Cairo has its roots in the ancient settlements of Memphis, now 24km southwest of the city. It was founded in 2.000 BC and ruled by King Menes who united Upper and Lower Egypt. In the 1st century, the Roman built the Babylon Fortress on the Nile, the oldest structure in the city.

Cairo itself was established as the city of Fustsat by the Fatimids in the 10th century. So began a period of huge construction of prominent landmarks, including Al-Azhar mosque. As Cairo was a key link on the east-west spice route, the market streets of Khan el-Khalili became a bustling center of trade.

Cairo is famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic city and Coptic sites in Old Cairo. The Egyptian Museum in the centre of town is a must see, with its countless Ancient Egyptian artifacts, as is shopping at the Khan al-Khalili bazaar.