SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 — BENI HASSAN

Visit Beni Hassan (slide show)
See daily life depicted in the Tomb of Baqet III (BH15)
Explore the rock-cut Tomb of Khety (BH17)
Find wrestling scenes at the Tomb of Amenemhet (BH2)
Study the details in the Tomb of Khnumhotep II (BH3)
Overnight Beni Suef

You’ll time travel to the Middle Kingdom period of Egyptian history as evidenced at Beni Hassan. The site 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.

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.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 — BENI HASSAN

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