Open Air Museum at Mit Rahina
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Historical Significance:
- Memphis, also known as Mit Rahina, was the ancient capital of Inebu-hedj, the first nome of Lower Egypt.
- Founded earlier than the 31st century BC, it played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian history.
- Memphis remained an important city throughout ancient Egyptian history, serving as the capital during both the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom.
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Strategic Location:
- Memphis occupied a strategic position at the mouth of the Nile Delta.
- Its principal port, Peru-nefer, featured a high density of workshops, factories, and warehouses that distributed food and merchandise throughout the kingdom.
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Ptah and the Great Temple:
- Memphis was believed to be under the protection of the god Ptah, the patron of craftsmen.
- Its great temple, Hut-ka-Ptah (meaning “Enclosure of the ka of Ptah”), was one of the most prominent structures in the city.
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Modern Exploration:
- The Memphis Open Air Museum at Mit Rahina consists mainly of a modern display area.
- It houses a permanent collection of 81 stone artifacts of large size.
- Notable exhibits include a limestone colossus of King Ramses II and a giant alabaster sphinx.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Mit Rahina is part of the World Heritage Site Memphis and its Necropolis, which includes the pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur.
The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past, preserving the remnants of this once-great city. 🌟