. A hundred years seem like a day in this atmosphere, where nothing changes with the changing seasons. Under one's feet is the soft, dry dust stirred up by the feet of many tourists, but rain and sunshine never penetrate this home of the dead, and a century passes without leaving a mark on these inscriptions which were chiseled long before the children of Israel made their escape from bondage in Egypt. It seems incredible that so many momentous things should have occurred while in these still, warm tombs day followed day without change.
A Typical Street in Old Cairo. These Buildings Show the Architecture of Cairo, With a Mosque on the Left With Dome and Minaret]
An Arab Cafe In One of Cairo's Streets. The Open Air Cafes, Facing the Sidewalk, Abound In Cairo. The Smokers and Coffee-Drinkers Pay No Attention to Passers-by]
Women Water Carriers in Turkish Costume. One of These Women is Uncovered, While the Other Wears the Yashmak or Face Mask. They Carry Large Water Jars on Their Heads]
The Rameseon at Karnak. Six Colossal Statues of Rameses II of Which Three Are in Fair Preservation]
The Avenue of Sphinxes at Karnak. The Road From Luxor to Karnak Was Lined With Recumbent Rams, Called Krio-Sphinxes, Many of Which Still Remain]
An Arab Village on the Nile. This Is a Typical Village, the Houses of Sun-dried Brick, like the California Adobe, and the Whole Shaded By Palms]
The Colossi of Memnon, near Thebes. These Gigantic Figures on the West Bank of the Nile May Be Seen for Many Miles. They are Sixty-five Feet High, and Stood Originally in Front of a Temple]