Memphis

Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt until c.2200 B.C. Probably founded (c.3100 B.C.) by Menes, the first king of a united Upper and Lower Egypt, the city stood on the West bank of the Nile, about 15 mi (24 km) south of modern Cairo. Excavations have revealed the temple of Ptah, god of the city, and the 2 massive statues of Ramses II; cemeteries and pyramids also remain.