Unearthing Pharaoh's Legacy: A Camping Adventure to Serabit

Unearthing Pharaoh’s Legacy: A Camping Adventure to Serabit

Serabit al Khadem is a locality in the southwest Sinai Peninsula where copper

and turquoise were mined extensively in antiquity, mainly by the ancient Egyptians.

Archaeological excavation, initiated by Flinders Petrie at the

beginning of the 19th century revealed ancient mining camps and a long-lived

temple dedicated to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess who was considered the

protector in desert regions of the mine workers. Hathor was also referred as the

Turquoise Lady.

The temple, located at an altitude of 850 m above sea level is about 10 km north

of Wadi Maghara and about 43 km east of Abu Zenima, is one of the most

important temples of ancient Egypt. It was built during the XII Dynasty (1955-

1750 BC) by the miners ruled by the Pharaoh Snefru, however it seems that

mining activity can be dated back to the III Dynasty (2670-2570 BC) and

continued at least after the XVIII Dynasty (1550 to 1292 BC).

During this period Queen Hat-Shep-Sut and her stepson Tuthmosi III built the lower part of the

Temple of Serabit and ordered to engrave numerous votive steles that are still visible.

In ancient times the Temple was also known as a place of worship and healing, as

evidenced by the many votive steles found in the temple and in the cave. Serabit el

Khadem means “Columns of the Slave” and refers to the tall votive steles that

dominate the ruins of the ancient Egyptian temple.

The temple was built on a plateau and extends for about two thousand squares

meters starting from a cave cut in the rocks dedicated as well to the goddess Hathor.

A detailed description of the temple and the Serabit al Khadem area is given by

Alberto Siliotti in his book: Guide to Exploration of the Sinai

Close to the temple to the North the entrance of the old mines are visible.

Duration
1 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-8 people

Tour Code
Private Safari& Camping Adventure in Serabit

Departure Type
guaranteed

Tour Category
Adventure

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
6 - 80

Sharm El-Sheikh

Pickup Time:

13:00

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Serabit el-Khadim

Dropoff Time:

13:00

Highlights