Memphis - and Saqqara

The ancient city of Memphis was founded around 3100 BC by Menes of Tanis, who united the two kingdoms of Egypt. Its ruins can be found 19 km (12 miles) south of Cairo.
Memphis reached a peak of prestige under the 6th Dynasty as a centre of the cult of Ptah. It declined briefly after the 18th Dynasty with the rise of Thebes and was revived under the Persian satraps before falling into firm second place following the foundation of Alexandria. Under the Roman Empire, Alexandria remained the most important city.

While Memphis was the capital of Ancient Egypt, Saqqara served as its necropolis. Saqqara features a large step pyramid, which was designed by Imhotep for King Netjerikhet Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC).