SUNDAY, AUGUST 8: BENI HASSAN

Breakfast onboard
Visit Beni Hassan (4 tombs): Tomb of Baqet III (BH15), Tomb of Khety (BH17), Tomb of Amenemhet (BH2), Tomb of Khnumhotep II (BH3) (slide show)
Back to the boat and sail to Beni Suif
Lunch onboard
Briefing by Egyptologist
Dinner onboard
Overnight in Beni Suif

Beni Hassan offers you a look at two notable phenomena. The Tomb of Baqet III and other local leaders document the lives of Egypt’s regional governors during the Middle Kingdom, when the balance of power had shifted from the pharaohs to military leaders and regional rulers. In addition you’ll see wall paintings and tomb styles that are a transition from the Old to New Kingdoms. Beni Hassan specifically is noted for paintings of life in the desert, and of scenes of life in the provinces — hunting, weaving, artisans, fishing, and wine-making etc.

After we shake off the dust, we’ll have a briefing with our Egyptologist, and sail off to Beni Suif.

KNEE/HIP/MOBILITY ALERT: Regrettably there are no accommodations for people with mobility issues at the sites we visit today. Some of the sites we visit are reached via a long steep flight of stone steps up a hillside. You need to think of the status of your joints, your sense of balance, and your mobility skills as you contemplate today’s adventure.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8: BENI HASSAN

Cultural Thoughts

Map

General Info / Wikipedia