Memphis (Egypt)

Memphis , ancient city of Egypt, capital of the Old Kingdom (c.3100-c.2258 BC), at the apex of the Nile delta and 12 mi (18 km) from Cairo. It was reputedly founded by Menes , the first king of united Egypt. Its god was Ptah . The temple of Ptah, the palace of Apries , and two huge statues of Ramses II are among the most important monuments found at the site. The necropolis of Sakkara , near Memphis, was a favorite burial place for pharaohs of the Old Kingdom. A line of pyramids begins near the necropolis, extending for 20 mi (32 km) to Giza . Memphis remained important during the long dominance by Thebes and became the seat of the Persian satraps (525 BC). Second only to Alexandria under the Ptolemies and under Rome, it finally declined with the founding of nearby Fustat by the Arabs, and its ruins were largely removed for building in the new city and, later, in Cairo .

Memphis Ancient city of Egypt, s of Cairo, part of which is now occupied by the village of Mit Ra-hina. Founded in c.3100 bc by Menes, Memphis was formerly the royal residence and capital of Egypt. Material from its ruins was used by the Arabs for building Cairo.

Memphis An ancient city of Egypt, whose ruins are situated on the Nile about 15 km (10 miles) south of Cairo. It is thought to have been founded as the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt in c.3100 BC by King Menes, the ruler of the Egyptian dynasty, who united the former kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt. Associated with the god Ptah, it remained one of Egypt's principal cities even after Thebes was made capital of the New Kingdom in c.1570 BC. It is the site of the pyramids of Saqqara and Giza and the great sphinx.