Fayoum Governorate

In the past, the city of Fayoum was part of the regions of ancient Egypt, where it was a barren desert area, and later became a fertile land that attracted people. This is due to the branching of one of the branches of the Nile River and its shift towards the city in 7200 BC. Archaeological research has revealed an agricultural community in Fayoum dating back to 4750 BC. In the year 4000 BC, the population began to leave the region, heading to the Nile River. Because of its exposure to drought, knowing that the origin of the city’s name goes back to the ancient Egyptian word (Byum) (in English: Pa-yuum). It means lake, or sea, as a symbol of the lake created by Amenemhat I during the Twelfth Dynasty that ruled ancient Egypt. The city reached the height of its prosperity during the time of the Middle Kingdom, which extended from the year 2040 BC to the year 1782 BC. Then its status declined after the fall of the New Kingdom, which extended from the year 1570 BC to the year 1069 BC. However, the period of Roman rule, the Ptolemaic, and the rule of Augustus Caesar witnessed an improvement in the city’s situation, and the awakening and renaissance began in it. There were repairs to the city, which led to the restoration of life to it, during the period between 323 BC and 646 AD. 

Fayoum Governorate website

Fayoum Governorate is one of the three governorates of Upper Egypt located in northern Egypt. As it is located in the northern part of the Western Desert, it is 90 km away from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in the southwestern direction, and it is bordered to the north and west by the 6th of October Governorate, and to the east by Giza Governorate, To the south is Beni Suef Governorate. As for the astronomical website of the governorate, it describes its location as being at longitude 30.84 and latitude 29.31, with a height of 29 meters above sea level. Fayoum Governorate also extends towards the east and west for a distance of 80 km, and towards the north and south for a distance of 56 km. Thus, it represents… An area of ​​33.8% of the area of ​​the Northern Upper Egypt region, and the governorate’s population is 2.5 million people. According to statistics from 2006 AD, it includes Wadi Al-Rayyan, which is 45 meters below sea level, and a triangular area with a desert nature, surrounded to the north by the Giza region, and to the south by Beni Suef Governorate. As for the city of Fayoum; It is part of Fayoum Governorate. It is divided into 6 administrative departments, and the geographical location of the city of Fayoum is considered central, making it a connecting area between Giza and Cairo in the north, and between Beni Suef and the governorates of Upper Egypt in the south. It is also connected to Cairo by a railway line, and the area of ​​the city is approximately 8 km2, in addition to… According to 2006 statistics, its population reached approximately 312 thousand people.

Archaeological areas in Fayoum Governorate

Wadi Al-Hitan: Wadi Al-Hitan is an archaeological site for the discovery of many fossils hidden in the desert sand, as these fossils date back to prehistoric life. 400 fossil skeletons of whales, such as Basilosaurus, which lived 40 million years ago, and fossils of huge bony fish have been discovered. The valley was designed to include paths that lead to more than 12 huge skeletons. There is also a circular museum in the valley in which fossils, climate changes, and an explanation of the nature of the region are displayed. Through information panels and screens, in the middle of the museum there is a whale skeleton measuring 18 meters long. It is worth noting that UNESCO has included the Valley of the Whales on its World Heritage List.

Meidum Pyramid: The Meidum Pyramid is located 30 km northeast of the city of Fayoum. It is considered the first attempt by the ancient Egyptians to build pyramids, as it was built by the Pharaoh (Sneferu), noting that the Meidum Pyramid is not considered a complete building. Because it was subjected to collapse from both sides; Because of its weight, as a result of a design error, The main part of it now remains, which can be reached by stairs leading to a burial chamber at an altitude of 75 metres. Near the pyramid, a group of terraces designated as tombs for the family of Pharaoh Sneferu are lined up.