Layers of History

Beni Suef, a tapestry woven with threads of time, stands as a testament to the uninterrupted human occupation throughout the epochs of Egyptian history. This region, steeped in antiquity, is home to the Meidum Pyramid – the second-oldest known pyramid. Initially constructed under the reign of King Hony, the last king of the Third Dynasty, it was completed by his successor, King Senefru, the inaugural monarch of the Fourth Dynasty and father of the illustrious King Khufu.

The province is also a treasure trove of other archaeological marvels, including the Grand Pyramid. It is enriched further by a collection of Coptic monuments, notably the monasteries and churches, among which the Monastery of Anba Bola, the Monastery of St. Anthony in the center of Nasser, and the Church of the Virgin Mary in Bayad al-Arab, east of the Nile, stand out for their historical and spiritual significance.

Islamic heritage in Beni Suef is equally profound, with notable monuments scattered across the province. These include the tomb of Prince Ahmed Shedid in the village of Sodas Al-Amara, the Marwan Ibn Mohammed cemetery in Abu Sir Al-Malaq, and the Mosque of Al-Sayeda Houria, situated 18 km from the city of Beni Suef. Another fascinating site is the Sanurho Cave, a colossal cavern in the heart of the mountain, characterized by its pure alabaster stabilizers. Within the eastern corner of this cave lies an ancient watercourse, believed to have served as a drainage system for accumulated water.

Throughout its storied past, the land of Beni Suef has been a witness to significant events and transformations. The Royal cemetery in the Meidum area of Wasti represents a crucial step in the evolution of the complete pyramid form. The unfinished pyramid of King Hony, one of the last rulers of the Third Dynasty, played a pivotal role in the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.

Beni Suef boasts an array of significant archaeological sites that span from prehistoric times through the entire arc of ancient Egyptian history, extending into the Hellenistic period. This province is not just a geographic location; it is a chronicle of human civilization, echoing the tales of myriad cultures and eras that have left their indelible marks upon its landscape.