Egypt, a land of ancient pyramids, mysterious mummies, and majestic pharaohs, is a country that's full of secrets and surprises. From its fascinating history to its stunning natural beauty, there's more to Egypt than meets the eye. Here are _10 things you might not know about Egypt_:
1. _Egypt is home to the world's oldest university_: The University of Al-Azhar, founded in 970 AD, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world.
2. _The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing_: This ancient wonder, built around 2580 BC, is an engineering marvel that continues to awe visitors today.
3. _Egypt has the world's largest desert oasis_: The Siwa Oasis, located in the Western Desert, is a lush haven that's home to over 20,000 people.
4. _The ancient Egyptians were skilled surgeons_: The Edwin Smith Papyrus, an ancient medical text, reveals that Egyptian surgeons were able to perform complex operations, including brain surgery.
5. _Egypt is home to the world's oldest known piece of literature_: The Pyramid Texts, inscribed on the walls of the pyramids around 2400 BC, are the oldest known examples of written literature.
6. _The Nile River flows through 11 countries, but Egypt is the only country that relies almost entirely on it for water_: The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, supporting agriculture, industry, and human life.
7. _Egypt has a stunning collection of ancient artifacts, including the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun_: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to over 120,000 artifacts, including the iconic golden mask.
8. _The ancient Egyptians were skilled astronomers_: The Dendera Zodiac, a ancient astronomical text, reveals that Egyptian astronomers were able to identify and track the movements of the stars and planets.
9. _Egypt is home to the world's oldest known Christian church_: The Church of the Virgin Mary in Cairo, built in the 3rd century AD, is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
10. _The Great Sphinx of Giza is believed to be the oldest known monumental sculpture in the world_: This enigmatic statue, built around 2500 BC, continues to fascinate visitors with its mysterious smile and imposing presence.
These surprising facts show that there's more to Egypt than its ancient pyramids and pharaohs. From its fascinating history to its stunning natural beauty, Egypt is a country that's full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
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10 Surprising Facts About Egypt By Shomek