The Pyramids of Giza have survived the centuries as lasting symbols of Egyptian culture. The same might be said for the sturdy camels that haul visitors around to see the area's many wonders.
A plentiful supply of dates arrives at Saqqara's souk, or market. The souk's unmarried women are distinguished by their brightly colored clothing, while wives wear black.
From any angle, Giza's pyramids inspire awe. Recently, scientists have learned much about the communities of workers who built these massive monuments.
The Great Sphinx of Giza has seen visitors come and go for some 4,600 years. The sculpture may have been created by the pharaoh Khafre, whose pyramid looms over the sphinx's shoulder.
Osiris pillars line a temple dedicated to Ramses II. Dead pharaohs were spiritually linked with Osiris—the God who ruled the Egyptian underworld.
A festively ornamented camel ponders the ancient pyramids at Giza. Humans have done the same for thousands of years—but still can't be sure how the monuments were created.
Two statues stand as silent sentinels over the entrance of a long-vanished temple. The monuments represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III, whose temple was destroyed by Nile floods.
A pensive Egyptian sits in front of the Luxor Temple. The man wears a traditional djellaba, favored by the devout in many Muslim countries.
Students learn to craft carpets and tapestries at a weaving school near Memphis. Many of the weavers are disadvantaged children.
The temple of Amun-Re at Karnak, with its incredible columns, was once the most sacred shrine in Egypt. In the time of the New Kingdom (ca. 1550-1070 B.C.) Amun-Re was considered the king of all gods.
The Great Sphinx of Giza has a lion's body and a human face—perhaps that of the Pharaoh Khafre who likely ordered its construction. Though it is badly eroded, the Great Sphinx has survived over 4,500 years of searing sun and political turmoil.(NGC)
