Memphis Things to Do

Ramses II
He is often regarded as Egypt's greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh.[6] His successors and later Egyptians called him the "Great Ancestor".

He was born around 1303 BC[citation needed] and at age fourteen, Ramesses was appointed Prince Regent by his father Seti I.[6] He is believed to have taken the throne in his early 20s and to have ruled Egypt from 1279 BC to 1213 BC[7] for a total of 66 years and 2 months, according to Manetho.

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It's hard to believe that Memphis was once the capital of ancient Egypt when you pass through the tiny village of Mit Rahina today. The only thing here is the museum, which currently houses a colossal statue of Ramses II, and it's garden containing several other pieces of statuary.

It costs 30LE to enter, and unless you're visiting as part of a day-trip to Dahshur and Saqqara etc, might not be worth the journey.

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This limestone statue is one of the statues found near the temple of Ptah, near Memphis. It probably stood in front of the temple of Ramses II. The statue was moved to the museum in Memphis as it was found.
Ramesses II not only had more colossal statues than any other pharaoh but he had also inscribed his own cartouche on many already existing statues. The height of the statue is about 13m despite the missing parts of his feet and of the crown.
On the statue it is depicted a fake beard that only pharaohs were allowed to wear. Ramesses II wears the crown of the Upper and Lower Egypt and the snake.
The cartouche with his name (meaning the Son of Ra) is depicted on his hand and on his chest.
The pharaoh's wifes are shown in his legs, as well the chosen successor.
When the pharaoh is still alive at the time the statue has been created, his left leg is depicted being in front of his right leg, expressing the power of the pharaoh and the independence of Egypt.

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Little is left of the ancient city of Memphis today, at least of what can be seen. Evidently the city had many fine temples and palaces. But today most of the city is gone, only a few scattered ruins remains.

This open-air museum is believed to be the remains of the grand temple of Ptah which at one time was the biggest temple in Egypt.
A massive colussus of Ramses II can be found here as well as a Alabaster Sphinx.

If you have time after visiting Saqqarah, stop at Mit Rihena, the site of Memphis where there is a 'museum. It is just an area with a few statues and other objects, but what makes it worthwhile is seeing the enormous statue of Rameses II. Although damaged, it is still awe-inspiring.
The fee to enter is exhorbitant for what it is, but ....

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Most probably the Alabaster Sphinx dates back to the 18th dynasty. It is not know in honor of which pharaoh it was carved, maybe of Hatshepsut, Amenhotept II or Amenhotept III. It is thoght that the sphinx stood near the Temple of Ptah.
The Alabaster Sphinx is 8m long, 4m tall and weights 80 tons which makes it the biggest calcite statue ever found.

Under roof is a colossal statue of Ramses II made in limestone. The statue is missing the lower legs now, but when they were there and the statue was standing it was as tall as a five story house. Very impressive!
In the garden there is a big alabaster sphinx and some other statues. There is also a lot of souvenir stalls.
Entrance fee is 25 pounds (August 2005).

Saqqara was necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital Memphis. Pyramid of Djoser (step pyramid) is weel known. This first Egyptian pyramid consisted of six mastabas.